Shanghai Expo Culture Park – A Living Legacy of Nature and Design

Walking into the Shanghai Expo Culture Park feels like stepping into a reimagined future where urban energy and natural harmony collide. Once a sprawling steel factory site and hub of the 2010 Expo, this now 2 km² riverside sanctuary embraces its layered history—from preserved pavilions to newly sculpted landscapes. It took shape in two major acts: the northern half opened in 2021 with cultural highlights like the French, Russian, Luxembourg, and Italian pavilions thoughtfully adapted into arts spaces; the southern half debuted in late 2024, unveiling striking new additions like the Shanghai Greenhouse, the world-class Flower Gardens, and the bold “Twin Hills” perched atop a multi‑level car park.  I loved exploring the “舞动广场” (Dancing Plaza) near the east entrance, where a moon‑gate bridge frames reflections across a tranquil pond—serene yet poetic in its design.  The Twin Hills are a real show‑stopper: two man‑made mounds rising 37 and 48 meters, wrapped in winding trails, waterfalls, and over 7,000 trees, offering sweeping views of the Huangpu River and skyline.  The Shanghai Greenhouse Garden—often compared to Singapore’s iconic domes—brings tropical plants and architectural drama together under one airy, plant-rich roof.  Spring and autumn here are especially magical as seasonal blooms flush across the gardens and flower terraces. The park flows naturally from one experience to the next—industrial relics, wetlands, forest paths, themed gardens, cultural venues, and riverfront promenades all connect via gentle footpaths and elevated walkways. It’s a place that invites strolling, photography, or just lingering by the water. Families seem to love the Dog Paradise by the water, where pups run free, while culture seekers gravitate toward the adaptive reuses: an art centre in the old French pavilion and live shows planned for the Russian hall.  It’s a uniquely Shanghai mash‑up of environmental vision, Expo nostalgia, and creative park‑life. I came for a stroll, and walked away with a sense that this is a model of how cities can weave past and future into something beautiful—and endlessly inviting. #shanghaionbudget