So magical! Dreamy forest, encounter the water fairy tale of Qingxi Countryside Park

Shanghai’s ultimate autumn viewing spot! Qingxi Countryside Park’s water redwood forest, free to capture stunning photos 📍【Address & Highlights】 No. 500 Zilian Road, Jinze Town, Qingpu District, just a 1-hour drive from downtown! As Shanghai’s unique wetland countryside park, half of the 22-square-kilometer area is water, with over 2,000 pond cypresses forming a stunning water forest. From late November to mid-December, the red, orange, and yellow colors gradually blend like stepping into an oil painting. Best of all, it’s free to enter; just show your ID to access the ecological conservation area. 🍁【Must-Visit Hidden Gems】 ✅ Water Forest Boardwalk: Newly built accessible trail is super friendly, smooth for wheelchairs and strollers. Capture photos in morning mist or sunset, with water reflections creating a double-layered forest—every shot is a masterpiece; ✅ East Birdwatching Tower: Three-story wooden tower with high-definition binoculars. Before 7 AM, you might spot egrets and white ibises—perfect for shooting “birds resting on redwoods”; ✅ Reed Viewing Platform: The swaying reeds are incredibly soothing, and you can collect red leaf stamps to exchange for limited edition postcards. 🚗【Transportation Tips】 ▫ Self-drive: Navigate to Parking Lot No. 1 (with charging stations), 15 RMB per visit, arrive early to grab a close spot; ▫ Public Transit: Take Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, transfer to Qingpu Bus 28, or switch at Oriental Land Station to Jinze Bus 7, then a 10-minute walk; ▫ Lazy option: Park electric shuttle, 15 RMB per ride, stops on demand, saving you a 3KM walk hassle. 🎒【Travel Tips & Essentials】 Recommended trip length: 1 day; for a deeper experience, stay overnight! Must bring non-slip hiking shoes (boardwalk can be slippery), light-colored outfits (white/cream pairs perfectly with redwoods), and a wide-brimmed sun hat for sun protection and great photos. Also pack a foldable picnic mat (perfect for relaxing on the lawn), a high-capacity power bank, and a portable thermos—enjoy a warm drink when tired. 🏡【Accommodation Recommendations】 Recommended “Fusheng Homestay” in Lianhu Village, 3KM from the park, wooden structure with warm tones, plus plant printing activities. Families can choose “Xiangli Su,” with rooms like Shuimu and Xike featuring private courtyards and morning bird songs. For a higher budget, pick a lakeside resort hotel by Dianshan Lake, with rich breakfast options and ample parking, plus easy access to Zhujiajiao the next day. ⚠️【Other Useful Tips】 1. To capture the morning mist wonderland, arrive before 6:30 AM. Show your ID to get an “Early Bird Pass” for early entry; 2. Few dining options in the park, bring snacks and energy bars. Don’t miss the pond cypress leaf latte from the smart coffee cart; 3. Weekends are crowded, book in advance via the “Qingpu Culture & Tourism” WeChat official account to avoid the post-10 AM rush; 4. Big temperature differences in autumn and winter, wear a North Face softshell jacket plus Uniqlo fleece, layer up to handle the cold and heat comfortably. 💡Pro tip: Photographers bring a wide-angle lens. Every Saturday afternoon there’s a forest string music live show, and on Sundays a light show (reservation required), creating an amazing atmosphere! With the red leaves at their peak, grab your friends and head out now~