Chongming

Chongming Island, often called Shanghai’s back garden, has beautiful wetland scenery, fresh air, and a slow-paced rural way of life. It is ideal for a relaxing weekend, a family outing with children, or a couples’ getaway. Below is a comprehensive Chongming travel guide to help you plan your trip with ease.

Transportation Guide

• Self-driving (most recommended): From the city center, take Wuzhou Avenue → Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge → Chenhai Highway. The whole trip takes about 1-1.5 hours. Attractions on the island are spread out, so driving gives you the most freedom. Note that the Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge can get congested during holidays, so off-peak travel is recommended.

• Ferry: Baoyang Wharf → Nanmen Wharf, or Shidongkou Wharf → Xinhe Wharf. This is suitable for visitors who want to experience taking a boat and enjoy views of the Yangtze River. Tickets need to be booked in advance through the “Shanghai Ferry” mini program, and they can be hard to get during holidays.

• Public transportation: Take buses such as Shenchong Line 1 or Shenchong Line 2 directly to Chenjia Town Bus Station. Fares are 10-20 yuan. Bus services on the island are relatively infrequent, so it is recommended to combine them with taxis.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Dongping National Forest Park: The largest man-made plain forest in East China, covering 358 hectares. The park has attractions such as a forest mini train, peacock release, sika deer feeding, and go-karts, making it very suitable for family trips and cycling. Renting an electric scooter is recommended; a full visit takes about 4-5 hours.

• Xisha Wetland · Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area: A 5A-rated scenic area that is free to enter but requires a reservation. It is home to the largest artificial freshwater lake in East China, with activities such as wild goose release, crab fishing, and walks along wooden boardwalks. The reed marshes are especially photogenic, ideal for taking photos and relaxing.

• Dongtan Wetland Park: A birdwatching destination with vast wetlands and rare bird species. Autumn and winter, when migratory birds pass through, are the best seasons for birdwatching. You can rent a bicycle and ride through the reed maze to experience the beauty of the natural ecosystem.

• Baozhen Groin (the popular T-shaped embankment): A free check-in spot and a filming location for the movie Cry Me a Sad River. In the evening, the light is soft and the river surface sparkles, making it a good place to watch the sunset, enjoy the river breeze, and take post-apocalyptic-style photos.

• Yichi Garden (Biyuan Branch): A cafe converted from a century-old Huizhou-style courtyard house. Surrounded by trees, the courtyard has turtles, koi, and black ducks. It is suitable for an afternoon rest and photo stop.

• Chongming Museum: Free to visit. Its permanent exhibitions include the history of Chongming Island and Chongming folk customs, presenting the island’s history and local ways of life through cultural relics and reconstructed scenes.

Must-Try Food

• Plain Poached Chicken: A Chongming specialty with tender, flavorful meat. It is served at many farmhouse restaurants and small local eateries. Recommended places include Xinhong Restaurant and Xiaomao Eatery.

• Braised Mutton: A Chongming intangible cultural heritage cooking technique. Local white goats are slow-stewed over low heat, resulting in gelatinous skin and tender meat that is rich but not greasy. It is a nourishing dish especially suited to autumn and winter.

• Hairy Crab with Rice Cakes: A classic farmhouse dish so fresh it is unforgettable. The crab is sweet and savory, while the rice cakes soak up the broth. Recommended places include Qin Dajie Farmhouse Restaurant and Xiaoliu Farmhouse Restaurant.

• Chongming Cake: A chewy traditional pastry with flavors such as red dates, walnuts, and red beans. Its name carries the auspicious meaning of “rising higher year after year,” making it a good souvenir.

• Golden Pumpkin Shreds: A common Chongming cold dish. After steaming, the pumpkin naturally separates into “golden threads,” with a crisp, refreshing, and lightly sweet texture. It is an excellent cold dish for summer.

• Recommended souvenirs: Chongming narcissus flowers (November-January), Chongming saffron, Chongming rice, Chongming homespun cloth products, and salted pickled clover.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Relaxed Version):
  • Morning: Depart from the city center → Dongping National Forest Park (cycling, feeding animals, watching the peacock release)

• Noon: Eat plain poached chicken and hairy crab with rice cakes at a nearby farmhouse restaurant
  • Afternoon: Have coffee and rest at Yichi Garden → watch the sunset at Baozhen Groin
  • Evening: Return or stay overnight at an island guesthouse

• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Version):
  • Day 1: City center → Xisha Wetland (crab fishing, watching the wild goose release) → farmhouse lunch → watch the sunset at Baozhen Groin in the evening → stay at a guesthouse in Zhongxing Town or Chenjia Town

• Day 2: Dongtan Wetland Park (birdwatching, cycling) → Chongming Museum → return

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) for flowers and outings, autumn (September-November) for birdwatching and reeds, summer for escaping the heat, and winter for a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, sun hat, mosquito repellent, binoculars (for birdwatching), and comfortable sports shoes.
• Pitfall reminders: Book ferry tickets early during holidays; last buses on the island leave early, so plan your timing carefully; if driving, watch for congestion at the Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge and travel off-peak if possible.
• Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed in Dongping National Forest Park (with a 20 yuan cleaning fee), and pets are also allowed in Dongtan Wetland Park.