China Travel

Somewhat inconveniently located in the southernmost reaches of Xuhui district (the French concession) the Shanghai Botanical Gardens (Shanghai Zhiwuyuan) are an oasis of calm for those seeking refuge from Shanghai’s cacophonous hustle and bustle. The expansive grounds, which cover eight-one hectares (200 acres) are divided into different sections featuring peonies, roses, bamboo, azaleas, maples, magnolias, osmanthus and, it is claimed, the finest orchids in China. Also on offer are the Penjing Yuan (Bonsai Garden) which, if you don’t pay the RMB 40 all-inclusive admission, will cost you RMB 7; a garden of medicinal plants; and the “Tropicanium” conservatory, a giant, tropical greenhouse. Also scattered around the premises are a variety of restaurants, vendor’s stalls, children’s playgrounds, exhibition halls and decorative rockeries.