As spring awakens with vibrant colors and fresh scents, Shanghai's Chongming district offers three scenic springtime routes — a spring flavors trail, a stargazing and camping route, and a waterside bird-watching tour — inviting visitors to immerse themselves in blooming landscapes, forage for wild greens, savor farm-fresh delicacies, spend nights under starry skies, and admire rare birds in picturesque wetlands.

 

A spring flavors trail

A stargazing and camping route

A waterside bird-watching tour

 

◎Spring flavors trail (One-day tour)

A top destination for nature lovers, Dongping National Forest Park, known as Chongming's ecological gem, bursts to life with stunning floral displays, hands-on activities, and farm-to-table delicacies.

— Floral wonderland

There are vast golden fields of rapeseed flowers swaying in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing rural landscape. Sprawling across the park, the delicate purple flowers of vibrant February orchids form a dreamy sea of violet, boasting a stunning and regal appearance.

At the park entrance and designated exhibition areas, tulips bloom in a riot of color, offering a perfect backdrop for social media snapshots.

With petals drifting like snowflakes in the air, cherry blossoms add a poetic touch to the park. Standing beneath the trees, feeling the soft petals land on your shoulders, take a moment to pause, breathe and immerse yourself in this fleeting moment of beauty.

—Up-close with adorable animals

The park's petting zoo is a paradise for children, allowing them to get up close with rabbits, deer, lambs, and other friendly animals. Visitors can also enjoy the magical sight of peacock spreading tails at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm daily, capturing the stunning moment when these majestic birds spread their iridescent tails.

—Foraging for wild greens

In the Baiying Forest area, visitors can pick wild vegetables and dig up fresh seasonal greens while experiencing the joys of farming. Under the guidance of skilled chefs, guests can even try their hand at making Chongming-style wild herb pancakes, bringing the fresh taste of spring straight to their mouth.

—Savor local delicacies

At the Forest Food Plaza and Jinhutian Market, visitors can indulge in local specialties such as Chongming rice cakes, wontons, and crispy chicken bites. The barbecue area also offers a variety of ingredients for grilling.

For those seeking a moment of tranquility, Linye Tea House, hidden deep in the forest, provides the perfect escape. Step inside, and the rich aroma of coffee and delicate scent of tea fill the air.

 

◎Stargazing and camping (Two-day tour)

From starlit camping and thrilling outdoor adventures to farm-fresh cuisine and serene countryside charm, this two-day Chongming stargazing and camping getaway promises an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and nature's finest offerings.

Day 1: A night under the stars

Route: Dongtan Wetland Park → Guanhai Tower → Haishang Starry Sky Camp →Sheraton Shanghai Chongming/Hyatt Regency Chongming Shanghai

 

Morning: Dongtan Wetland Park

Dongtan Wetland Park offers activities including tea brewing by the fireplace, farm-style fruit picking, floral markets, barbecuing, and fishing. The park also features an insect hotel and other educational attractions, making it an excellent spot for family-friendly learning and spring outings.

 

Lunch: Guanhai Tower

Guanhai Tower offers a farm-to-table dining experience, using fresh local ingredients for its delicious, eco-friendly dishes. Signature specialties include crystal white-cut chicken, smoked fish with bean paste, and rustic three-delicacy stew, each a delightful representation of Chongming's authentic flavors.

 

Afternoon: Haishang Starry Sky Camp (Yingdong village)

This camping resort near the Yangtze River Bridge offers a unique blend of adventure, dining, and accommodations. Guests can stay in space capsule-themed lodges or sailboat-style starry sky tents while enjoying thrilling activities like ATV/UTV off-road racing, horseback riding, kayaking, live-action CS battles, cycling, and archery.

A highlight of the camp is spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset, making it a prime location for photography enthusiasts. Visitors also have the opportunities to marvel at the night sky's beauty, listen to nature's sounds, and perhaps catch a meteor shower.

 

Accommodation: Sheraton Shanghai Chongming/Hyatt Regency Chongming Shanghai

In the evening, guests can check into either the Sheraton Shanghai Chongming Hotel or the Hyatt Regency Chongming Shanghai, both of which offer family-friendly amenities such as indoor and outdoor kids' playgrounds, fitness centers, heated pools, and game rooms. The Sheraton's 0.6-meter-deep children's pool is ideal for young swimmers, while the Hyatt features in-room tents, slides, and adorable children's amenities for a fun-filled stay.

 

Day 2: Rural fun and farm fresh delights

Route: Changxing Island Country Park → Farm Canteen → Farmer's Orchard

 

Morning: Changxing Island Country Park

After breakfast, guests can head to Changxing Island Country Park, home to water activities, a rose garden, a lotus garden, and an orchard. A must-try experience is kayaking through shaded streams, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing breeze under the trees.

 

Lunch: Farmhouse Canteen

For a truly rustic dining experience, visitors can stop by Farmhouse Canteen, an eatery designed with vintage rural aesthetics. Signature dishes include Chongming-style free-range chicken, shredded pumpkin, and traditional Chongming rice cakes, all cooked over a classic wood-fired stove for an authentic countryside flavor.

 

Afternoon: Farmer's Paradise

The trip concludes with a visit to Farmer's Paradise, where guests can enjoy:

√Tea brewing by the fireplace, paired with freshly picked fruits and Chongming-style snacks, offering a tranquil countryside escape.

√Seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, where visitors can handpick fresh produce straight from the farm.

√Interactions with animals, including sheep, rabbits, and other playful farm animals in the petting area.

√DIY barbecue stations, providing locally sourced, fresh ingredients for a personalized grilling experience.

 

◎Waterside birdwatching (Two-day tour)

Escape to Chongming Island for a refreshing two-day journey filled with nature, culture, and adventure. Walk through wetlands, feast on fresh seafood, and witness the breathtaking spectacle of wild geese in flight. Whether you're seeking a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Shanghai's hidden ecological paradise.

Day 1: Greenport Scenic Area (3A)

Route: The Crab Culture Museum and Chongming Farm House → Baodao Crab Manor/Xilai Farmhouse → Manyu Water Camp → Yingzhou Ceramic Experience Center → Greenport Crab Lodge/Xilai Farmhouse

 

Morning: Crab Culture Museum and Chongming Farm House

The Crab Culture Museum is a cultural and educational venue showcasing Chongming's farming traditions and the island's renowned crab industry.

Chongming Farm House boasts traditional rural guesthouse and agritourism experiences found on Chongming Island. These farmhouses offer an immersive experience into the island's rustic charm, rich agricultural heritage, and ecological beauty.

 

Lunch: Xilai Farmhouse or Baodao Crab Manor

After a cultural experience, head to Xilai Farmhouse, a rustic retreat blending agriculture, fishing, landscaping, dining, and accommodation. The traditional courtyard architecture evokes nostalgia for classic rural living. Meanwhile, Baodao Crab Manor specializes in Chongming's freshwater crabs, offering signature dishes like crab roe steamed egg, crab meat codfish, and battered fried crab.

 

Afternoon: Manyu Water Camp and Yingzhou Ceramic Experience Center

Manyu Water Camp is an adventure-themed destination featuring kayaking, canoeing, and electric boat rides. A newly launched water bird-watching experience allows visitors to row while observing rare birds, with guides providing ecological insights. Reservations are required in advance (Call: 132-6228-2141).

At the Yingzhou Ceramic Experience Center, visitors can explore traditional Chinese ceramics through exhibitions and hands-on workshops. The center houses renowned kiln studios and ceramic crafting areas. Reservations are recommended (Service hotline: 400-809-1717).

 

Dinner: Greenport Crab Lodge

After birdwatching, enjoy dinner at Greenport Crab Lodge, which offers authentic hot pot alongside grilled specialties such as roast lamb, skewers, and grilled seafood. The cozy atmosphere makes for a perfect end to a day of exploration.

 

Accommodation: Xilai Farmhouse or Greenport Crab Lodge

Xilai Farmhouse features the newly renovated Rose Courtyard, blending wooden interiors, warm lighting, and a tranquil rural ambiance.

Greenport Crab Lodge highlights Chongming's crab culture and provides sports and leisure facilities for a well-rounded stay.

 

Day 2: Xisha Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area (5A)

Route: Xisha Wetland – Mingzhu Lake Floating Restaurant/Mingzhu Lake Resort – Mingzhu Lake

Morning: Xisha Wetland

Dubbed the "Water Forest", this lush green wetland is home to towering metasequoia trees and offers a restorative escape into nature. The 2,000-meter-long waterway is lined with willow trees, cypress species, and other aquatic plants, forming a vibrant ecological landscape.

 

Lunch: Mingzhu Lake Floating Restaurant / Mingzhu Lake Resort

At Mingzhu Lake Floating Restaurant, guests can savor Chongming-style organic fish dishes, such as fish hot pot and wood-fired fish stews. Mingzhu Lake Resort follows a farm-to-table approach, with fresh fish caught from the lake.

After lunch, take a sightseeing car or rent a bike to explore the scenic surroundings of Mingzhu Lake. One highlight is the spectacular wild goose release show, where visitors can witness flocks of geese taking flight. Visitors can also participate in interactive feeding sessions and take photos with the birds. As the weather warms, water activities such as amphibious vehicles and boat rides become popular, making for an exciting conclusion to this immersive nature retreat.

 

Sources: Chongming district administration of culture and tourism, WeChat account of Dongping National Forest Park