Smart Self-Managed Tours

Nature site · Shanghai

Shanghai Botanical Garden

上海植物园

Photograph

A photograph of Shanghai Botanical Garden
Photograph · Casliber · CC BY-SA 3.0
Today
Open today, 07:00 – 18:00
Visit duration
1 hour
Accessibility
Partly step-free
Price
Free entry
Standing
Must see
Rank
Rank 44 of 10,803

About Shanghai Botanical Garden

Shanghai Botanical Garden, known locally as 上海植物园, is a botanical garden in Shanghai, China. It serves as a space for plant conservation, scientific research, and public recreation. The garden occupies a significant area within the urban environment of Shanghai, providing residents and visitors with access to diverse plant collections. As a distinct visitor place retained in the breadth-first top 100 for Shanghai, it represents one of the notable green spaces in this major Chinese metropolis, though no exact city POI pool match exists for precise ranking verification.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The garden contains various plant collections and themed areas typical of botanical institutions. Visitors can expect to find cultivated landscapes, possibly including specialized gardens for different plant families or geographic origins. Greenhouse structures may house tropical and subtropical species unsuited to Shanghai's climate.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

A thorough visit to Shanghai Botanical Garden typically requires several hours, depending on individual interests and walking pace. Casual visitors might spend two to three hours exploring the main pathways and central attractions. Those with specialized interest in botany, photography, or horticulture may wish to allocate half a day or more. The garden's size suggests that comprehensive exploration demands significant time commitment. Visitors should consider their physical stamina, weather conditions, and personal priorities when planning duration.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Daily. Gate 1 (1111 Longwu Road): November–April 07:00–17:00; May–October 07:00–18:00. Gates 3 (940 Baise Road) and 4 (151 Luocheng Road): November–April 06:00–17:00; May–October 06:00–18:00. No scheduled weekly closure day. Separately ticketed specialist gardens have their own opening and ticketing arrangements. Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different botanical displays. Spring brings flowering trees and shrubs, while autumn offers foliage color changes. Summer can be hot and humid, potentially affecting comfort during extended outdoor walks. Winter visits may reveal evergreen structures and dormant deciduous specimens. Local weather forecasts should inform packing and planning.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

General admission is free. The conservatories, Bonsai Garden and Orchid House require separate tickets. Admission policies for Shanghai Botanical Garden are not documented in the provided sources. Visitors should anticipate that Chinese public gardens typically charge modest entrance fees, with possible variations for peak seasons, special exhibitions, or greenhouse access. Discounts for students, seniors, or groups may apply according to standard Chinese practices, though specific categories and rates are unverified. Some botanical gardens implement free admission days or regional resident policies.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

Take Shanghai Metro Line 3 to Shilong Road Station for Gate 4 at 151 Luocheng Road. Gate 3 is at 940 Baise Road; the Baise Road–Longchuan North Road stop is served by buses 720, 824 and 973. This is the named approach for an independent visit. Shanghai Botanical Garden is accessible via Shanghai's extensive public transportation network. The metro system serves most city areas, with connections requiring verification against current line maps. Buses provide additional coverage, though route numbers and frequencies change periodically. Taxi and ride-hailing services operate throughout Shanghai. The garden's specific address within the city determines optimal transit choices. Visitors should consult current maps and transit apps, as infrastructure developments continuously modify Shanghai's transportation landscape. Signage in Chinese characters predominates; preparation with destination names in 中文 assists navigation. Walking distances from transit stops to entrances vary and should be confirmed.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

Accessible-design toilets are available at Plant Building Square and on the north side of Metasequoia Avenue. The accessible toilet facilities include one-button assistance controls. The access description applies to the documented visitor route. Visitors should exercise standard precautions appropriate to Shanghai's urban park environments. Weather preparedness matters: summer heat and humidity necessitate hydration and sun protection, while winter requires warm clothing. Path conditions may vary seasonally. Language barriers may affect communication, as English proficiency varies among staff. Crowding occurs during weekends, holidays, and peak flowering seasons. Personal belongings require standard vigilance in any public space. Plant collections are protected; touching specimens, picking flowers, or entering restricted areas violates garden protocols. Food and beverage policies, smoking restrictions, and pet regulations should be confirmed on-site. Emergency procedures and facility locations are not documented in sources.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Shanghai Botanical Garden offers photographic opportunities across its landscapes and plant collections. Natural lighting conditions vary by season and time of day, with early morning and late afternoon generally providing favorable illumination. Close-up photography of flowers and foliage benefits from macro equipment. Visitor traffic patterns affect composition possibilities, particularly on pathways and at popular viewpoints. Indoor greenhouse photography may present humidity and lighting challenges. Respect for other visitors and plant protection protocols should guide all photographic activity within the garden.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

Is general admission free?

Yes. Entry to the main garden is free, while separately ticketed specialist gardens retain their own charges.

Which entrances open earliest?

Gates 3 and 4 open at 06:00 throughout the year; Gate 1 opens at 07:00.

What are the standard adult prices for the specialist gardens?

The South Conservatory group is CNY 30, the North Conservatory group CNY 15, the Bonsai Garden CNY 7 and the Orchid House CNY 7.

How large is Shanghai Botanical Garden?

The garden covers 81.86 hectares.

How extensive is the plant collection?

The responsible public body reports more than 3,500 plant species and 6,000 varieties.

Is an audio guide available?

A mobile audio guide covers the main garden, Huangmu Shrine, Medicinal Herb Garden, Conservatory I, Bonsai Garden and Orchid House; QR-code access points are posted at entrances and the visitor-service centre.

Where it is

Nearby

Within 54 min on foot
  • Longhua Martyrs Cementary 1 hour
    39 min walk

    Longhua Martyrs Cementary

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  • Longhua Temple 30 min
    39 min walk

    Longhua Temple

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Place of worship
  • Shanghai Film Museum 1 hr 30 min
    54 min walk

    Shanghai Film Museum

    • Must see
    • Museum

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·