Spring has arrived, and Shanghai is at its most enchanting. There is no need to venture far. A simple stroll through the city reveals flowers in full bloom at every turn. These five walking routes showcase some of the most captivating spring scenery in the city. Pick a weekend and take your time soaking in the sights.

01 Sheshan and Chenshan: Hills, views, and blooms

Start at the East Sheshan Mountain hiking trail, which offers free entry. Follow more than 300 stone steps winding through the trees to the summit, where sweeping views of the Sheshan hills unfold.

Continue to West Sheshan Mountain. Within the Sheshan Observatory courtyard, centuries-old magnolia trees are in bloom, their blossoms lending a quiet sense of timeless elegance.

The journey then leads to Chenshan Botanical Garden, where expansive flower fields stretch in gentle waves. Right now, meiren plum blossoms are at their peak, and the first baby blue eyes are just beginning to open. By late March, the tall Somei Yoshino cherry trees will be covered in delicate blossoms.

This route offers three experiences in one: a climb with rewarding views, historic trees and flowers, and vast floral displays. In March and April, it's also bamboo shoot season. You can stop at a local restaurant along the way and try freshly harvested Sheshan spring bamboo shoots.

🚶 Route: East Sheshan Mountain hiking trail → West Sheshan Mountain magnolias → Chenshan Botanical Garden

🌸 Peak bloom: Late March to mid-April

🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 9 at Sheshan Station

02 Jing'an Sculpture Park: Art meets spring flowers

Walk into Jing'an Sculpture Park, where the cloud-like drifts of kanzakura cherry blossoms are nearing their end, giving way to tulips now in full bloom. Strips of red, orange, pink, and purple stretch across the park. When April arrives, crabapple and peach blossoms take over, painting the grounds in soft shades of pink and crimson.

This free park in the city center is also home to a number of notable sculptures. The interplay of seasonal blooms and artwork lends a creative dimension to your stroll.

From there, head toward Changping Road Bridge along Suzhou Creek. The bridge's pure white arch curves gracefully over the water. By day, sunlight shimmers on the river, and by night, the bridge lights up, casting a glow that adds to the romantic atmosphere.

🚶 Route: Jing'an Sculpture Park → Changping Road Bridge → Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial → Return to start

🌸 Peak bloom: Mid-to-late March, featuring tulips, cherry blossoms, and in early April, crabapple and peach blossoms

🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 12 or 13 at West Nanjing Road Station

03 New Jiangwan City Park: Wetland trails and cherry blossoms

New Jiangwan City Park is a rare wetland right in the heart of Shanghai. As you walk along the flower path, over 200 Kawazu cherry trees are shedding their last petals onto the water below. Soon, the late-blooming cherry trees will take over, stretching the season into mid-April.

Along the trail, orchids spread out like a purple carpet. Weeping crabapple and plum blossoms sway gently in the breeze, their soft pink hues blending with reflections in the water.

The path connects to a two-kilometer water-loop trail that passes through a bird-watching area, ecological lawns, and waterside platforms. Along the way, you may catch sight of egrets in low flight or moorhens gliding across the water. As spring unfolds quietly here, each passing breeze carries a gentle hint of romance.

🚶Route: Zhayin Road entrance → Bird-watching area → Zhengyue Road stream → Zhengcheng Road cherry blossom path → Andersen Paradise perimeter → Return to start

🌸Peak bloom: Mid-to-late March, featuring Somei Yoshino cherry and later-blooming varieties, alongside weeping crabapple and orchids

🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 10 at Xinjiangwancheng Station

04 Hongkou: Spring blossoms, old streets, and river views

In late March, Lu Xun Park welcomes the bloom of Somei Yoshino cherry trees, where more than 700 pink-and-white blossoms form a dreamy canopy. Petals drift down lightly with the wind, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.

Turn onto Tian'ai Road, where heart-shaped street signs and message-covered walls add to the romantic atmosphere. Old Shanghai alleyways sit alongside cozy indie shops, giving the street a nostalgic feel. As you head down North Sichuan Road, the historic buildings tell stories of old Shanghai.

The final stop is the North Bund waterfront. Cherry blossoms bloom beside the Gothic architecture of the former Lester School and Henry Lester Institute of Technical Education. Across the river, the Lujiazui skyline rises against the horizon. A breeze from the Huangpu River carries the freshness of spring through the air.

Along the North Bund riverside path, violets are in full bloom, enriching the tranquil scene where flowers, architecture, and river views harmoniously converge. Numerous popular photo spots along the way add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

🚶Route: Lu Xun Park → Tian'ai Road → North Sichuan Road → North Bund riverside path

🌸Peak bloom: Mid-to-late March

🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 8 at Hongkou Football Stadium Station

05 Changning Outer Ring Greenway: A tunnel of wisteria

Step into the Changning Outer Ring Greenway from the North Guangshun Road entrance, and you'll find yourself on one of the most pleasant spring walks in the city, all with free access throughout.

By mid-April, the wisteria comes into full bloom, its cascading purple clusters hang down like waterfalls as sunlight filters through to create a softly dappled, almost magical scene. Along the way, redbuds and azaleas add their own bursts of color, complementing the native greenery.

The greenway is car-free, making it ideal for both walking and biking. Paved paths wind through wetlands, where reeds sway gently, and boardwalks stretch over the water.

From flower tunnels to wetland views, this route captures spring in full motion. You might even spot birds flying past, adding a touch of liveliness to the experience.

🚶Route: North Guangshun Road entrance → Wisteria tunnel → Wetland area → West Xianxia Road exit

🌸Peak bloom: Mid-April, featuring wisteria, redbuds, azaleas

🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 2 at Beixinjing Station, then transfer by bus

 

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