Shanghai has launched nine thoughtfully crafted winter countryside routes, inviting residents and visitors to trade the city's bustle for golden fields, lantern-lit ancient streets, and New Year folk traditions. From ocean parks and smart farms to ancient water towns, flower valleys, and fishing villages, each route blends nature, culture, and modern rural life into a two-day winter escape.

Part one introduces the first four routes covering Pudong New Area, Minhang, Baoshan, and Jiading districts.

Route 1: Ocean ecology and water-town charm in Pudong New Area

Itinerary: Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park → Shuilinli Camp → countryside homestay (overnight) → Xinchang Ancient Town → Tramy Group Smart Vegetable Base

This route integrates marine ecology, traditional water-town culture, and modern agriculture. Visitors can meet polar and marine animals and enjoy science education at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, then head to Shuilinli Camp for greenhouse agriculture, fruit picking, and stargazing around the campfire.

An overnight stay in a countryside homestay sets the tone for a slower pace, followed by a stroll through Xinchang Ancient Town's stone alleys and riverfront streets.

The journey ends at the Tramy Group Smart Vegetable Base in Yaolu village, where visitors can explore a 5G-enabled farm, learn about green standards, and pick fresh leafy greens directly from the greenhouse.

Route 2: Forest fun and New Year flavor in Minhang district

Itinerary: Alice's Woodland → open recreational woodland → Suzhou Creek Green Way → Yanjiawan Leisure Plaza → Evergreen City Farm

This route weaves together forest exploration, riverside ecology, local festivals, and farm experiences.

In Alice's Woodland, children can get up close to nearly 300 plant species and a variety of birds and insects while trying nature crafts and light farming activities. Cycling and walking through the surrounding woodland and the Suzhou Creek Green Way highlights Minhang's winter landscape. At Yanjiawan leisure plaza, a village fair with New Year goods, cultural performances, and folk activities recreates a vibrant rural Spring Festival.

The trip concludes at Evergreen City Farm, a green production base that supplies senior-living communities and the surrounding neighborhood, where families can enjoy vegetables picking, feeding small animals, and learning about healthy farm-to-table living.

Route 3: New Year gatherings and winter flowers in Baoshan

Itinerary: Yishuijian Flower Eco Garden → Youmanhui Phalaenopsis Base → Donglin Meiwu → B the Place → Huayin Courtyard → Nice to Meet You teahouse

Focusing on the theme of "rural New Year gatherings", this route highlights Baoshan's winter flower landscapes and creative countryside spaces in Yuepu town.

Visitors can admire winter blossoms such as wintersweet and narcissus at the Yishuijian Flower Eco Garden, and make their own New Year bouquets under expert guidance. At the Youmanhui Phalaenopsis Base, a smart greenhouse showcases more than 120 varieties of moth orchids and intelligent water-and-fertilizer systems.

In Donglin Meiwu, a historic plum-viewing site, visitors can enjoy poetic winter scenery and make New Year wishes among ancient trees. Converted rural spaces such as B the Place and Huayin Courtyard offer bonfires, movie nights, and specialty snacks, while Nice to Meet You blends tea culture with local intangible heritage, creating a cozy setting for making traditional tea snacks and experiencing an authentic countryside New Year atmosphere.

Route 4: Gardens, temples, and old streets in Jiading district

Day 1: Guyi Garden → Nanxiang Old Street → Yuanxiang Lake → Xiyunlou commercial zone

Day 2: Jiading Confucius Temple → Huilongtan Park → Zhouqiao Scenic Area → Jiading Museum → Qiuxia Garden

With more than 800 years of history, Jiading offers one of Shanghai's richest collections of classical gardens and heritage buildings. This two-day route connects two of Shanghai's five famous classical gardens — Guyi Garden and Qiuxia Garden — and includes the birthplace of the Nanxiang xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Old Street, the lakeside scenery around Yuanxiang Lake, and the riverside blocks of Jiading New City's Xiyunlou complex.

On the second day, visitors can explore the Jiading Confucius Temple, saunter through Huilongtan Park and Zhouqiao Old Street, and visit the Jiading Museum. Lantern fairs, folk markets, and New Year activities on Nanxiang and Zhouqiao old streets during the holiday season immerse visitors in a festive and historic atmosphere.

Sources: WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", attractions mentioned above