Shanghai is a paradise for birdwatching and photography. Here's your ultimate guide to observing and capturing stunning shots.

Part one: Recommended birdwatching and photography locations

Part two: Guidelines for responsible birdwatching

 

Recommended birdwatching and photography locations

Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park

A 4A-level national park with a forest landscape, Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park boasts over 300,000 trees, along with rivers and lakes. It provides abundant food sources and habitats for birds such as woodpeckers and gray magpies.

Location: No 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu district

Open: 5 am – 7:30 pm

 

Xinjiangwan Wetland Ecological Birdwatching Base

This area, with minimal human presence, offers a natural charm with its forests and wetlands, forming a pristine natural island. It's an excellent spot to observe dozens of rare bird species while enjoying the fresh air.

Location: 120 meters west of the intersection of Zhayin Road and Zhengyue Road, Yangpu district

Open all day

 

Chongming Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve

Situated at the southern edge of the Yellow Sea ecological zone, this reserve is crucial for conserving estuarine wetland ecosystems and habitats for rare wildlife. It is home to over 300 bird species, including 22 threatened species and numerous nationally protected animals.

Location: Changjiang Road, Chongming district

Open: 9:30 am – 4 pm

 

Century Park

Located in the bustling city center, Century Park is home to nearly 200 species of wild birds. Its diverse tree species and intersecting rivers and lakes make it a popular spot for both resident and migratory birds.

Location: No 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area

Open all day

 

Shanghai Binjiang Forest Park

This park, located at the confluence of the Huangpu and Yangtze rivers near the East China Sea, features forests and wetlands ideal for observing both forest and water birds. During certain seasons, many rare local birds can be seen resting here.

Location: No 10 Chongjing Road, Gaoqiao town, Pudong New Area

Open: 8 am – 5 pm

 

Shanghai Botanical Garden

With its lush forests and water features, Shanghai Botanical Garden is a favored habitat for various birds and a popular spot for birdwatchers and photographers. During migration seasons, you might see rare species like square-tailed drongos and red-winged green pigeons.

Location: No 1111 Longwu Road, Xuhui district

Open: 7 am – 5 pm

 

Shanghai Automobile Expo Park

Spanning approximately 768,000 square meters, this park features mountain ranges, water systems, islands, wetlands, and green spaces. Its vast water bodies and abundant aquatic plants offer suitable breeding and resting areas for numerous bird species.

Location: No 7575 Boyuan Road, Jiading district

Open: 8 am – 5 pm

 

Changfeng Park

As a recommended birdwatching spot in central Shanghai, Changfeng Park offers open water areas and dense forests, attracting many migratory water birds. Here, you can see species like sparrows, black-headed bulbuls, and brown shrikes.

Location: No 189 Daduhe Road, Putuo district

Open: 5 am – 9:30 pm

Note: Opening hours may vary based on on-site conditions.

 

Guidelines for responsible birdwatching

1. Maintain distance and avoid disturbance

Always keep a safe distance from birds and avoid loud noises, chasing, and using flash photography to avoid disrupting their natural activities.

2. Avoid "enticing" and "staged" photography

Capture birds in their natural environment. Practices like feeding or staging can disrupt their natural behaviors and pose risks to their safety.

3. Respect breeding seasons

Do not disturb nests or expose nesting sites. During breeding seasons, keep away from nesting areas to avoid interfering with bird breeding activities.

4. Protect bird habitats

Choose appropriate birdwatching locations and adhere to park and reserve regulations. Avoid entering unauthorized areas, damaging vegetation, or littering.

5. Prioritize personal safety

Ensure your safety and that of your belongings while birdwatching. Respect local customs and be a courteous and considerate visitor.

 

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, park attractions mentioned above