Spring Flower Viewing Guide: A Perfect Trip to Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park

With the spring light peeking through, Shanghai's weather provides the perfect stage for a weekend of spring outings and flower viewing. Gongqing Forest Park and its Monet Garden are all dressed up and ready to welcome visitors in search of spring colors. Although the cherry blossom season is gradually fading, other flowers in the park such as poppies, pear trees, hydrangeas, February orchids, and crabapples are in full bloom, vying to show off their beauty. Here is a recommended flower viewing route based on actual experience, especially suitable for friends who are visiting this green gem for the first time. Main Content: Suggested visiting time: A whole day is the ideal choice; if time is limited, at least half a day should be reserved. Entrance recommendation: Enter from the west gate and proceed in order; if entering from the south or east gate, tour in reverse order. Park Highlight Route: 1. Start from the 'Water Forest Wetland' and pass by the 'Lotus Water Pavilion'. 2. Don't miss the hydrangea boardwalk next to the 'Fish Viewing Pond'. 3. Admire the Monet Garden at 'Camphor Tree Plaza', as if leaping out of a painting. 4. Explore the 'Floral Art Exhibition Area' and enjoy the carefully arranged scenery. 5. Stroll to 'Camphor Tree Plaza', admiring the spectacular pear trees along the way. 6. 'Cherry Blossom Avenue' still has fifty percent of its cherry blossoms, with petals strewn about creating a romantic path. 7. Near 'Forest Light Riding' is a forest of February orchids. 8. Around 'Pine Wave Waterfall', cherry blossoms and maple leaves compete in beauty. 9. Venture into 'Pine Wave Valley' in search of the February orchid slope. 10. Pause at 'Wind and Rain Bridge' to feel the iconic white gallery bridge of this park. 11. On the south bank of 'Huaming Bridge', the riverside flowers are worth capturing in photos. 12. Finally, in the 'East Gate Flower Sea', poppies await your discovery. 13. Pass by the lush 'Hydrangea Garden'. 14. Don't forget to check in at the popular small western-style house opposite 'Liaofeng Pavilion'. Exit direction: You can leave through the east, south, or west gate. Practical Information: - Address: Gongqing Forest Park, accessible from the west or south gate. - Admission: Free of charge. - Opening hours: 5:00 - 18:00. - Transportation: Take Subway Line 8 to Shiguang Road Station, Exit 2, and walk west for about 10 minutes to reach the west gate. - Driving tips: Traffic congestion may occur on weekends, please check the surrounding road conditions in advance. There is a parking lot at the south gate; if full, consider parking on the sides of Nenjiang Road or further away on Gangshui Road. - Taxi tips: On weekends, it is recommended to set your destination to the intersection of Shiguang Road and Baicheng Road, walk over the overpass, and you will see the west gate entrance. - Ferry information: Visitors coming from Pudong Gaoqiao can take the Dongnen ferry line, and upon disembarking, they will reach the park entrance.