Shanghai Botanical Garden is the largest municipal botanical garden in China, covering an area of 81.86 hectares. Since its establishment in 1974, it has welcomed over 15 million domestic and international visitors. It is also one of the favorite outdoor photography spots for shutterbugs in Shanghai. The garden hosts flower exhibitions every spring and autumn.
Over the years, it has extensively collected a wide variety of ornamental plants from both home and abroad, including many rare and endangered species that have won awards in numerous international competitions. The garden features 17 specialized zones, including the Penjing Garden, Peony Garden, Osmanthus Garden, Rose Garden, Maple Garden, Conifer Garden, Herb Garden, Bamboo Garden, and Orchid Hall.
Starting January 2022, Shanghai Botanical Garden became free to the public. I’ve been there a few times myself; it’s quite expansive, and exploring the entire grounds can be rather tiring. For some reason, this moss garden suddenly went viral this year, so I followed the trend and paid a visit—it makes for some truly beautiful photos.
Located on a small island in the lake within the northern section of Shanghai Botanical Garden, the Moss Garden was newly built during the park’s expansion in 2023. Covering an area of 1,135 square meters, it is currently the only dedicated moss garden in Shanghai’s parks and green spaces, filling a gap in similar specialized gardens across China. Centered around moss landscape creation and educational displays, the garden is divided into four main zones: “First Encounters with Moss,” “Sunlit Moss Courtyard,” “Secluded Stone Path and Stream,” and “Shanghai Moss Hues.” Winding paths connect these areas, featuring artfully arranged landscape stones and driftwood, while misting systems and shade nets work together to create an ideal shaded and humid environment.
Originally, due to low visitor numbers and the fact that moss thrives in tranquility, the garden was open for only one month each year. During that month, it was accessible for just two weekday afternoons per week. Visitor capacity was strictly limited to 20 people at a time, with entry granted only on a one-out-one-in basis. However, after it went viral, long queues formed, prompting a shift to daily opening hours.
I visited on a Monday when crowds were lighter; there were about ten people in line, resulting in roughly a ten-minute wait. The garden isn’t large, styled as a Japanese garden complete with small bridges over flowing streams and overhead shade netting. Visitors tread carefully, mindful not to disturb the delicate moss. Periodic mists are released to maintain humidity, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
If you’re just taking a casual stroll, you could see it all in a few minutes, but if you want to observe closely and take photos, plan on spending a bit more time.
There is also a café inside the botanical garden, seemingly part of a chain, which serves decent coffee and light meals, meeting visitors’ basic needs. As a free park, it’s certainly a great destination for nearby residents. Public transportation isn’t the most convenient—the nearest metro station is a bit of a walk—so taking a bus might be a better option.
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