Shanghai Expo Culture Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Expo Culture Park?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can run in Mushroom Park playground, splash in Greenhouse Mist Valley, join craft workshops, and picnic safely on fenced lawns; toilets are ample but constant adult supervision is still needed.
Positives:
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Playgrounds, picnic lawns and flat paths make exploring easy and fun for all ages.
- Low Cost for Most Areas: Most attractions and green spaces are free, so you can focus spending on a few special experiences.
Challenges:
- Advance Reservations: Some sites like the Greenhouse water play and Twin-Hills require booking via the WeChat mini-program.
- Weekend Crowds: Weekends and holidays draw large families; expect waits at playgrounds and craft stalls.
What is Shanghai Expo Culture Park?
- A 2-square-kilometer urban park on Pudong’s Huangpu Riverfront repurposing the site of Expo 2010 into an ecological and cultural centerpiece
- A blend of preserved Expo pavilions and new landmarks—including Shen Garden’s Jiangnan-style courtyards, the Twin Hills viewing mounds, World Expo Garden, Shanghai Greenhouse and a Grand Opera House
- A layered landscape weaving historical water systems, industrial relics and Expo motifs into forests, wetlands and lawns along the river
What is so special about Shanghai Expo Culture Park for with kids?
- Safe, themed Mushroom Park playground for all ages
- Seasonal blooms and a maze in the World Floral Garden
- Indoor water play amid exotic plants at Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
- Scenic lake-side lawns for family picnics
- Hands-on craft workshops to spark creativity
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to enjoy playgrounds, gardens and water play without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Expo Culture Park
Mushroom Park Playground:
Safe, themed play area with slides, swings and imaginative structures at Twin-Hills base.
Tip: Arrive early to beat crowds and let adults rest on nearby benches while supervising.
World Floral Garden:
Five ground-level gardens showcasing seasonal flowers, a small maze and sculptures.
Tip: Turn the maze walk into a family game by following its map together.
Shanghai Greenhouse Garden Water Play:
Indoor shallow water zone where kids splash under supervision amid exotic plants.
Tip: Book timed slots one day ahead; pack swimsuits, towels and dry clothes.
Picnic on Central Lake Lawns:
Wide grassy areas by the lake edge perfect for family picnics.
Tip: Bring a blanket, snacks and sun hats; shade is limited at midday.
Seasonal Craft Workshops:
Occasional leaf carving, rope-making and other hands-on cultural crafts for kids.
Tip: Check the ‘Featured Activities’ board on arrival for schedule and small material fees.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Expo Culture Park
- Book via WeChat Mini-Program: Reserve timed-entry attractions like the water play one day before to secure your slot.
- Visit on Weekdays: Choose Tuesday to Thursday for shorter lines and more space at playgrounds.
Reviews of Shanghai Expo Culture Park
Thao Nguyen
Beautiful and spacious park. Can easliy spend a full day here
Mugi Yamamoto
This park has been renovated last year and is really worth a visit, with two little artificial mountains to climp, a huge pond, vast green spaces, the botanical gardens and the new opera house which will open in 2025. The tickets for the botanical gardens were too expensive, but still worth it to see and a good thing to do on a rainy day.
Rico Li
Botanic garden is superb. But that means a lot of walking from the main road
Hajer M. Anderson (Miss Hajer)
This park is just amazing, it's worth visiting all year round (except for rainy season), it has a very unique architectural layout, combining both nature and industrial art. It has a gorgeous view on the river, is located right under the amazing lupu bridge, and directly connected to one of Shanghai's most interesting malls. The cherry on the top is the art museum across the street with its distin...
Diman Prrok
The park is awesome! The best way to explore it is to use the bike sharing. This is one of the best way to discover Shanghai as you can walk, run or bike along the 30+km trail along the Huangpu river, you can visit both sides but the one in Pudong is clearly the best!! Very modern and green, it is clearly one of my favorite place in Shanghai. The park can be a bit crowded during summer but the spa...
When is the best time to visit Shanghai Expo Culture Park (Shanghai, China)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms in Expo Garden. Summer afternoons are ideal for Greenhouse water play. Autumn offers mild weather for lake strolls. In winter, dress warmly for open lawns and forest walks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse water play tickets (2 adults ¥98, 2 kids ¥49) | CNY 294 |
| Snacks and drinks | CNY 100 |
| Metro round-trip fare (2 adults ¥10, 2 kids ¥5) | CNY 30 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 424 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Shanghai Expo Culture Park
Address: 1700 Shi Bo Da Dao, 周家渡 Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200126
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