Early Spring Exclusive Romance|Early Cherry Blossoms Blooming at Chenshan, No Need to Go to Japan to Capture Japanese-Style Masterpieces
Spring in Shanghai is awakened by the early cherry blossoms at Chenshan Botanical Garden🌸
No need to travel far to Japan, no need to squeeze into popular parks. In Songjiang Chenshan, the 800-meter-long Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue is in full bloom, with clouds of pink flowers spreading from the branches. The Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom before the leaves, with open flower shapes and soft pink hues. When the wind blows, petals gently fall, and even the air is filled with a tender sweetness.
As a yearly must-visit for cherry blossom viewing at Chenshan, this year I personally confirmed that the early cherry blossoms have reached their best viewing period. The branches are adorned with pink blossoms, clusters of flowers everywhere—it's the perfect time for an early spring cherry blossom date.
This guide compiles the best cherry blossom spots, garden routes, photography tips, and pitfalls to avoid. Artistic yet practical, follow it to easily capture early spring romance and wow your social circle~
🌸Core Cherry Blossom Spot|The Early Cherry Blossom Center, Love at First Sight
The absolute star of Chenshan’s early cherry blossoms is the 📍800-meter Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue next to Gate 1. This is one of the few super-long early cherry blossom tunnels in Shanghai. Hundreds of Kawazu cherry trees line both sides, with low-hanging branches. No need to tiptoe or climb high—just raise your hand to embrace the cherry blossoms. It’s a perfect photo spot made for capturing stunning shots🌷
At the end of the avenue is an inner river, where distant mountains, clear water, and pink cherry blossoms create a picturesque scene. Occasionally, black swans glide across the water, instantly evoking the feel of a Japanese film.
Walking through the tunnel, pink cherry blossoms fill the sky above, and fallen petals carpet the path below, as if stepping into a springtime fairy tale by Hayao Miyazaki. Every step is soaked in romance.
Besides the popular Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue, there are several lesser-known early cherry blossom spots with fewer people and great photo opportunities. Don’t miss them:
✅ Cherry Blossom Pier:
Next to the Hydrangea Garden, early cherry blossoms by the water have an elegant posture. Using the river as a backdrop, photos come out cool and artistic.
✅ Early Cherry Blossoms by the Mining Pit Garden:
Two early cherry trees lean against a grassy slope, secluded and quiet. Paired with the mining pit cliff, it creates a striking contrast between industry and nature.
✅ Cherry Blossom Forest at Gate 1 Entrance:
Right at the entrance, dense blossoms are perfect for panoramic shots. Arrive early to almost have the place to yourself.
Each of these early cherry blossom spots has its own charm—whether lively or tranquil. Whether you’re alone, with friends, or on a date, you can find your own cherry blossom corner and collect all the beauty of early spring✨
🗺️Garden Route:
Enter through Gate 1 → Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue (40 minutes, plenty of time for cherry blossom photos) → Cherry Blossom Pier (20 minutes, less crowded photo spot) → Mining Pit Garden (40 minutes, check out the waterfall secret spot) → Tropical Greenhouse (30 minutes, experience the vitality of greenery) → Exit through Gate 1
🎫Tickets:
Adult ticket 60 RMB, students and seniors with valid ID enjoy half price. Tickets available online and offline. Advance booking recommended to save entry time.
⏰Opening Hours:
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). Be sure to arrive early! The garden opens at 8 AM—rush in to enjoy the cherry blossom avenue alone before 9 AM. After that, it gets crowded.
🚗Transportation Guide:
🟢Metro:
Exit 4 at Dongjing Station on Line 9, transfer to Songjiang Bus 19 or Zhushong Line, direct to Chenshan Botanical Garden Gate 1.
🟢Driving:
Navigate to "Chenshan Botanical Garden Gate 1 Parking Lot." Plenty of parking spaces, no traffic if you arrive early.
🟢On-site Transport:
Shuttle bus inside the garden costs 5 RMB per person. Essential for families with kids or those with limited stamina, making it easy to tour the garden.
👗Outfit Ideas:
Light colors are always the best match for early cherry blossoms! White dresses, light pink knitwear, pale blue shirts—soft and brightening. Wearing Hanfu or JK uniforms instantly unlocks Japanese-style ancient aesthetics. Pair with straw bags, transparent umbrellas, cherry blossom lattes—props double the atmosphere. Avoid bright clashing colors, or they’ll steal the cherry blossoms’ spotlight~
📷Photo Spots:
✅Middle of Cherry Blossom Avenue:
Shoot upward for panoramic views, framing the sky full of pink blossoms. Capture people walking for dynamic shots.
✅Under Low-Hanging Branches:
Use branches as a natural frame. Look down smelling flowers or reach up touching blossoms—gentle and natural.
✅By the Inner River:
Back to cherry blossoms, facing the water. Shoot side profiles or silhouettes with backlighting, petals glowing golden—absolutely stunning.
✅Fallen Petal Path:
Crouch to pick petals or gently toss them, capturing the moment for a heartwarming effect.
💡Tips:
✅Before 9 AM and after 4 PM, the light is soft and not harsh, making skin look clear in photos.
✅Use portrait mode on your phone to blur the background and highlight cherry blossoms and people.
✅Weekends are very crowded; prioritize visiting on weekdays for a better experience.
✅Early cherry blossoms have a short bloom period, only 1-2 weeks at peak. Don’t miss it or wait until next year—hurry!
✅The garden offers cherry blossom-themed treats like cherry blossom lattes and mousse—beautiful and delicious, perfect for photos.
✅Bring a power bank, sun hat, and water bottle. Spring sunshine is warming up, so protect yourself from the sun and enjoy a full day easily.
✅Enjoy the blossoms respectfully—don’t shake trees or break branches. Let everyone enjoy the most beautiful spring🌿
Spring romance is half blooming flowers and half serendipitous encounters🌸
Chenshan’s early cherry blossoms have none of the summer’s noise or autumn’s desolation, only the gentle healing unique to early spring. The 800-meter pink cherry blossom tunnel and fluttering petals hide Shanghai’s most enchanting spring scenery.
No need to travel far or wait long. Pick a sunny day and come to Chenshan for an early cherry blossom date now~