5 best nature getaways on Chongming Island
Two hours away from downtown Shanghai by bus -- at the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta -- lies Chongming (崇明岛), China's third largest island and the reputed "land of fish and rice."
The 1,041-square-kilometer island is also dubbed a “national geological park" by the Shanghai tourist authority, providing abundant rural and natural scenery, dotted with natural parks, several wetlands and ecological villages.
Here are the five best destination options in Chongming for a refreshing weekend getaway.
1. Dongtan Wetland (东滩湿地公园)
Lurking on the eastern tip of the island, Dongtan is a pristine biologically diverse wetland park. Vast expanses of green, laced with curving streams, stretch as far as the eye can see.
Established in 2003, this 24-square-kilometer park is also China's only wetland park to neighbor a migratory bird reserve.
“I come to this place to relax in the natural scenery," says Zhou Feifan (周非凡), 26, who lives near the park. "And the birds are beautiful, especially the herons.”
About 300 species of birds can be seen around the year, making Dongtan an unmatched bird-watching spot in Shanghai.
The best time to visit is between June and September, when there are large numbers of migratory birds, some flying from as far away as Europe and North America.
Admission is RMB 70, and the best way to get to there is to take a taxi from Chenjia Town (陈家镇) in Chongming, which should cost less than RMB 40.
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Dongtan Wetland Park (东滩湿地公园), Dongwang Lu, Dongtan, next to a windmill 崇明东滩东旺路, 风车旁, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., +86 21 3936 7000, www.dongtanshidi.com
2. Dongping Forest Park (东平国家森林公园)
This 3.58-square-kilometer park is the largest man-made forest in eastern China, and is a relaxing place to get lost for an afternoon.
Bike-friendly paths wind through thick groves of bamboo and pine in the park, and visitors may occasionally spot roaming deer and horses.
Rock-climbing walls and zip-lines can be found along the way to tempt any urban dwellers off the trail. The visitor will also be able to find more than 500 species of trees and flowers.
“It is nice to just ride a bicycle [here], look at the trees, and forget about all the stress in Shanghai,” says 49-year-old visitor Chen Shun (陈顺).
Admission to the park is RMB 70. Take a taxi from Chongming's port town of Nanmen (南门), which should cost less than RMB 40.
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Dongping Forest Park (东平国家森林公园), Beiyan Gong Lu, between Jianshe Lu and Panlong Lu 北沿公路, 建设路蟠龙路间, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., +86 21 5933 8028, www.dpslpark.com
3. Qianwei Ecology Village (前卫生态村)
Situated in the north-central part of the island, this village was built in 1969 on former reed beds. After a decade of tourism development, Qianwei Ecology Village has proved a fine example of sustainable living in Shanghai.
The rustic eco-village offers visitors the chance to push wheelbarrows, ride horses, spin waterwheels, pick fruit and veggies and go fishing.
Finish your day with a stroll in the 66,666-square-meter fragrant vanilla garden.
With a commitment to clean energy, Qianwei’s electricity is provided by wind, solar, biogas, geothermal, and even straw-power generation.
Admission to the village is RMB 40, and it's only a brief taxi ride from Dongping Forest Park. The Nandong Line (南东线) from Nanmen also reaches here.
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Qianwei Ecology Village (前卫生态村), Linfeng Gong Lu, near Beiyan Gong Lu 近林风公路, 近北沿公路, +86 21 5964 9170, www.dpslpark.com
