Early spring in Shanghai has a quiet charm. If you're looking for an easy day hike with fresh air and gentle views, these five scenic trails are a great place to start.

01 New Jiangwan City Park

Distance: About 3.5 kilometers

Route: Small gate on Zhayin Road (start) → Bird-watching base → Zhengyue Road → Follow the stream southwest → East Yingao Road → Return to start

Tucked away in the city, New Jiangwan City Park covers 73,500 square meters and offers a natural escape from the city. In early spring, the wetlands have a quiet, understated beauty. The reeds along the water have turned golden, swaying softly in the wind, while bare trees sketch simple lines against the sky. It's the kind of setting perfect for calm, minimalist photos.

This area bursts with life in spring. Willow warblers flit through the trees, filling the air with their cheerful songs, while moorhens scurry about, tending to their fluffy young. Vinous-throated parrotbills hop energetically among the reeds, adding bursts of color and movement. Keep your eyes on the river too as migratory flocks glide gracefully across the water, a gentle reminder that nature is fully awake and celebrating the new season.

02 Twin Hills

Distance: About 4 km

Route: Shanghai Greenhouse (start) → Music Forest → Shenyuan Garden → Expo Garden → Yueqiao Cave → Twin Hills → Return to start

The Twin Hills, inside Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, are the city's first man-made hills that reach over 40 meters in height. At this time of year, they offer a peaceful blend of winter quiet and early spring green. With over 7,000 trees covering the slopes, you'll start noticing tiny buds on branches — the first signs of life returning.

From the viewing platform at the top, you get an impressive view of Central Lake, the Eleven-Arch Bridge, and Lupu Bridge. The path consists mostly of gentle slopes and flat sections, making for an easy 4 km loop that takes about 1.5 hours.

The park's green spaces attract birds such as waxwings around the Twin Hills, while the lake area is busy with coots and egrets. If you enjoy flower art and sculpture, there's also an interesting exhibition going on at the park. It's worth checking out while you're there.

03 Xiaokunshan Park Forest Loop

Distance: About 3 km

Route: South Gate (start) → Lu Brothers' Cottage → Jiufeng Temple → Lu Brothers' Study Place → Hilltop viewing platform → Return to start

Located in Songjiang district, this easy loop takes you through a quiet forest with gentle slopes, making it ideal for a relaxed walk. Starting from the park entrance, you'll pass by the Lu Brothers' Cottage, commemorating two notable siblings from the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). Continue along the stone-paved path up through the woods, past ancient ginkgo trees, and by Jiufeng Temple. At the top, you're rewarded with a pleasant view over the flatlands of Songjiang.

In early spring, the evergreens stand out against the last colorful leaves, and the old ginkgo branches cast interesting shadows in the sunlight.

Afterwards, you could stop by Guanjing Pavilion at No 1000 Yongxia Road. Shaped like a grain of rice, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visit the nearby Buddy Run resort, where 10,000 sq m of open lawn lets pets roam freely.

04 Sheshan National Forest Park

Distance: About 4 km round trip

Route: East Gate → Bamboo Road → Meigong Fishing Stone → Forest Sightseeing Platform → West Gate

East Sheshan Mountain rises quietly, its slopes cloaked in dense bamboo that stays green even through the coldest months. A free-to-enter trail winds gently upward, perfect for an easy hike to shake off post-holiday lethargy. As you walk, the bamboo sways and rustles in the breeze, releasing a faint, crisp scent that fills the air. The landscape feels refreshingly simple yet alive, creating a serene escape where the mind can wander and the senses awaken.

The walk follows mostly gentle slopes, surrounded by trees on all sides. It feels like walking through a natural forest. Along the way, pause at Meigong Fishing Stone for a sweeping view over the hills. Bare branches mingle with green bamboo, offering a perfect snapshot of this transitional season. Take a rest, listen to the birds, and just breathe.

05 Zhuanghang Country Park

Distance: About 3 km

Route: Luscious Pear Farm & Lotus Pond (start) → Yuli Farm → Yuli Linpan (riverside forest) → Return to start

If you're in the mood for open fields and countryside peace, this 3-km loop is just right. At this time of year, Zhuanghang has that quiet rural feel, with hints of spring starting to show. The trail winds through stretches of forest where trees are just beginning to show faint green. At Yuli Farm, open grassland and casual camping space await. It may not be lush green in the cold season, but it feels wide and open, with the earthy smell of fields in the air.

Along the path, traditional farmhouses with white walls and black tiles come into view, along with a teahouse built in the style of a Fujian earthen building. Locals can sometimes be seen working in the fields, adding a gentle touch to everyday life. The trail eventually leads to the riverside forest, where the Pujiang River stretches wide and calm, accompanied by a gentle breeze. Standing by the water, it's easy to forget your stress.

A few tips for your walk 🚶

• The weather can be chilly this time of year, with major temperature swings between day and night. Dress in multiple layers to stay comfortable.
• All of these walks are easy, so comfortable walking shoes are enough. Most routes have places to rest, so bring some water and snacks if you like.
• Please don't leave trash behind. Let's keep these places nice for everyone to enjoy.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Songjiang district government, Fengxian district government, Xiaokunshan town government, Yangpu district landscaping and city appearance administrative bureau, Shanghai Expo Cultural Park