Summer Leisure Plan: 8 Original Attractions in Fengxian District, Shanghai
Combining natural cooling, family interaction, and unique experiences, covering the latest events and practical tips:
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🌿 1. Nature & Ecology
1. Shanghai Bay National Forest Park
• Highlights: 80% forest coverage, blooming lotus and water lilies in July-August, boat rides on Ying Lake feeding black swans, free nighttime camping and stargazing on the large lawn.
• Cooling activities: Kayaking through the bald cypress forest (shaded), go-karting (evening sessions avoid sun exposure), forest barbecue area (equipment rental available).
• Exclusive benefit: 2025 high school and middle school exam candidates enter free with admission ticket (until August 31).
• Tips:
◦ Transportation: Drive to 1677 Suitanghe Road, parking fee 5 RMB/hour.
◦ Best time: Enter early morning or after 4 PM to avoid midday heat.
2. Lianchuang Zhigu (Nansheng Village, Zhelin Town)
• Highlights: 600-acre fragrant lotus base, boat rides to pick lotus flowers in July, traditional lotus soap DIY, 6000㎡ cultural and creative factory showcasing lotus-themed artworks.
• Family activities: Boat rides at the dock (20 RMB/person), lawn camping DIY (essential oil soap class 50 RMB/group).
• Tips:
◦ Best lotus viewing: Mid to late July, recommended to combine with Senfengyuan Museum for a day trip.
◦ Address: Navigate to "689 Nansheng Qiansheng Road," free parking for self-driving.
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🐝 2. Science Popularization & Study
3. Senfengyuan Bee Science Museum
• Highlights: Shanghai’s only bee-themed museum, immersive display of honeycomb structure, hands-on honey shaking, honeycomb ice cream tasting, highly interactive.
• Fun activities: Observe live bee ecology box, children’s honey shaking experience (30 RMB/session), beeswax DIY.
• Tips:
◦ Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays), group guided tours recommended by appointment.
◦ Address: 999 Fagong Road, Zhelin Town, combo ticket recommended with Urban Vegetable Garden to save 15%.
4. Shanghai Urban Vegetable Garden
• Highlights: The largest vegetable-themed park in China, pick giant pumpkins in summer, learn hydroponics, family picking package includes 3 jin of vegetables to take home.
• Novel experiences: BMW Children’s Cycling Academy (ages 5-12), greenhouse exploration of "Tropical Rainforest Thunderstorm Season" (simulated lightning effects).
• Tips:
◦ Tickets: Adults 45 RMB, seniors over 60/students 25 RMB, children under 1.3m free.
◦ Cooling suggestion: Visit the smart greenhouse first (air-conditioned).
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💦 3. Water & Cooling
5. Bay HiKING Luxury Camping
• Highlights: 388 Linhaiwan Road, offers luxury tents + paddleboard water activities, nighttime bonfire barbecue + starry sky cinema.
• Family package: Luxury tent with breakfast for 4 (weekends 988 RMB), black-awning boat night tour (open after 6 PM).
• Tips:
◦ Essentials: Mosquito repellent, portable fan; campsite provides refrigeration.
◦ Transportation: About 1 hour drive from downtown, bike rentals available to circle the coastline.
6. Fengxian Hilton Outdoor Water Park
• Highlights: Former Sheng Hilton Hotel outdoor pool transformed into water park, Saturday night fireworks + crayfish buffet dinner (July only).
• Family activities: Water gun battles, water tug-of-war (free), heated pool parent-child swimming lessons.
• Tips:
◦ Non-guests can buy day tickets (198 RMB/person including meal), children under 1.2m half price.
◦ Address: 818 Rongqin Road, recommended to enter after 3 PM to avoid strong sun.
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⛩️ 4. Culture & Leisure
7. Guhuayuan Jiangnan Garden
• Highlights: "Pearl of Jiangnan" designed by Chen Congzhou, July lotus exhibition at Xingyuan Lotus Pond with "lotus leaves reaching the sky," perfect for Hanfu photos at twin pavilion bridge, 150 million-year-old petrified wood centerpiece.
• Family fun: Children’s playground boating (30 RMB/boat), feeding koi, rainbow fountain (evening).
• Tips:
◦ Opening hours: Summer 5:00-20:00, free admission.
◦ Transportation: Metro Line 5 Huan Cheng East Road Station + 1.8 km cycling, nearby parking 5 RMB/hour.
8. Ascend Source VR Space Experience
• Highlights: Open during the rapeseed flower festival, 360° holographic space capsule simulating rocket launch, AI guide explaining space history, suitable for teenagers.
• Immersive experience: God’s eye view overlooking Earth’s terrain, rapeseed flower sea and starry galaxy special effects.
• Tips:
◦ Ticket price: Summer special 48 RMB/person (original 120 RMB), open daily 10:00-17:30.
◦ Address: 2nd floor, Building 3, Huami Zhuangxing Scenic Area, Zhuangxing Town, parking at Scenic Area Lot 1.
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🚗 Suggested Itinerary Combinations
Theme 1-day tour Recommended 2-day 1-night tour
Nature & Science Bay Forest Park + Senfengyuan Day 1: Lianchuang Zhigu + Bee Museum; Day 2: Urban Vegetable Garden
Water & Leisure Hilton Water Park + Guhuayuan Day 1: HiKING Camp; Day 2: Ascend Source VR
Deep Slow Tour Guhuayuan + Guhuating Street District (Jiangnan aesthetic commerce) Day 1: Bay cycling; Day 2: Nansheng Village farming fun
💡 2025 Summer New Rules & Tips:
• Transportation: Metro Line 5 covers main Fengxian attractions; for remote spots, self-driving or chartered car recommended (about 300 RMB/day).
• Heat prevention essentials: Folding stool (for park rest), handheld fan, cooling towel; prioritize indoor venues at noon.
• Ticket discounts: Free admission for seniors 65+ at Guhuayuan/Forest Park, student ID discounts at museums.
Bring this guide and unlock a cool and fun summer amid the lotus breeze and forest stars of Fengxian! 🌸🚣♂️