A Refreshing Green Escape – Daning Lingshi (Daning) Park, Shanghai

#shanghaionbudget Visiting Daning Lingshi Park, Shanghai’s largest green space in Puxi, was a serene escape nestled amidst the city’s high-rises. Spanning about 680,000 m², the park blends mountains, wetlands, lakes, forests, and even a sandy artificial beach into a stunning urban oasis . I entered via the North Gate (广中西路288号, Metro Line 1 – Circus World) and immediately felt the lush ambiance. A gentle 4 km lakeside trail and a separate 2 km forest loop guided me past peaceful lakes, flowing streams, and seasonal plants. In May, vibrant blossoms dotted the wetland zones, and the tall trees offered cool shade from the sun . Highlights included: • The North Lake area, complete with three stone bridges and a white sand artificial beach—perfect for relaxing or picnicking . • The West Hill with its 19 m artificial hill and cascading waterfall—ideal for a refreshing climb and panoramic view . • The South Wetland zone, rich with marsh plants, boardwalks, and birdlife—a quiet corner for nature lovers . • The Roman Plaza in the central-west part, offering architectural charm and flowering pergolas—great for photos . The park opens early (5 AM summer / 6 AM winter) and is free to enter (though RMB 2–¥10 for peak events; usually waived before 8 AM) . I spent around 3–4 hours, but it’s easy to spend a full day exploring its vast corners. ✔️ Budget Tips: • Visit during weekday mornings to fully enjoy the beach or wetlands without crowds. • Bring water and snacks—cafés are mainly found outside the park. • Metro Line 1 to Shanghai Circus World Station makes for a smooth arrival. Overall, Daning Lingshi Park is a top-tier budget-friendly escape—offering scenic diversity, photo spots, and nature tranquility—all accessible for free in the heart of Shanghai.