Hidden bamboo retreats: Discovering Shanghai's cool summer escapes

english.shanghai.gov.cn| August 18, 2025

As the summer sun beats down, with shimmering waves and sticky humidity, it’s natural to seek a refreshing escape. In Shanghai, several hidden summer spots tucked away in bamboo groves offer the perfect retreat. Here are some you might want to visit:

Fudeli Park

Located at No 379 Dagu Road in Jing'an district, Fudeli Park is famous for its impressive yellow stone rockery and waterfall, standing at 8 meters high and stretching 120 meters wide, the largest of its kind in the city.

During the summer, the park is enveloped by lush bamboo groves, providing ample green shade. The cool breeze from the bamboo forest creates a uniquely refreshing experience, ideal for escaping the city’s heat.

Bamboo groves at Fudeli Park.jpg — Bamboo groves at Fudeli Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Jing'an Park

Located at No 1649 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an Park offers a serene green oasis amid the city's hustle and bustle.

The park is filled with lush greenery, highlighted by 32 century-old plane trees lining the main path, exuding a sense of grandeur. Nearby, a bamboo grove adds a touch of delicate charm.

Traditional Chinese architecture and bamboo complement one another, creating a serene atmosphere.jpg — Traditional Chinese architecture and bamboo complement one another, creating a serene atmosphere. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Guyi Garden

Located at No 218 Huyi Highway in Nanxiang town, Jiading district, Guyi Garden is a classical garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Walking along its tranquil bamboo paths, visitors can discover a variety of rare bamboo species, creating a naturally cool and serene atmosphere.

Bamboo grows densely on either side of the stone-paved path.jpg — Bamboo grows densely on either side of the stone-paved path. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Wanzhu Garden

Located within Gongqing National Forest Park in Yangpu district, Wanzhu Garden may be small, but it charms visitors with its exquisite bamboo scenery.

The interplay of streams, bamboo clusters, and architecture creates a serene landscape, making it an ideal summer escape. Open to the public for free, it offers a perfect retreat from the city heat.

Bamboo along the riverbank and lotus leaves floating on the water create a harmonious and delightful scene.jpg — Bamboo along the riverbank and lotus leaves floating on the water create a harmonious and delightful scene. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Fangta Park

Located at No 235 East Zhongshan Road in Songjiang district, Fangta Park features a bamboo grove spanning approximately 6,500 square meters, primarily around the east gate and Helou Pavilion.

Designed by renowned Chinese architect Feng Jizhong, the pavilion sits on an island surrounded by bamboo, offering a rustic and natural mountain retreat.

The dense bamboo leaves provide ample shade.jpg — The dense bamboo leaves provide ample shade. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Shanghai Botanical Garden

The bamboo park in Shanghai Botanical Garden is home to 76 bamboo varieties. Stepping into this grove on a hot summer day feels like entering a cool sanctuary.

Listen to the rustling leaves and take in the lush greenery, letting nature soothe your soul and dissipate the heat.

Dark green bamboo groves at the park.jpg — Dark green bamboo groves at the park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Dong'an Park

Dong'an Park, a Jiangnan-style courtyard park featuring bamboo, is located at No 811 South Zhongshan Road Number Two in Xuhui district.

The park blends traditional courtyards with modern landscaping. The interconnected doors, windows, corridors, and flower walls create a poetic setting, allowing visitors to enjoy the coolness beneath the bamboo shadows.

Sunlit bamboo leaves cast shadows on the white wall.png — Sunlit bamboo leaves cast shadows on the white wall. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Sheshan National Forest Park

As Shanghai's only natural mountain forest destination, Sheshan National Forest Park offers a tranquil escape for the mind and body. The Dongsheshan Garden within the park is especially noted for its bamboo landscapes, where vast groves of bamboo provide shade and cool breezes. Strolling along the stone paths, you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature's gifts.

Bamboo and wooden planks create a tranquil pathway.jpg — Bamboo and wooden planks create a tranquil pathway. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

New Hongqiao Center Park

Hidden in Gubei Road, Changning district, the New Hongqiao Center Park is a perfect summer retreat. Its deep, tranquil bamboo grove is complemented by a creek, while the sounds of cicadas and birds enhance the serene atmosphere. Walking along the path, visitors can enjoy the sunlight filtering through the bamboo leaves, creating a truly pleasant visual experience.

A visitor relaxes by the creek, framed by the backdrop of a bamboo forest.jpg — A visitor relaxes by the creek, framed by the backdrop of a bamboo forest. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

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