Minhang district marked the opening of Yulan Garden on July 6, unveiling a new pocket park themed around the white magnolia, Shanghai's official city flower. This is the first public garden in the city devoted to celebrating the iconic blossom.

The garden was transformed from an existing green space within the district government compound. According to the project lead, the renovation preserved mature trees while introducing a variety of magnolia species, including both white and purple varieties. These are thoughtfully complemented by shade-tolerant flowers and low-lying ground cover plants that add seasonal color.

Elements of the white magnolia are featured throughout the park’s design. A stainless steel pergola, shaped to resemble magnolia petals, displays images of white, red, and purple magnolias. The park's logo also creatively integrates magnolia culture, inviting visitors to explore the flower's cultural significance as they move through the space.

The park was designed not only to please the eye but also to engage the senses more broadly. Ground cover plants are arranged to present shifting color palettes across the seasons, while camphor wood stumps lining the gravel paths release a subtle, calming fragrance, enhancing the park’s tranquil atmosphere.

To enrich the environment further, a misting system has been installed to support the shade-tolerant flora. Operating every 10 minutes during the summer, the system maintains moisture levels, improves humidity, and increases the concentration of negative air ions. For visitors, it creates a cool, refreshing ambiance that heightens the sensory experience.

If you go

Location: Northwest side of Humin Highway, west side of Shuiqing Road

Hours: Open 24 hours, free entry

(Updated on July 14, 2025)

Source: WeChat account of Minhang district administration of culture and tourism at "shmhtrip"