Various parks in Shanghai are now offering exciting night tour activities for both locals and tourists. Check out the highlights and plan a refreshing excursion away from the daytime heat.

A night view of a park in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

1. Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Explore the country's first "Night Safari Predator Zone" from July 1 to Oct 7 at Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Witness active predators like cheetahs, African lions, and more until 10 pm.

Here you have the unique opportunity to watch the animals during boat trips like explorers in a jungle. Sichuan golden monkeys, big mouth hippopotamuses, black cap monkeys and other incredible animals along the river are ready to make your trip both exciting and fulfilling. In the walking area, you can slow down and seek for traces of these gentle animals, including giant beasts such as African elephants, Asian elephants and one-horned rhinos. Smaller animals, such as red pandas, otters and squirrel monkeys, will also be scurrying about, so keep an eye out for them. While watching the animals, don't forget to make some time for the circus, where you can enjoy acrobatic performances and jungle-themed parades.

A red panda plays at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Time: Through Oct 7

Address: No 178 Nanliu Highway, Pudong New Area

Official website: www.shwzoo.com/indexEn.do

2. Shanghai Zoo

Join the family-friendly "Animal Adventure Night" event and stay overnight at the zoo, surrounded by animal friends.

Big cats are nocturnal, and they are the most energetic after sunset. Other creatures such as bats and fireflies will also offer you an experience that cannot be found in the daylight. After this moonlit adventure, the melody of summer gnats will sing you to sleep.

Registration for these activities opens every Friday at 3 pm, please register via the official "ShanghaiZoo" WeChat account. Places are limited.

Tigers at Shanghai Zoo are more energetic at night. [Photo/WeChat account: ShanghaiZoo]

Time: Through Aug 30

Address: No 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning district

3. Century Park

Join the "Century Night Owls Action" to brush up on your beetle knowledge. This includes hands-on observations, scientific explanations, and night tours. Other engaging scientific activities will be organized to guide children on their learning journey.

Time: Through Aug 25

Address: No 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area

Participants of the activities in Century Park will get to learn about beetles. [Photo/WeChat account: shsjgy]

Register via the official "shsjgy" WeChat account.

4. Chenshan Botanical Garden

Join the "Chenshan Wonderful Night" summer camp adventure from July 13 to Aug 12 at Chenshan Botanical Garden. This event is ideal for kids seeking a memorable nature experience, as they can hunt for treasure, watch the sunset, and observe beautiful fireflies.

Time: July 13 - Aug 12

Address: No 3888 Chenhua Highway, Songjiang district

Children visit Chenshan Botanical Garden's greenhouse at night. [Photo/WeChat account: csnbgsh]

Register via "csnbgsh" official WeChat account.

5. Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park

Children observe insects in the Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park. [Photo/Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park]

This summer, the Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park introduces the "Night Forest Mysteries" science activity series, showcasing the enchanting allure of summer nights. Join in and dive into the world of insects, lawn games, and night forest mysteries.

Time: Through July 14

Address: No 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu district

To register, visit the official Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park WeChat account by searching "GongQingforestpark".

Sources: Venues mentioned above, "shanghaitousim" WeChat account