Spring has arrived in Shanghai, and the city's classical gardens are bursting with life. Ancient pavilions, winding paths, and fresh blossoms come together in perfect harmony.

Yuyuan Garden

As Shanghai's most iconic classical garden, Yuyuan comes alive this spring. Camellias burst into color — fiery reds and tender pinks that play off against upturned eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters. Every step reveals a new view, where antique architecture and delicate blossoms merge to showcase both the refined elegance of a Jiangnan garden and the fresh vitality of the season.

Early magnolias join the scene, their petals drifting down with the breeze. Whether you come for the views, the photos, or simply to soak in the beauty of a traditional garden, Yuyuan delivers everything you could wish for in spring.

If you go: No 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu district

Zuibaichi Park

Spring at Zuibaichi begins with plum blossoms. Red and white varieties bloom side by side, their subtle fragrances drifting through the air. Ancient branches, strong and gnarled, burst with flowers that reflect in the pond waters alongside classical pavilions, creating the effect of an ink painting brought to life.

As you wander through the garden, blossoms dot the old trees, complementing ancient stone bridges, winding corridors, and inscribed plaques. Here, history's weight meets spring's softness in perfect balance.

If you go: No 64 South Renmin Road, Songjiang district

Guyi Garden

White magnolias have quietly opened at Guyi Garden. Bathed in spring sunlight, they appear crystalline and elegant, carrying an air of refined purity. Set against the garden's ancient architecture and lush greenery, they create minimalist yet sophisticated spring scenes.

When magnolias bloom, their branches are draped entirely in flowers, not a single leaf in sight. Stand beneath them and look up: white petals sway gently in the breeze, carrying an ethereal quality. At Guyi Garden, magnolia viewing becomes more than admiring flowers — it's an invitation to embrace a tranquil spring state of mind.

If you go: No 218 Huyi Highway, Jiading district

Qiuxia Garden

As one of Shanghai's five classical gardens, Qiuxia Garden showcases plum blossoms nestled among its historic structures. They frame pavilions, peek around corners, and reflect off white walls.

Clusters of flowers adorn the branches, composing exquisite scenes with dark tiles, winding corridors, and pristine walls. The garden rewards slow, deliberate walks, with views that shift at every turn, bathed in soft, restorative colors.

Here, you don't need to search for the perfect angle; every shot captures an image worthy of a Jiangnan ink painting. With fewer crowds and peaceful surroundings, it's a place to truly immerse yourself in the quiet elegance of a classical garden.

If you go: No 314 Dongdajie Street, Jiading town, Jiading district

Qushui Garden

Pass through the gate of Qushui Garden, follow a winding path, and you'll come upon Huashen Tang (Flower Goddess Hall), a semi-enclosed courtyard. Two plum trees stand at its entrance, their cold beauty and subtle fragrance expressing spring's eager arrival.

Beyond the plums, the garden is hosting a spring orchid exhibition running through March 9. More than 70 pots are on display, filling the hall with their signature scent. It's a must-see for visitors and orchid lovers alike.

If you go: No 612 Gongyuan Road, Qingpu district

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