Baoshan

Baoshan's river winds are strong in autumn and winter, so bring a windproof jacket when visiting the waterfront and wetlands.

Far from the bustle of downtown, Baoshan has river views, wetlands, ancient temples, and Nordic-style towns, making it ideal for weekend breaks and family outings. Below are two one-day itineraries, along with dining and accommodation information.

• Baoshan Temple: The complex recreates Tang dynasty architecture in wood, with tranquil, austere flying eaves and bracket sets. It is one of Shanghai's few groups of Tang-style temple buildings.
• Wusong Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park: This riverside wetland is free to enter and features a quarry garden, a century-old fortification site, and reed beds. It is ideal for watching the sunset and trying your hand at catching crabs along the shore.
• Luodian Ancient Town: Commercial development is limited, while the Ming- and Qing-era old street and everyday local life remain relatively well preserved.
• Meilan Lake: The lake area has Nordic-style buildings and a wooden promenade around the lake. On sunny days, the water appears blue-green, making it suitable for walks, camping, and photographing European-style scenery.
• Baoshan Riverside Park: The riverside trail along the Yangtze is suitable for cycling and walking. From the Changtan Observation Tower, you can look out over the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers.

• Wusong Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park: This riverside wetland is free to enter and features a quarry garden, a century-old fortification site, and reed beds. You can watch the sunset and try your hand at catching crabs along the shore.

• Luodian Ancient Town: With little commercial bustle, the Ming- and Qing-era old street and scenes of local life are still preserved, making it a good place to explore at a leisurely pace.

• Meilan Lake: Nordic-style buildings and a wooden promenade line the lake. On sunny days, the water looks blue-green, and you can plan a walk, go camping, or photograph European-style scenery.

• Baoshan Riverside Park: The trail along the Yangtze is ideal for cycling in the breeze, and from the Changtan Observation Tower you can overlook the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers.

Suggested Itineraries

• Route One: Zen at an Ancient Temple and Riverside Nature (ideal for couples, photography, and quiet reflection)
  • Morning: Start at Baoshan Temple and visit its Tang-style wooden buildings to experience the temple's calm and solemn atmosphere. If you plan to have vegetarian food at the temple, arrive before 11:30 a.m.

• Lunch: Eat at a restaurant near Baoshan Temple, or drive to the Wusongkou area for a meal.
  • Afternoon: Visit Wusong Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park, see the quarry garden, stroll along the wetland boardwalk, and watch the sunset by the river in the evening.

• Route Two: Jiangnan Water Towns and a Nordic Fairytale (ideal for children, families, and city walks)
  • Morning: Explore Luodian Ancient Town, passing through stone-paved lanes and Datong Bridge. Enjoy the relatively quiet water-town setting and sample traditional local snacks.
  • Lunch: Have Luodian handmade fish balls and caotou taping in the ancient town.
  • Afternoon: Head to Meilan Lake to see the European-style buildings by the lake, or walk along the 4.2 km wooden promenade around the lake to view black swans and their reflections on the water.

Baoshan Food Recommendations

Baoshan offers both Shanghai-style cuisine and affordable street snacks and local farmhouse dishes.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

• Where to stay: If you plan to stay overnight in Baoshan, consider hotels near a metro station or attraction. Shanghai Baoshan Delta Hotel has European palace-style decor and a grand staircase in the lobby. It is close to Wusongkou Cruise Terminal, making it suitable before or after a cruise. Shanghai Baoshan Hulan Road Metro Station Jianguo Puyue Hotel has spacious rooms, moderate prices, and convenient metro access for trips into the city.

• Travel tips:
  • Stay warm and protect yourself from the wind: The waterfront and wetlands in Baoshan can be quite windy, so bring a windproof jacket when visiting the riverside in autumn and winter.
  • Travel outside peak times: Parking is difficult during the spring cherry blossom season at Gucun Park, so take Metro Line 7. On weekdays, it is also best to arrive early at Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park for easier parking.
  • Observe local etiquette: Remain quiet when entering Baoshan Temple and other religious sites, and avoid wearing overly revealing short skirts or shorts.
  • Bring supplies: There are few shops along hiking routes such as the Luojing Water Conservation Forest, so bring drinking water and wear non-slip shoes.