Where to go hiking in Shanghai

There are many great places for hiking in Shanghai, especially recommended for those looking to have a good time. It’s a perfect opportunity to have a picnic on a beautiful sunny day! Check out Sheshan, Xiaokunshan, Tianmashan, and more below!

1、Sheshan

When it comes to mountains in Shanghai, Sheshan is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Shanghai Sheshan National Forest Park covers 401 hectares, and it is the only natural mountainous scenic spot in Shanghai. Since 1993, Shanghai Sheshan National Forest Park has gone through thirty years of development, and its nine peaks and twelve mountains feature beautiful natural scenery and quiet surroundings. It has an exceptional display of the beauty of Shanghai’s style and ecology.

Sheshan in March sees flowers blooming in abundance. White, pink, purple, red… the wind invites, and spring doesn’t miss. It’s the perfect time for a trip!

You can go hiking on the trails leading up the mountain, breathe in some fresh mountain air, wash off the “office smell,” and feel your soul become clear.

Address: No. 9258, Waiqingsong Highway, Songjiang District

Public transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station and transfer to Songjiang Bus No. 94 to the Waiqingsong Highway Huanshan Road stop.

2、Xiaokunshan

Xiaokunshan is located at the southernmost end of the “Nine Peaks.” In the Jin Dynasty, brothers Lu Ji and Lu Yun became famous here for their literature, giving Xiaokunshan the reputation of “Jade from Kunshan.” The mountain now features cultural attractions such as the Jiufeng Temple, the Erlu Reading Platform, and rock carvings.

The park is shady with green trees and a pleasant environment. It’s a great place to go for a hike in the spring. You can also admire the legacy of the two Lu brothers and see the handwriting of Su Shi.

Address: No. 4, Shanxi Road, Xiaokunshan Town, Songjiang District

Public transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station and transfer to Songjiang Bus No. 67 to the Qinghe Street stop on Kunhang Highway.

3、Tianmashan

Tianmashan is located about 7 kilometers southwest of Sheshan. It has lush vegetation and a quiet environment. As one of the nine peaks of Yun, it has two peaks, north and south, shaped like a celestial horse, hence its name. The mountain is covered in dense pines and bamboos, and the scenery is picturesque.

There is the San Gaoshi Memorial Garden, Jianjian Pavilion, Tingdi Pavilion, Wosong Pavilion, and the Huzhu Pagoda, also known as the Huzubao Guang Pagoda. Built in the second year of Yuanfeng in the Northern Song Dynasty (1079), it is a brick-and-stone structure, seven stories and eight sides, 18.82 meters high. The Huzhu Pagoda is built on the top of Tianmashan, and its tilt surpasses the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, making it known as the “World’s First Leaning Tower.” It is a protected cultural relic in Shanghai.

Every spring, there are bamboo shoot digging activities on Tianmashan. After a series of spring showers, the spring bamboo shoots, nourished by the rain and the earth, emerge one by one. This is a fun experience unique to spring. Don’t miss out! Take advantage of the springtime and come here to discover the wonders and beauty of nature.

Address: No. 460, Liujia Mountain Village, Songjiang District

Public transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Dongjing Station and transfer to Songzhu Line to the Shenzhuan Highway Jiangqiu Road stop (hail stop) and bike for 10 minutes to reach your destination.

4、Chenshan

Chenshan is a peak in Chenshan Botanical Garden. Climbing to the top of Chenshan, you can see the beauty of the mine pit up close and the entire landscape of Songjiang from afar. Looking around, you can also appreciate the charm of the nine peaks of Songjiang. A special bell is set up on the top of Chenshan. When you strike it, the sound is clear and far-reaching. Visitors who want to climb high and look far and ring the bell for blessings should not miss it!

This season, climbing to the top of the mountain, you can see the spring flowers of the Botanical Garden. Especially recently, the top-ranked sakura, you can feel the romance of sakura while participating in a variety of sakura festival activities. The spring sun is shining, come and go hiking in the mountains!

Address: No. 3888, Chenhua Highway, Songjiang District

Public transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station and transfer to Songjiang Bus No. 95 to the Chentala Road Shetian Kun Road stop.

5、Twin Peaks

In addition to the above mountains, you can also look forward to the Twin Peaks, which will be open this year. Located in the World Expo Cultural Park, it is also the country’s first man-made artificial mountain forest with a hollow structure and a certain height. The main peak is 48 meters high, and the secondary peak is 37 meters high.

The Twin Peaks are set off by the Central Lake and the Eleven-Arched Bridge at the foot of the mountain. The stone steps meander, winding up the mountain, with changing views at every turn. The entire Twin Peaks have been adjusted many times in terms of green plant design and mountain road planning to provide visitors with a better experience of hiking and enjoying the scenery.

The entire Twin Peaks not only reserve a lot of viewing platforms, allowing visitors to see the scenery of both sides of the Huangpu River from different angles, but also have some ingenious designs. From the viewing platform, you can clearly see the Lujiazui trio, Lupu Bridge, and the three pavilions preserved from the World Expo. There are also the ancient Eleven-Arched Bridge and the greenhouse gardens, Shanghai Equestrian Center, Shanghai Grand Opera House, etc.

More ingenious designs are waiting for you to explore after the park opens.

Address: Inside the World Expo Cultural Park, Pudong New Area

Public transportation: Take Metro Line 13 to Shiboda Road Station – Exit 4.