Geography & Transportation

Garden of the Twelve Friends sits inside Shanghai Disneyland, located in Chuansha Town, Pudong New Area. The exact address is No. 310 Huangzhao Road—easy to find once you’re inside the park. To get there, take Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort Station, then walk or grab a shuttle. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking, but expect crowds on weekends!

Natural Landscape

As soon as you step into the Garden of the Twelve Friends, you’ll feel like you’re in a colorful fairy tale. The garden bursts with vibrant flowers, sunny pathways, and shaded nooks perfect for photos. Unlike other theme park areas, this spot feels calm and cheerful—think blooming flowers, winding trails, and cozy benches where you can pause to admire the details.

Cultural Highlights

Here’s the magic: Garden of the Twelve Friends is the only Disney attraction in the world that blends Chinese zodiac culture with classic characters! Twelve massive mosaic walls—each taller than a person—show Disney and Pixar characters reimagined as zodiac animals. For example, Stitch (from Lilo & Stitch) becomes the mischievous Dog, while Snow White transforms into a graceful Sheep. Each mural matches a Chinese zodiac year, so whether you’re a Tiger, Snake, or Rooster, you’ll spot your spirit animal here!

Unique Design

What makes these murals special? They’re handcrafted by Chinese artisans using traditional mosaic techniques. Up close, you’ll see tiny tiles arranged into lifelike portraits. My favorite? The Lion King’s Simba as a fierce Tiger, complete with roaring details. Every character’s personality shines through—goofy, brave, or curious—just like in their original stories.

Interactive Fun

Don’t just gawk—get involved! Next to each mural is a plaque with fun facts: “This Dragon is inspired by Mushu from Mulan, known for his fiery courage.” Kids (and adults!) love searching for their zodiac sign. Pro tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and snag a photo without strangers in the background.

Photo Opportunities

The entire Garden of the Twelve Friends is Instagram gold. Sunlight filters through trees, creating dappled light on the murals. Best spots? The central fountain, which reflects the murals, and the flower-lined pathways. At night, soft lighting makes the mosaics glow—perfect for romantic or dramatic shots. Trust me, your friends will envy your zodiac-themed pics!

Family-Friendly Vibes

Families will love this spot. Kids can play “Zodiac Hunt” to find their animal (or argue over which character is coolest). There’s plenty of space for strollers, clean restrooms nearby, and shaded areas to rest. Parents, beware: your little ones might refuse to leave—the murals are that captivating!

Hidden Details

Look closely! Each mural hides tiny Easter eggs. In the Monkey mural (based on Robin Hood’s Friar Tuck), there’s a banana peel in the corner. The Snake mural (inspired by Fa Mulan’s staff) curls around a lotus flower. These touches make the Garden of the Twelve Friends feel alive—like Disney artists winked at Chinese culture.

Souvenirs & Extras

Nearby shops sell zodiac-themed merchandise: plush toys, keychains, and postcards of the murals. Want a lasting memory? Get a custom name badge with your zodiac character—they even add your name in Chinese calligraphy!

Final Tips

Visit during spring or autumn for the best weather and blooming flowers. Plan 30–45 minutes here—longer if you’re taking kids or waiting for the perfect shot. And yeah, it’s worth every minute. The Garden of the Twelve Friends isn’t just a pretty place—it’s a love letter to both Disney magic and Chinese tradition. Come ready to smile, snap photos, and maybe even learn your friend’s hidden personality traits (thanks to those clever plaques)!