Location & Transportation

Caoxi Park sits in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, nestled at 203 Caoxi Road. It’s super easy to reach—just hop off at Exit 2 of Caobaolu Metro Station (Line 12⁄19) and walk 340 meters. You’ll spot the park’s traditional gates within minutes!

Natural Landscape: A Garden of Seasons

Step into Caoxi Park, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a classical Chinese painting. The park is packed with winding paths, tiny bridges, and quiet ponds. In spring, Caoxi Park bursts with peonies and芍药（sháo yào, a type of peony）in the south garden, while the north shines with fragrant osmanthus（桂花）and winter sweet（蜡梅）later in the year.

You’ll find over 70 types of trees and 1,590 flowering plants here—each carefully placed. For example, Caoxi Park’s halls are decorated with miniature landscapes（盆景）, lotus flowers float in pools, and winter sweets grow next to rocky hills. Even the bamboo along paths adds a touch of elegance!

Cultural Highlights: Tranquil Architecture

The park’s pavilions（亭）and waterside gazebos（榭）are straight out of ancient China. Walk through Caoxi Park’s winding corridors, and you’ll see carved wooden doors and stone tables where locals play mahjong. Strangely shaped rocks pop up everywhere—some look like animals, others like mountains. These “fake mountains”（假山）are classic Chinese garden designs, meant to mimic nature.

Facilities for All Visitors

Don’t worry about getting tired—Caoxi Park has plenty of benches and shaded rest areas. There are kid-friendly spots too, like a small playground near the entrance. The park is free to enter, and it’s open daily until late evening. Just keep an eye on the weather—some areas get sunny, others shady, so bring a hat!

Immersive Experience: How to Enjoy It

Start your visit early to catch the morning light filtering through trees. Take a slow stroll, snap photos of the lotus-filled ponds, and listen to elders playing traditional instruments by the pavilions. In summer, families picnic under the osmanthus trees, and in winter, the wax plums’ scent fills the air.

For the best views, climb the park’s small hill. From there, you can see how Caoxi Park blends natural beauty with human-made art. It’s less crowded than other Shanghai parks, so you’ll often have quiet moments to yourself.

Pro Tip: Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and blooming flowers. Avoid weekends if you prefer peace—this hidden gem gets busy with locals on sunny days!