Houtan Park - a body of water surrounded by trees and a bridge
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Houtan Park

4.6
·491k reviews·, China

A unique urban oasis blending nature and industrial heritage along Shanghai's Huangpu River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Houtan Park - a body of water surrounded by trees and a bridge

Houtan Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique urban oasis blending nature and industrial heritage along Shanghai's Huangpu River.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A perfect mix of nature, industrial, and options for activities. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Cycle the Path

Houtan Park is ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the river.

☀️ Visit on Weekdays

For a more serene experience, visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Houtan Park's Green Oasis

Houtan Park's Green Oasis

Houtan Park

A surprising blend of nature and industrial remnants, offering a peaceful escape along the Huangpu River.

Riverside Promenade

Riverside Promenade

Huangpu Riverfront

Stroll or cycle along the scenic path, enjoying views of bridges and the city skyline.

Instagram
Industrial Charm

Industrial Charm

Houtan Park

Discover unique remnants of Shanghai's industrial past integrated into the park's design.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Beat the Crowds

Weekdays, especially mornings, offer a peaceful escape at Houtan Park. Weekends can get busy, so aim for a weekday visit if you prefer tranquility and fewer people on the paths. Instagram

Embrace the Riverside Path

Houtan Park is part of a longer riverside route perfect for walking or cycling. Consider exploring beyond the park to experience more of Shanghai's waterfront. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Can be packed with visitors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

such a peaceful way to start my day 🪷 #thingstodoinphoenix #phoenixaz
@alonea6ain
138.7K likes • 1.5M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Cycle the Path

Houtan Park is ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the river. Instagram+1

☀️ Visit on Weekdays

For a more serene experience, visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds. Instagram

This trail has the most stunning views of the Bay Area! Every one from The Bay needs to do this hike at least one time! #mounttamalpais #castateparks #thebay #bayarea #bayareahikes #sanfrancisco #california
@cal.euphoria
96.2K likes • 1.7M views
Beautiful Shanghai Riverside Walking/Cycling Route (~15 km): Route: Houtan Park → World Expo Park → Mercedes-Benz Arena → Nanpu Bridge → Dongchang Riverside Green Space → Lujiazui → Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) → Pudong Binjiang Avenue → Yangpu Bridge 📷: Ziyu #meetinshanghai #shanghaitravel #instatravel #travelgram #travelphotography
meetinshanghai
91 likes • 2K views

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Park

Connects to a longer riverside route, perfect for a full day of exploration. Instagram

Feel the atmosphere ✨ Almost all of my favorite places in Shanghai are located by the river side. This one is not an exception. Houtan park is a perfect mix of nature, industrial and options for activities. Like most places in Shanghai, it’s usually packed on the weekends, but during the weekdays in the morning, most of the time it’s peaceful and quiet and there are no people here. The park loo...
annevilwill
59 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Cycle the Path

Houtan Park is ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the river. Instagram+1

☀️ Visit on Weekdays

For a more serene experience, visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Park

Connects to a longer riverside route, perfect for a full day of exploration. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Houtan Park is praised for its unique blend of nature and industrial charm, offering a peaceful riverside escape. Visitors appreciate the scenic promenade and the opportunity for walking or cycling. However, it can become quite crowded on weekends, diminishing the tranquil atmosphere.

What People Like

Peaceful riverside atmosphere
Unique industrial-greenery mix
Scenic walking/cycling paths

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Houtan Park is accessible via public transport. You can take the metro to nearby stations like Lujiabang Road (Lines 8 & 9) or Nanpu Bridge (Line 4) and then walk or take a short taxi ride. Instagram

Yes, it's located along the Huangpu River. Following signs for the riverside promenade or the World Expo Park will lead you there. Instagram

Driving is an option, but parking availability can vary, especially on weekends. Public transport is often more convenient. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling along the riverside path that connects Houtan Park to other attractions like the World Expo Park and Nanpu Bridge. Instagram

Houtan Park is part of a scenic route that includes the World Expo Park, Mercedes-Benz Arena, and Nanpu Bridge, offering a full day of exploration. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Houtan Park is generally a public park and does not require an admission fee. Entry is usually free. Instagram

While specific hours can vary, riverside parks in Shanghai are typically open from early morning until late evening, allowing for both sunrise and sunset visits. Instagram

Yes, Houtan Park is an outdoor public space and is accessible throughout the year, though weather conditions will affect your experience. Instagram

As a public park, standard rules apply. Visitors are expected to respect the environment and other park-goers. Instagram

Pet policies can vary for public parks in Shanghai. It's advisable to check local regulations or signage upon arrival, though many parks have restrictions. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Look for unique angles where the industrial elements meet the greenery, and capture the iconic bridges visible from the riverside promenade. Instagram+1

The riverside location offers beautiful light during golden hours, making it a great spot for both sunrise and sunset photography. Instagram

It's excellent for landscape, urban, and even some architectural photography due to the mix of nature and industrial structures. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near sensitive infrastructure in Shanghai. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's atmosphere. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the river. It's a great place to experience Shanghai's urban green spaces. Instagram

Yes, it's a pleasant outdoor space for families to enjoy a walk or a picnic, with plenty of open areas. Instagram

Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available in larger city parks. Cafes or food vendors might be limited within the park itself, but are often found along the wider promenade. Instagram

You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on whether you're just passing through or planning a longer walk or bike ride. Instagram+1

It offers a unique mix of natural beauty and industrial heritage, providing a peaceful and scenic environment along the Huangpu River. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Houtan Park offers a pleasant outdoor environment for families. The open green spaces are perfect for children to run around, and the paved paths are ideal for strollers or young cyclists. It's a great spot for a relaxed family picnic away from the city's hustle. Instagram

Consider combining a visit to Houtan Park with a walk along the wider riverside promenade. This allows for a longer, engaging outing without being overwhelming. While amenities might be basic, the natural setting and the chance to see the river and bridges provide simple yet enjoyable entertainment for kids. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walking & Cycling Enthusiasts

For those who love to walk or cycle, Houtan Park is a gateway to Shanghai's impressive riverside promenade. The well-maintained paths are perfect for covering significant distances while enjoying scenic views. Instagram+1

You can easily spend hours exploring the connected parks and landmarks, from Houtan Park all the way to areas near the Yangpu Bridge. It’s an excellent way to experience the city’s urban landscape and its relationship with the Huangpu River. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for your adventure. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Houtan Park: A Fusion of Nature and Industry

Houtan Park is a fascinating urban green space that masterfully blends natural landscapes with remnants of Shanghai's industrial past. Originally a former industrial site, it has been transformed into a vibrant park that offers a unique aesthetic. Visitors can wander through lush greenery, discover artistic installations, and appreciate the juxtaposition of old and new. The park's design emphasizes ecological restoration and provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Instagram

One of the key features of Houtan Park is its integration with the Huangpu Riverfront. It serves as a crucial link in a much larger riverside promenade, making it an ideal starting or ending point for a scenic walk or bike ride. This connection allows visitors to easily extend their exploration to other notable landmarks like the World Expo Park and the iconic Nanpu Bridge. The expansive paths are well-maintained, offering comfortable passage for all visitors. Instagram+1

The park's appeal lies in its ability to offer a peaceful and picturesque environment that feels distinct from other Shanghai attractions. While it can get busy on weekends, weekday mornings are often described as serene and quiet, providing a perfect opportunity to soak in the atmosphere. It’s a testament to Shanghai’s commitment to creating green spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Instagram

Exploring Shanghai's Riverside Promenade

Houtan Park is more than just an isolated green space; it's a vital part of Shanghai's extensive riverside promenade along the Huangpu River. This continuous path stretches for kilometers, connecting numerous parks, cultural sites, and iconic bridges. It's a popular route for locals and tourists alike, offering diverse perspectives of the city's skyline and its historical waterfront. Instagram

Popular routes often start or include Houtan Park, leading towards the World Expo Park, the Mercedes-Benz Arena, and crossing under or near the Nanpu Bridge and Lupu Bridge. This section of the promenade is particularly scenic, showcasing a blend of modern architecture and the natural flow of the river. Cycling is a highly recommended way to cover more ground and enjoy the expansive views. Instagram

For those looking to experience the vibrant energy of Shanghai's waterfront, dedicating time to explore this promenade is a must. It provides a fantastic opportunity for photography, leisurely strolls, and understanding the city's relationship with its iconic river. The continuous development of these riverside areas ensures there's always something new to discover. Instagram

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