Chongming

Chongming Island is a nature destination in Shanghai suited to a short weekend trip, with extensive wetlands and woodland. Driving is a convenient way to explore. The following guide groups itinerary ideas, food, accommodation and transport information by area.

Suggested Itinerary

Chongming's attractions are spread across the eastern and western sides of the island, nearly 100 kilometers apart. Grouping your visits by area saves time and reduces long journeys back and forth.

• Day 1 (Eastern Wetlands and Forest): Set off from central Shanghai and head to Dongtan Wetland Park for cycling, birdwatching and sunset photography. In the evening, check in around Chenjia Town or Dongping, then enjoy Chongming farmhouse cooking for dinner.
• Day 2 (Fresh Forest Air and River Sunsets): Spend the morning at Dongping National Forest Park, cycling, feeding deer or having a picnic. In the afternoon, head to Baozhen Pier or the Water Affairs Enforcement Pier to watch the sunset over the Yangtze River from a groyne or the riverbank and enjoy the breeze before heading home.
• Day 3 (Western Wetlands and Creative Spaces): If you have more time, visit Xisha Wetland Park to catch crabs and watch wild geese being released into flight. You can also visit M515 Creative Park and Chongming Museum near Nanmen to explore local creative work and history.

Chongming Foods to Try

Local farmhouse cooking focuses on fresh island ingredients and simple flavors, making it a worthwhile part of your trip.

• Chongming Freshwater Crab: These crabs have relatively thin shells and flavorful meat, with richer roe and fat in autumn and winter. Steaming preserves their natural sweetness.

• Chongming White Goat: The meat is tender with little gaminess. Braised goat and goat hotpot are both good choices in autumn and winter.

• Chongming Rice Cake: Steamed from glutinous and non-glutinous rice, these soft, moderately sweet cakes come in flavors such as red date and walnut and are easy to take home.

• Shredded Golden Squash: Known as “vegetable jellyfish,” it is crisp and fragrant when served cold, making a refreshing side dish.

Where to Stay

Accommodation is mainly concentrated in Chenjia Town and Dongping in the east, and Nanmen and Baozhen in the west. Choose a base that suits the areas you plan to visit each day.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Driving to the Island: Reach Chongming via the Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge for a more flexible itinerary. Holiday traffic can be heavy, so aim to leave before 7 a.m. or travel outside peak hours.
• Public Transport: Take a Shenchong bus service or a ferry from Baoyang Pier to Nanmen Pier. Ferry tickets are in high demand during holidays, so book ahead through the “Shanghai Ferry” (上海客轮) mini program. Island bus services finish relatively early, so allow enough time for your return journey.
• Things to Note: Some Chongming guesthouses do not provide disposable toothbrushes or slippers, so bring your own. Dongtan Wetland Park may limit visitor numbers on weekends; reserve tickets 1–3 days ahead. Bring insect repellent for the rural wetlands. Watch the tides near the river and groynes, and stay out of unsafe embankment areas.