Chongming Island, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and facing downtown Shanghai across the river, is the third largest island in China. The island is home to a wealth of geological relics and tidal flat landscapes, essentially making it a large geological park itself. Therefore, the Chongming Island National Geopark encompasses the entire island. Here, you can visit the Dongtan Wetland Park to watch the sunrise and observe migratory birds, go to the Xisha Wetland Park to enjoy the sunset, or head to the Dongping National Forest Park to camp and cycle with your family, enjoying the pleasures of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Chongming Island lacks high-rise buildings; instead, it offers more rural areas and fields, along with fresh air and the refreshing scent of plants, making it an ideal place for a weekend getaway. On the northwest end of the island, there are Xisha Wetland and Mingzhu Lake Park. Xisha Wetland is an excellent spot for sunset viewing, allowing you to overlook the ships passing on the Yangtze River from the riverbank, while autumn and winter are the best seasons for birdwatching. Mingzhu Lake, adjacent to Xisha Wetland, is a perfect place for cycling around the lake and taking a leisurely walk.
On the eastern end of the island, there is the Dongtan Wetland Park, facing the sea, which is an excellent place for sunrise viewing and birdwatching. In the middle of Chongming Island, there is the Dongping National Forest Park, where the forest is lush, and you can cycle, play paintball, go grass sliding, barbecue, and camp, making it suitable for outings with family and friends. There are also many agritourism farms on Chongming Island where you can enjoy farmhouse cuisine, go fishing, and pick seasonal fruits.
You can also opt for a cycling tour around the island, getting close to nature while promoting environmental protection, as there are ‘Yi Mi Bicycle’ rental points at the entrances of the main scenic areas on the island. On the southern part of Chongming Island, Chengqiao Town is a more bustling area with well-known attractions such as Chongming Academy (Chongming Museum) and Yingzhou Park, as well as various hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses. A visit to Chongming Island typically takes 1-2 days. It is convenient to travel to the island by bus, boat, or car, although the travel time is relatively long. Therefore, for a one-day trip to Chongming, it is recommended to drive yourself or join a tour group. It takes about 2 hours to drive from the city to the island’s attractions. Opening hours are 08:30-16:00 from Monday to Friday, and 08:30-16:30 on weekends and holidays.
Chongming Island National Geopark
Chongming Island, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and facing downtown Shanghai across the [...]
