Where are the cherry blossoms in Shanghai, and when do they bloom? Follow this article to find out the upcoming cherry blossom hunting schedule with 13+ Best places see Cherry Blossom in Shanghai Like in a Movie with Living Nomads below!
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Every spring, Shanghai takes on a completely different appearance, gentler, clearer, and more inviting, making people want to slow down and admire them. I used to think this city was only associated with skyscrapers and a hectic pace of life, until the cherry blossom season arrived. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, many streets in Shanghai suddenly transform into romantic scenes, no less beautiful than Japan, perfect for those who want to “check-in” with a youthful vibe right in China.

In this article, I will share the most beautiful cherry blossom routes in Shanghai, along with essential information to help you easily plan your trip.
Gucun Park – Shanghai’s Largest Cherry Blossom Paradise
Address: 4788 Hutai, Baoshan, Shanghai
If you’ve ever been captivated by the vibrant and lively cherry blossom scenery like in Japanese films, Gucun Park is definitely a must-visit destination in Shanghai during springtime. From my first visit, I understood why it’s always considered the city’s largest cherry blossom park. The vast space with over 16,000 cherry trees creates pathways overflowing with pink, perfect for strolling, taking photos, and picnicking all day long.
The best time to see the blossoms is usually from early March to mid-April. During the festival season, the park offers additional activities such as nighttime cherry blossom viewing, light shows, food courts, and a striking pink Ferris wheel. Entrance fee is currently 20 CNY (approximately 74,781 VND). For a beautiful photo spot combining cherry blossoms and the Ferris wheel, choose to enter through Gate 2!
North Bund – Admiring Cherry Blossoms Amidst Shanghai’s Modern Skyline
Address: 518 Feihong, Hongkou, Shanghai
You don’t need to leave the city center to find cherry blossoms in full bloom at the North Bund on the banks of the Huangpu River. This area offers a very different experience, with cherry blossoms appearing amidst a modern urban space, with the wide river in front and Shanghai’s characteristic skyline in the distance.
It’s easy to see that North Bund isn’t as crowded as larger parks, making it suitable for those who enjoy strolling and taking candid photos. The nearly 1,200-meter-long riverside walkway allows you to admire the blossoms while observing the city’s rhythm. The best time to enjoy the scenery and take photos is late afternoon, when the light softens and the city begins to light up.
Century Park – A Peaceful Cherry Blossom Paradise in Pudong
Address: 409 Huamu Rd, Pudong, Shanghai
Amidst the modern streets of Pudong, Century Park offers a serene spring scene, perfect for viewing cherry blossoms in slow motion. When I visited, the atmosphere was quite peaceful, ideal for those who prefer leisurely strolls rather than crowded photo spots. The park features many different cherry blossom varieties, including the early-blooming Kawazu zakura, so the flowering season usually starts earlier.
The park is open from 5 AM to 9 PM, so you can visit early in the morning or late in the day. Entrance fee is 10 CNY, approximately 37,391 VND. Besides strolling and admiring the blossoms, you can also have a picnic, walk around the lake, or relax by boat. The flower-lined paths create a very pleasant atmosphere and are also quite easy to photograph.
Chenshan Botanical Garden – A Long-Lasting Cherry Blossom Season with a Unique Experience
Address: 35GG+VH7, Shetiankun Hwy, Songjiang District, Shanghai
Located a little further from the city center, Chenshan Botanical Garden feels like stepping into a vast spring world. As you venture deeper into the garden, you’ll see cherry blossoms continuously appearing along the pathways, like an endless spring garden. With over 2,000 cherry trees spread across a large area, it’s perfect for strolling and taking photos in its spacious setting.
The cherry blossoms here usually begin blooming from the end of February and last until the beginning of April, offering flexible viewing times. Besides the cherry blossom area, the greenhouses and botanical displays featuring various cherry blossom varieties are also interesting stops on your tour. During the festival season, Chenshan also offers camping activities and a very interesting sakura-themed post office. The garden is open from 7 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is 15 CNY (approximately 56,086 VND).
Hongkou Football Stadium – A Cherry Blossom Corridor in the Heart of the City
Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Address: 444 Dongjiangwan Rd, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Every spring, Hongkou Stadium becomes a “hot spot” for young people because of the cherry blossoms blooming right in front of the metro station, creating a romantic scene like a coming-of-age movie. As soon as you step out of the station, you see rows of cherry blossoms blooming along the walkway, like walking down a flower-lined path in the city. Especially, right from exit number 1 of subway line 8, you’ll enter a dreamy cherry blossom corridor.
Besides that, if you like taking photos, I recommend going to Exit 2 of Line 3. Here, on the second floor of the train station, there’s a stunning view to capture the pink and white cherry blossoms along with the passing trains, like a vivid movie scene. March is the peak cherry blossom season here, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Minhang Sports Park – A Flower-Filled Pathway for Families
Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Address: 456 Xinzhen Rd, Minhang District, Shanghai
Located in a quieter area of Shanghai, Minhang Sports Park offers a refreshing atmosphere from the moment you enter. Along the lakeside paths are rows of blooming cherry blossoms, creating a very pleasant route for a spring stroll. The spacious area makes sightseeing comfortable, even with family.
The park is designed to combine exercise and relaxation. The jogging paths, wide lawns, and lakeside area are popular spots for people to stop and admire the flowers and take photos. Children can also have fun at the slides and playgrounds provided. The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm and there is no entrance fee, so you should come early in the morning or late in the afternoon for more open space to take photos.
Tongji University – A University Campus with Cherry Blossoms of Youthful Beauty
Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
Address: 1238 Gonghexin Rd, Zha Bei Qu, Shanghai
When spring arrives in Shanghai, Tongji University campus becomes one of the places to admire cherry blossoms with a youthful atmosphere. From the very first path, I saw rows of cherry blossoms stretching between the teaching buildings, creating a scene very similar to Japanese school dramas. The blossoms bloom profusely around the campus, along the lake and along the pathways, creating a very romantic atmosphere.
The university campus gives a feeling of tranquility and serenity. Besides cherry blossoms, the grounds also feature many other spring flowers such as peach blossoms, begonia, and apricot blossoms, making the overall landscape quite diverse. Many people often come here to walk and take commemorative photos. Try renting a school uniform and taking pictures here – you’re sure to get some really innocent and youthful photos!
Tian’an 1000 Trees Promenade – Sakura Amidst Unique Architectural Art
Address: No. 120, Mo Ganshan Rd, Putuo District, Shanghai
One of my favorite cherry blossom viewing experiences in Shanghai is strolling along the Tian’an 1000 Trees riverside promenade. Along the banks of Suzhou Creek, individual Yoshino cherry trees form a nearly 900-meter-long flower corridor, making me feel like I’ve wandered into a giant secret garden in the middle of the city.
The cherry blossom season is usually accompanied by a four-week flower festival. Weekends also feature pop-up markets and art performances, perfect for a relaxing stroll or light shopping. I often stop by a riverside cafe, sip tea, and watch the cherry blossoms fall; it feels so peaceful and romantic.
Nanpu Bridge Bus Station – An Unexpected Cherry Blossom Spot Near Nanpu Bridge
Address: Huangpu, Shanghai
I never imagined that a bus station could become a cherry blossom viewing spot as beautiful as something out of a movie in Shanghai. The delicate pink and white cherry blossoms at Nanpu bus station create a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli animated film, even though it’s not as spacious as other famous parks.
What I liked most was the sight of the blossoms blending with the passing buses, creating a space that was both vibrant and romantic. I even tried visiting at night and was captivated by the neon lights reflecting on the petals through the bus windows, creating a dazzling picture completely different from daytime. This is truly a small corner well worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet, poetic space amidst the bustling city.
Jing’an Sculpture Park – Sakura Interspersed with Contemporary Art
Address: 500 Beijing Rd (W), Jing’an
For me, Jing’an Sculpture Park is the ideal destination for those who love cherry blossoms and contemporary art. This park stands out with its early-blooming cherry trees signaling the arrival of spring, while subtly incorporating international sculptures scattered throughout. Walking around here, I enjoyed the beauty of the cherry blossoms while feeling like I was in an open-air art museum.
This is also where I often take amazing selfies to show off to my friends. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning. Remember to bring your camera and power bank to take tons of photos at this super cool “background”!
Suzhou Creek Promenade – A Cherry Blossom Strip Along the Ancient Canal of Shanghai
Address: Jingan District, Shanghai
I absolutely love spaces that are both close to nature and have a modern architectural feel, and the Suzhou Creek promenade is one such place. The cherry blossom strip stretches from Sichuan Bridge to Zhapu Bridge, next to the historic Shanghai Post Museum, creating a very “postcard” view of the city. I’ve strolled here before, sipping coffee and enjoying the fresh air, feeling like I was in an art film.
What impressed me most was how easy it was to take photos with the Oriental Jade Tower as a backdrop, a very characteristic and quintessential Shanghai feature. The best time for cherry blossoms is usually from early March to April, so if you want to experience it fully, you should plan your trip accordingly. This walkway is completely free, perfect for those who want to relax and still have a beautiful space for taking Instagram-worthy photos.
Lu Xun Park – A Cherry Blossom Space Rich in Cultural Heritage
Address: 146 East Jiangwan Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
When searching for a place with both cherry blossoms and rich cultural value, I always think of Lu Xun Park in Hongkou District. The park is famous for its more than 500 Yoshino cherry trees, and when they bloom, they create a stunning scene straight out of a Japanese movie. I usually start my journey on subway line 3, enjoying the cherry blossoms through the train window, then stop at the park to stroll around and take pictures.
The park is very spacious, with many walking paths, a lake, and greenery. It’s open from 5 am to 9 pm and completely free, perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends or family. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April; you should choose a weekday to avoid crowds.
Dongchang Road MRT Station – A Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot in the Lujiazui Financial District
Address: Dongchang Rd, Minhang District, Shanghai
Amidst the towering financial buildings of Lujiazui, I unexpectedly found a rather secluded cherry blossom viewing spot near Dongchang Road station. This charming little space features a park with cherry blossoms, a graceful bridge, and a water feature, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
Take exit number 1 of MRT station on Line 2, stroll slowly, enjoy the fresh air, and take some photos against the backdrop of the three iconic Shanghai skyscrapers. I think this place is perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds but still want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the flowers. The best time to see the blossoms is usually from mid-March to early April, and even better, there’s no entrance fee, making it very convenient to visit during your trip.
Tips for Independent Travelers to See Cherry Blossoms in Shanghai
The cherry blossom season in Shanghai always fascinates me and many young people with its natural beauty, like something out of a movie. If you’re going to see the blossoms here for the first time, a few tips will help make your trip smoother and more fulfilling.
- Plan your visit around the end of March to the beginning of April, as this is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
- Prioritize going early in the morning for better light and fewer crowds, especially in popular parks.
- Check the blooming times via Xiaohongshu or WeChat, as the timing may vary by region.
- Travel by metro to save time and money; single tickets usually cost around 3 to 6 CNY, equivalent to 11,217 to 22,434 VND.
- Wear comfortable shoes as many cherry blossom viewing spots require a long walk.
- Bring a power bank for your phone so you don’t miss any opportunities to take beautiful photos.
Prepare snacks and drinks for large parks to avoid long queues. - Choose light or neutral-colored clothing for better photo quality.
- Avoid weekends if possible, as there are large crowds of locals visiting the cherry blossoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai Cherry Blossoms

1. When do cherry blossoms usually bloom in Shanghai?
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai typically bloom from late March to mid-April, although some suburban areas like Chenshan may bloom a week or two earlier or later.
2. Which are considered the best places to see cherry blossoms in Shanghai?
Gucun Park is the most popular cherry blossom viewing spot, but easily accessible areas in the city center such as North Bund, Jing’an Park, Century Park, and Chenshan Botanical Garden are also popular choices.
3. Do visitors need to buy tickets to enter cherry blossom parks in Shanghai?
Some parks, such as Gucun Park, Century Park, and Chenshan Botanical Garden, charge an entrance fee, while North Bund, Suzhou Creek Walkway, and Jing’an Sculpture Park offer free entry.
4. How crowded are cherry blossom viewing spots in Shanghai on weekends?
The park is usually very crowded on weekends, especially Gucun Park, so visitors should go early in the morning or choose a weekday for a more comfortable experience.
5. Are visitors allowed to bring food into the park for picnics while viewing cherry blossoms?
Many large parks like Gucun Park and Century Park allow picnics, however, visitors still need to comply with hygiene regulations and check the notices at the entrance.
The cherry blossom season in Shanghai gives me a completely different feeling compared to the usual bustling image of the city. Shanghai is not only vibrant but also has gentle moments, full of natural colors. The cherry blossom viewing spots I’ve shared are all easily accessible, suitable for both relaxing walks and taking Instagram-worthy photos. If you’re looking for a romantic yet approachable spring destination, save these!
Prepare your suitcase to hunt for Shanghai cherry blossoms this spring!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to
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