Chongming Island, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, faces downtown Shanghai across the river. It is the third largest island in China, featuring a wealth of geological relics and tidal flat landscapes. The island itself is a vast geological park. Therefore, the Chongming Island National Geopark encompasses the entire island, where 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 for camping and cycling with family, enjoying the tranquility away from the bustling city.
Chongming Island lacks high-rise buildings; instead, it offers rural landscapes, fields, fresh air, and the refreshing scent of plants, making it an ideal weekend getaway. At the northwest end of the island, you’ll find the Xisha Wetland and Mingzhu Lake Park. Xisha Wetland is an excellent spot for sunset viewing, with a view of the passing ships on the Yangtze River, while autumn and winter are prime seasons for birdwatching. Mingzhu Lake, adjacent to Xisha Wetland, is perfect for cycling around the lake and taking a leisurely stroll. At the eastern end of the island lies the Dongtan Wetland Park, facing the sea, it is an ideal place for sunrise watching and birdwatching. In the central part of Chongming Island, the Dongping National Forest Park boasts lush forests where you can cycle, play paintball, go grass skiing, barbecue, and camp, making it suitable for outings with family and friends. There are also numerous agritourism spots on Chongming Island, where you can enjoy farm-fresh cuisine, go fishing, and pick seasonal fruits. You can also opt for a bicycle tour around the island, getting close to nature and promoting environmental consciousness, with ‘Yi Mi Bicycle’ rental points available at the main scenic spots. The southern part of Chongming Island, Chengqiao Town, is the more bustling area of the island, featuring well-known attractions such as Chongming Academy (Chongming Museum) and Yingzhou Park, as well as various hotels, restaurants, and inns. A visit to Chongming Island typically takes 1-2 days. It is convenient to travel there by bus, boat, or car, although the journey may take some time. For a one-day trip to Chongming, it is recommended to drive yourself or join a tour group. The drive from downtown to the island’s attractions takes about 2 hours. The opening hours are from 08:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:30 to 16:30 Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
