Sheshan National Forest Park

Perfect half-day trip with our toddler! The paths are stroller-friendly in most areas, and there’s a nice little playground near the entrance. We loved the cable car ride (short but fun) and the temple area was serene. Lots of families and couples taking photos. Clean restrooms and a decent snack stand. Highly recommend for a relaxed outing.

I visited on a misty autumn morning and it felt like walking through a painting. The cool air, the rustling leaves, the smell of damp earth—absolutely magical. The top view of the lake and the old observatory tower gave me chills. One of my favorite spots in Shanghai for a quiet, reflective day. Bring water and good shoes!

Honestly, a bit disappointing for a “national forest park.” The forest part is quite small and overcrowded on weekends. Trash bins were overflowing and I spotted some litter on the trails. The pagoda at the top is cool, but the ticket price feels high for what you get. Maybe better on a weekday, but I expected more nature.

Nice park overall, but a bit overhyped. The stairs are steep in some sections and there’s not much shade on the main path—I got pretty sunburned. The Catholic basilica is beautiful, but the queue to get in took forever. Worth a visit if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just for this.

Absolutely stunning place for a weekend escape! The bamboo forest trail felt like a different world—so peaceful and green. We hiked up to the observatory and the view of the city skyline in the distance was breathtaking. Clean paths, well-marked signs, and plenty of benches to rest. Will definitely come back with my kids next time.

If you're into photography or history, the abandoned military bunkers and the old astronomical observatory are absolute gems. I spent two hours just exploring those areas alone. The vegetation is lush and green, and the air feels noticeably cleaner than downtown. One of my favorite day trips in Shanghai – highly recommend going early to avoid the midday sun.

Took our two kids here and they had a blast running around the open lawn near the entrance. The little pagoda trail was perfect for their short legs. We also spotted a couple of squirrels and some cool insects. The only issue was that the map at the info board was faded and confusing. Nevertheless, a fantastic affordable day out for the whole family!

Honestly a bit underwhelming for a 'national forest park'. The forest part is just a few patches of trees and the whole place felt more like a manicured urban garden. Overcrowded even on a Tuesday, with loud tour groups everywhere. Paid way too much for a bottle of water at the snack stand. Not terrible but definitely not worth traveling across the city for.

A solid escape from Shanghai's hustle. The upper part near the basilica has nice architecture and a quiet vibe. Downside: some sections of the path were slippery after rain, and the toilet near the east gate was pretty dirty. Still worth the metro + bus ride for a half-day trip. Would rate it 7.5/10 overall.

Loved the peaceful hike through the bamboo forest up to the old observatory. The views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day. The trails are well-marked and not too crowded on a weekday morning. Only wish there were more benches to rest along the way. Definitely coming back with a picnic!

Perfect recharge spot after a stressful work week. I came here alone with just my headphones and a book. Found a quiet bench under a huge camphor tree by the lake and just sat for an hour watching dragonflies. No rush, no crowds (it was a Tuesday afternoon). The sound of birds and wind through the leaves was therapy. Already planning my next visit.

For 12 yuan, you really can’t beat the value. The park is huge with multiple trails — I did the ‘East Peak’ loop and it took me about 2.5 hours of leisurely walking. The air felt noticeably cleaner than downtown Shanghai. The little tea house near the top serves decent oolong tea and has a nice terrace. Would love to come back in autumn when the leaves change.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. The park itself is pretty enough, but the paths felt overcrowded even on a Saturday morning. There were groups of loud tourists playing music on speakers, which totally killed the peaceful forest vibe I was hoping for. Also, the signage is confusing — I ended up walking in circles for 20 minutes trying to find the Bamboo Corridor. Not worth the 12 yuan entry fee in my opinion.

Great escape from the city buzz. We took our two kids (ages 7 and 10) and they managed the main trail without too much complaining. The pagoda at the top is charming and the view over the reservoir is lovely. Only downside: the restrooms near the entrance were a bit dirty. Otherwise a solid 4-star experience for a family day out.

Absolutely stunning views from the top! The trail through the bamboo forest was serene and well-maintained. I went early on a weekday and had the whole place almost to myself. The cable car is a nice option if you're not up for the climb, but the hike is totally worth it for the sense of accomplishment. Highly recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy at the summit.

Visited on a sunny Saturday – big mistake. Too many tour groups and selfie sticks made the main paths feel like a shopping mall. The natural beauty is definitely there (the old stone steps and giant cedars are impressive), but the overcrowding really spoiled the experience. Manageable if you go early, but I expected better crowd control.

Went on a misty weekday morning and had the place almost to myself. The air was crisp and smelled of pine and damp earth – absolutely magical. The little teahouse near the east gate served a surprisingly good jasmine tea. If you like quiet, moody landscapes, this is your spot. Five stars for the serene atmosphere.

I was expecting more of a ‘forest’ experience, but honestly it felt more like a landscaped park with lots of paved paths and crowds. The vegetation is lovely, but the constant drone of distant traffic killed the vibe for me. Also, the ticket price felt a bit steep for what you get. Decent for a stroll, but I wouldn’t go out of my way again.

Took my two kids here on a weekend. They loved the cable car ride and the little pagoda near the summit. Plenty of benches for rest stops, which was a lifesaver. The only downside was the main restroom near the entrance was a bit dirty, but the staff cleaned it promptly when I flagged them. A solid family day out.

Great escape from the city! The trails are well-maintained and offer a decent challenge for a morning jog. The bamboo forest section was absolutely peaceful, and the view from the top of the hill is worth the sweat. Only minor gripe: the signs at some forks could be clearer. Still, highly recommended for a quick nature fix.