As the 8th China International Import Expo welcomes global visitors to Shanghai, the city presents three specially curated ways to discover its autumn beauty — from hilltop vistas to open-top bus tours and scenic river cruises. Each offers a unique perspective on Shanghai's urban landscape.

01｜Twin Hills walk: Riverside views and skyline vistas

Located in the southern section of Expo Culture Park near the Huangpu River, Twin Hills features gentle slopes and wide walking paths, ideal for a relaxing stroll. A short climb rewards visitors with panoramic views of the river, Lupu Bridge, and the Pudong and Puxi skylines.

🍂 Best time to visit:

Golden hour at dusk offers perfect light for photography as city lights begin to glow. Mornings are fresh and quiet, making perfect conditions for a peaceful walk.

📸 Autumn highlights:

Trees and shrubs across the hills turn golden and crimson, complemented by lakes and lawns, creating natural photo opportunities and a pleasant setting for leaf-peeping.

🚶 Suggested route:

South Gate → Lakeside path → Main peak viewpoint → Secondary peak → Forest trail back to lawn. This route is perfect for a two-hour break between the expo sessions. Add the nearby greenhouse gardens if time permits.

🎒 Tips:

Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are all that's required. Accessible by metro or taxi to "Expo Culture Park".

02｜Double-decker bus tour: Hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing

With the comfortable autumn weather now upon us, the open-top bus offers unobstructed views of the city's classic landmarks — including the Bund, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, and the Oriental Pearl Tower — with multilingual commentary included. This flexible and comprehensive tour is perfect for expo visitors experiencing Shanghai for the first time.

🏷️ CIIE perks:

Free rides for CIIE badge holders during the event (Nov 5-10). Furthermore, Bus 71 and the new Pudong airport-to-expo shuttle are free for expo attendees.

📍 Routes & info:

You can check all bus lines and stops using the "Suishenxing" WeChat mini program. Simply tap on "Shanghai CIIE Traffic Mobility Service Zone" on the homepage, switch the language to English at the top, and select "Cultural & Tourism Section". From there, find "Double-Decker (Sightseeing) Bus".

03｜River cruises: See Shanghai from the water

Autumn on the water blends golden sunsets and early evening lights, a serene way to experience the city's rhythm and texture.

🎫 CIIE cruise offers:

(1) Huangpu River

Express cruise (around 60 minutes):

• CIIE badge holders receive a 40 percent discount, paying 60 yuan for daytime fares and 72 yuan for nighttime fares.
• Departs from East Jinling Road Pier, offering views of the Bund, China Art Museum, and more.

Buffet cruise:

• Enjoy multiple themed buffet routes with breathtaking views of the iconic skyline.
• Special discounts are available for CIIE badge holders.

(2) Suzhou Creek

50 percent off all routes for CIIE attendees:

• 30-minute route: 30 yuan
• 60-minute route: 50 yuan
• 90-minute route: 80 yuan

Choose from shorter loops or full-length journeys between Waitanyuan and Changfeng Park.

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Morning Post at "suishenhi", CIIE, attractions mentioned above