The only mine pit waterfall in Shanghai! Complete money-saving guide for family fun at Chenshan Botanical Garden
As the "Plant Kingdom" in the suburbs of Shanghai, Chenshan Botanical Garden is not only a national AAAA-level scenic spot but also a treasure destination integrating scientific research, popular science, ecological sightseeing, and parent-child interaction. Covering 207 hectares, the garden houses over 5,000 plant species from around the world, with distinct scenery in every season. Whether it's a romantic date, family outing, or solo oxygen boost, everyone can find their own joy. This comprehensive guide helps you avoid detours and explore every highlight thoroughly!
1. Basic Information (Essential for peace of mind)
- Ticket Policy: Full-price ticket is 60 RMB per person, offering great value! Discounts are widely available—minors aged 6 (exclusive) to 18 (inclusive) and full-time undergraduate and below students with valid ID enjoy half price; retired military personnel get 20% off; seniors aged 60-64 get 15% off; seniors 65 and above, children under 1.3 meters or under 6 years old enter free. A perfect deal for family trips.
- Opening Hours: Adjusted seasonally for your convenience. March to October: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (longer flower seasons in spring, summer, and autumn allow more time to explore); November to February: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (though cold in winter, greenhouse plants remain lush and the crowd is thinner). It’s recommended to enter one hour early and reserve 4-6 hours for an in-depth visit.
2. Transportation Guide (Direct routes, no detours)
- Public Transport: The top choice for low-carbon travel! Get off at Dongjing Station on Metro Line 9, then transfer to Songjiang Bus 19 or 96 directly to Gate 1; from Sheshan Station, transfer to Songjiang Bus 95 also to Gate 1, about 30 minutes total. To reach Gate 2 or Gate 3 directly, take Songjiang Bus 95 or Songzhu Line, with stops right at the garden entrance—get off and start exploring.
- Driving: Ideal for family or group trips. Navigate directly to "Chenshan Botanical Garden Gate 1" (ample parking with reasonable fees). From G60 Hukun Expressway Songjiang New City exit, head north on Jiasong Road, then turn left on Chenhua Road to arrive; from G50 Huyu Expressway Zhaoxiang exit, turn left, go south on Jiasong Road, then right on Chenhua Road to reach the garden. The route is straightforward with no complicated intersections.
3. On-site Transportation (Effort-saving essentials)
- Sightseeing Car/Train: The garden is large, walking the entire area can be tiring, so sightseeing vehicles are a must! Electric carts and small trains have 8 stops covering all key attractions, taking about 30 minutes per trip, costing only 5 RMB per person; children under 1.3 meters ride free. They stop on demand, so you can hop on and off anytime. For those who don’t want to walk, just hop on.
- Boat Ride: The boat dock on the east shore of the West Lake is very popular, offering 4- and 6-seat boats. Drift on the lake and enjoy the greenery on both sides with a gentle breeze—super relaxing. Perfect for couples or families to leisurely tour and see the garden from a different perspective.
4. Must-Visit Attractions (Don’t miss or you’ll regret it)
1. Mine Pit Garden—Shanghai’s version of “Journey to the Center of the Earth”
Located in the northwest corner, the Mine Pit Garden is a trendy landmark transformed from an abandoned quarry, a prime example of turning decay into wonder. The garden is divided into Mirror Lake Area, Terrace Area, Flower Viewing Area, and Deep Pool Area. The sunken landscape design is visually striking: emerald pools reflect steep rock walls, boardwalks wind down the mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation. The highlight is the 45-meter-high flower sea waterfall—water cascades from the cliff top, creating mist, surrounded by flowers blooming all year round. Every photo looks cinematic. Wear comfortable shoes and walk down the trail to the pool to experience the unique blend of nature and artifice.
2. Exhibition Greenhouse—Asia’s largest “Plant Palace”
The star attraction of Chenshan Botanical Garden, the Exhibition Greenhouse consists of the Tropical Flower and Fruit Pavilion, Desert Plant Pavilion, and Rare Plant Pavilion, covering 12,608 square meters, the largest exhibition greenhouse in Asia. Stepping inside feels like entering a tropical jungle, with over 3,000 exotic plants dazzling the eyes: bananas and mangoes hang heavily in the Tropical Pavilion, which also features a small waterfall flowing over artificial rocks, adding humidity; the Desert Pavilion showcases various cacti and succulents; the Rare Plant Pavilion amazes with carnivorous plants like pitcher plants and sundews. Renovations added a waterfall with mist, creating a fairyland atmosphere. The greenhouse maintains constant temperature and humidity, so it’s lush year-round regardless of outside weather—perfect for photos.
3. Rose Garden—The “Rose Kingdom” of East China
Covering 40,000 square meters, the Rose Garden is one of the richest specialized rose collections in East China, with 1,025 species or varieties. The garden is divided into Rose Island and the Sky Rose Garden. Peak bloom seasons are April to June and September to October, with colorful roses blooming in abundance—red passionate, pink gentle, yellow bright, and fragrant. The Sky Rose Garden’s boardwalk design is unique, offering a panoramic view of the rose sea below. Couples must check in here for a full romantic vibe.
4. Children’s Botanical Garden—The ultimate kid-friendly spot
About 10,000 square meters, the Children’s Botanical Garden is perfect for family visits. It includes play areas, learning and exercise zones, and forest exploration areas, equipped with wooden houses, trampolines, climbing frames, and other safe and fun facilities for kids to play freely. It also features plants suitable for children to learn about, with fun educational signs, allowing kids to learn while playing and giving parents a break—true “kid-free” freedom.
5. Other Hidden Gems
- Giant Water Lily Pond: A summer-only spectacle, with huge water lily leaves floating on the surface, up to 1.5 meters in diameter, even able to support a child’s weight—amazing!
- Aquatic Plant Garden: Home to lotus, water lilies, and irises. When lotus blooms in summer, the pond is fragrant and perfect for photos and flower viewing.
- Maple Tree Garden: A must-visit in autumn, with vast maple leaves turning red, painting the forest in layers like an oil painting.
5. Hidden Benefits (Money-saving + hassle-free tips)
1. Free Guided Tours: Every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, meet at Gate 1 Visitor Center for a 1.5-hour tour led by professional guides covering key spots. No reservation needed. Join to learn more about plants and garden stories.
2. Cultural Merchandise Discounts: Show your ticket at the garden’s cultural shop for a 10% discount on popular items like plant specimens, custom bookmarks, and garden map puzzles.
3. Photography Check-in Perks: Take a photo at each of the Mine Pit Garden Waterfall, Exhibition Greenhouse, and Rose Garden, post on social media tagging official account, and receive a set of exquisite plant postcards at the Visitor Center (limited to 50 sets daily, first come first served).
4. Parking Discount: Self-driving visitors get 5 RMB off parking fees with a valid ticket (originally 10 RMB per visit, discounted to 5 RMB). Remember to show your ticket at the exit for verification.
5. Seasonal Specials: During spring bloom (March-May), ticket holders can join a free “Plant Printing” craft workshop (3 sessions daily, register in advance at Visitor Center); in autumn (October-November), get a free Maple Garden check-in guide and exchange completed check-ins for a small potted plant (limited to 30 daily).
6. Recommended Route (Efficiently cover highlights + unlock benefits)
Enter through Gate 1 → Register for craft workshop or get check-in guide at Visitor Center → Spring Garden (enjoy seasonal flowers) → Rose Garden (photo check-in for postcards) → Mine Pit Garden (waterfall + check-in) → Rock and Medicinal Plant Garden (learn about medicinal plants) → Blind Botanical Garden (touch special plants) → Exhibition Greenhouse (waterfall + check-in) → Gymnosperm Garden → Maple Tree Garden (seasonal check-in) → Giant Water Lily Pond (summer only) → Aquatic Plant Garden (lotus and water lilies) → Cultural Shop for shopping discounts → Parking fee discount with ticket → Exit via Gate 2 or Gate 3.
This route connects all core attractions and hidden benefits without backtracking, with a moderate pace for deep exploration while saving money and effort, suitable for most visitors.