Shanghai Cherry Blossom Season: This itinerary is breathtaking!
Hey everyone, cherry blossom season in Shanghai is simply the most romantic time of the year, and so many people eagerly await it! The best time to see the blossoms in 2025 is around the weekend of March 28 and 29, so make sure to seize this short 5-day window! Today, I'm sharing my secret, ultimate cherry blossom viewing itinerary with you. In just one day, I'll take you to all the popular spots and hidden gems!
This itinerary suggests starting your morning at Nanyuan Riverside and Xuhui Riverside, then heading to Longhua Temple and Shanghai Botanical Garden in the afternoon. You can follow this route in reverse too; it's all up to you. If you only want to see the most popular spot online, the entire route is only 1.5 km, and you can finish it in half a day. However, it gets very crowded on weekend afternoons, so it's best to avoid those times. For parking, refer to Figure 18 of the West Bund; it's very convenient.
Now, let's talk about the specific attractions~
Nanyuan Riverside Green Space is particularly famous for its tulips, and there are fewer people here for cherry blossom viewing, making the scenery even more beautiful. You can even see the cherry blossoms at night. The best spots are along the walkway from the north gate to the riverside, near the Binhe Huadeng and Rihui Port. You can easily spend an hour here. A 10-minute walk along the river brings you to the West Bund Elevated Road, where there are large-scale themed decorations. There are also many shops nearby, so you can enjoy food and drinks while taking photos. Half an hour is enough here. Another 10-minute walk takes you to the Riverside Skatepark. The romantic cherry blossom railway is hidden behind Manner Coffee, near the Manner Xuhui Riverside store. Half an hour is just right for exploring this area.
Continue walking for another 10 minutes to reach the Long Museum (West Bund). This is a super famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Shanghai, and you can also enjoy the blossoms at night. The lighting creates a particularly dreamy atmosphere, making it perfect for a 1-hour visit. If you have more time, you can also visit the Shanghai Maritime Tower. The cherry blossoms on the west side of the corridor bridge offer a unique angle for aerial photography. It's a 10-minute subway ride on Line 12 from the Long Museum to the Maritime Tower.
From the Maritime Tower, it's a 20-minute bike ride or a 4-stop bus ride on Route 178 to Longhua Temple. Although there aren't many cherry blossoms here, the combination with the ancient temple architecture creates a beautiful Chinese aesthetic. Spend half an hour here to soak in the tranquility. Finally, visit the Shanghai Botanical Garden. Although it's not very popular, its beauty is beyond imagination, especially the cherry blossom forest. Enter through Gate 1, pass the entrances of the Herb Garden and Bonsai Garden, then go to Shangshi Garden, and finally arrive at the Cherry Blossom Forest. Exit through Gate 1 or 3. Two hours is not enough to fully appreciate this place!
By the way, don't miss the night cherry blossoms at Nanyuan Riverside Green Space and the Long Museum (West Bund)! The lighting at night creates a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for taking photos. The ancient Chinese charm of Longhua Temple and the stunning cherry blossom forest hidden within the Shanghai Botanical Garden are truly unforgettable. Everyone, save this guide and go experience the romance of cherry blossoms while they're in bloom!