There’s a moment when you’re walking through Shanghai’s Expo Culture Park (世博文化公园) that you forget you’re in a city of 25 million people. The breeze comes off the Huangpu River. The trees are dense. And if you’ve just climbed the 48-meter Twin Hills (双子山), you’re looking down at a panorama that includes both Lupu Bridge and the Lujiazui skyline.
This isn’t a park you stumble upon by accident. It’s a 2-square-kilometer green space built on the former site of the 2010 World Expo, and it has quietly become one of the best places in Shanghai for families, couples, and anyone who needs a break from the concrete.
Let me tell you why it’s worth your weekend—and how to do it right.
Twin Hills: Yes, Shanghai Has a Mountain Now
The first thing everyone talks about is Twin Hills. It’s a 48-meter artificial mountain (the tallest peak), with a secondary peak at 37 meters. To put that in perspective, it’s roughly the height of a 16-story building. It’s also the first artificial mountain in China with a hollow structure—the inside holds exhibition spaces and a parking garage .
The climb takes about 15-20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The paths are gentle, and I’ve seen grandparents with walking sticks make it up without trouble. At the top, you get a view that’s genuinely different from anywhere else in Shanghai: the river, the bridge, and the Lujiazui skyline all in one frame .
Good news for 2026: The reservation system for Twin Hills was cancelled on June 1, 2026. You can just walk in now. During peak holidays, the viewing platform may implement one-way flow and crowd control, so early mornings or late afternoons are still your best bet .
The Greenhouse Garden: Where You’ll Want to Spend the Most Time
If Twin Hills is the free thrill, the Greenhouse Garden (温室花园) is the paid experience that justifies its ticket. It’s one of the largest glass conservatories in Asia, covering 22,000 square meters .
There are three zones, and each feels like a different world:
Zone 1: Mirage Oasis (海市沙洲) — Desert landscape with giant cacti, baobab trees, and rare agave species. The light and shadow play here is incredible, especially in the late afternoon .
Zone 2: Cloud Forest (云上森林) — This is the highlight. A 20-meter indoor waterfall, a V-shaped skywalk, and a massive aquarium where fish swim among aquatic plants. People compare it to Avatar, and honestly, they’re not exaggerating .
Zone 3: Cloud Mist Valley (云雾峡谷) — A fairy-tale garden with hanging flowers, mist, and a shallow splash area for kids. In the afternoon, sunlight pours through the glass ceiling and creates a cinematic effect .
Practical info: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Closed Mondays. Tickets are 98 RMB on weekdays, 128 RMB on weekends and holidays. Children and seniors get half-price. Book through the official “上海世博文化公园” WeChat mini-program .
Pro tip: Go after 3:00 PM. The crowds thin out, the light is softer, and you can catch both the daytime greenery and the evening light displays .
Shen Garden: A Free Jiangnan Garden Without the Suzhou Crowds
Shen Garden (申园) is a 5-hectare classical Jiangnan-style garden tucked inside the park. White walls, dark tiles, winding corridors, rockeries, and koi ponds. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down .
The best part? You can see the Lujiazui skyline peeking above the garden walls. There’s something surreal about standing in a Ming-dynasty-style pavilion and seeing the Shanghai Tower in the background.
Tickets: Peak season (April 1 – October 31) is 30 RMB. Off-peak is 20 RMB. Students and seniors get half-price. Children under 1.3 meters are free. You must reserve in advance through the official mini-program .
Photo tip: If you’re into hanfu photography, this is one of the best spots in Shanghai. The garden is less crowded than Yu Garden and the backdrops are just as good .
Other Things Worth Knowing
The Altay Lawn (阿勒泰草坪) — Shanghai’s own version of the Altay grasslands. It’s a large open lawn perfect for picnics and lazy afternoons. Note: As of late 2026, the lawn is under maintenance and temporarily closed for walking or sitting. Check before you go .
The Eleven-Arch Bridge (十一孔桥) — A beautiful spot for sunset photos, especially from the Twin Hills viewing platform .
The Rodin Art Center — Originally the French Pavilion from the 2010 Expo, now an art space with rotating exhibitions. In spring, the surrounding area blooms with flowers .
Food options: There are KFC, Starbucks, and DQ inside the park. But for better value, walk to the Expo Source underground food court nearby—expect 25-35 RMB for a filling meal .
Getting There
By Metro (recommended):
- Line 13 to Expo Avenue Station (世博大道站), Exit 4 — about 5 minutes walk to the East Gate
- Line 7 to Houtan Station (后滩站), Exit 4 — about 5 minutes walk to the South Gate
By Car: Navigate to P2/P4 parking lots. Parking is 8 RMB/hour, capped at 60 RMB per day .
Park hours: Main park area is open 24 hours. Twin Hills viewing platform is 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM. Shen Garden and the Greenhouse Garden have their own hours (Shen Garden: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Mondays) .
My Honest Take
Expo Culture Park is what Shanghai does best: it takes a piece of history (the 2010 Expo), reimagines it as something useful and beautiful, and makes it accessible to everyone. The main park is free. The metro gets you there in minutes. And you can spend an entire day wandering between a mountain, a garden, and a rainforest without ever feeling like you’re in a tourist trap.
For expats especially, it’s a reminder that Shanghai isn’t just skyscrapers and lane houses. There’s green space here. Real green space. You just have to know where to look.
If you’re planning a visit and want to combine it with exploring neighborhoods nearby—or if you’re thinking about living in this part of Pudong—we’re happy to help. We know the compounds, the metro routes, and the best coffee spots within walking distance.
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