The Shanghai Greenhouse Garden at Expo Culture Park

Shanghai Greenhouse Garden opened very recently in September 2024, in the centre of the Shanghai World Expo Culture Park in Pudong New Area. Situated in glass domes somewhat similar to the Eden Project in the UK or Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, there are three themed glass pavilions - Sand Mirage (tropical and arid), Cloud Forest (tropical wet shade) and Cloud Canyons (tropical wet sun).

We found it easiest to travel to the Shanghai Greenhouse by taxi as it was a little way from where we were staying. The website states that advance booking is required - we didn't realise this, however we were easily able to purchase tickets on arrival. 

When we visited Shanghai in July it was very hot, and although the greenhouses were still warm insdie it was a perfect escape from the sun, and would also make a great place to visit on a rainy day. We visited on a weekday morning and it wasn't at all busy. It was a really pleasant way to escape the noise and bustle of the city centre on our final day.

The gardens are beautifully laid out, lovely, clean and relaxing. Unusually for some of the other tourist spots in Shanghai there were excellent English translations throughout, it definitely felt like a modern attraction. If you can't quite read the sign below it says 'Civilised garden do not littering' which I loved.

Your route takes you through the three domes in turn, which are linked by underwater corridors and walkways. You can also wander about at your leisure, and there are places to sit for a while and enjoy your surroundings. Although there are quite a few steps, it's reasonably suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There is a marked accessible route, and there are plenty of toilets.

 

There are several suspended walkways which give you lovely views across the gardens. It was so peaceful with the sound of running water from the waterfall and the streams.

I loved walking slowly around the gardens, enjoying the peace, and taking it all in.

I have a newly developed interest in gardening, and so I loved admiring all the beautiful plants. I'm always drawn to flowers, and I particularly loved the tall pillars which were packed with orchids in the Clouds Canyon zone. There are lots of great locations for taking beautiful photographs.

At the base of the orchid pillars is a long shallow pool where small children are allowed to paddle, which I thought was lovely. I can imagine locals coming here to entertain small children away from the heat and crowds. 

I felt that being so new, the Greenhouse Gardens are a little bit off the tourist radar when it comes to places to visit in Shanghai. Although the greenhouses feel set up to deal with larger crowds, it was very quiet when we visited and there was none of the hectic bustle that we found elsewhere in Shanghai. If you are looking for somewhere pleasant to spend a few hours away from the crowds, or if you are travelling with young children that would enjoy a paddle, I would really recommend a visit.

Furthermore, there is also plenty to see in the surrounding park areas. It was a little too hot when we visited to explore outside, but at a cooler time of year I think you could easily spend a day here. In fact you might find that the free outdoor areas are just as lovely as the greenhouses!

A typical adult entry fee to the greenhouses is ¥98-128, and opening hours are 9am to 5pm with last entry at 4.30pm. The greenhouse is closed on Mondays except for Chinese statutory holidays. Tickets can be booked in advance using WeChat. You can find more details and visitor information here - Buying tickets to Expo Park Greenhouse.