Location & Transportation

Kunxiu Lake sits in the heart of Songjiang New City, Shanghai, nestled at No. 3988 Wenxiang Road (near Lujiu Tower Road) in Xiaokunshan Town. It’s a breeze to reach by metro, bus, or car. Take Metro Line 9 to Songjiang University Town Station, then hop on bus 1801 or 1814—it’ll drop you right near the lake. If you’re driving, punch “Kunxiu Lake” into your GPS; there’s plenty of free parking. Bonus: it’s just a 15-minute ride from the famous Chen Shan Botanical Garden, so you can pair both spots for a nature-packed day!

Natural Landscape: A Wetland Wonder

Kunxiu Lake isn’t just a park—it’s a sprawling wetland oasis carved out by the Shanghai government. The centerpiece? A massive lake surrounded by winding trails and bursts of color. In spring, cherry blossoms, peach trees, and plump pearl magnolias paint the place pink and white. Summer brings lotus flowers and water lilies floating like fairy tales on the lake. Come autumn, persimmon trees and pomegranate bushes go fruit-crazy, while winter sparks with mei flowers and wintersweet.

Walk along the wooden boardwalks, and you’ll spot water-loving plants like purple loosestrife and reeds. Dragonflies zip across the glassy water, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of herons fishing at dawn. The best part? It’s free to enter—talk about Shanghai’s hidden gem!

Human-Made Magic: Gardens & Vibes

While Kunxiu Lake feels wild, it’s actually a carefully designed botanical paradise. The park is divided into themed gardens: Plum Blossom Valley, Osmanthus Grove, Japanese Apricot Trail, and more. Each season, one garden steals the show. Locals love the rose garden in summer, where blooms climb trellises like confetti.

Fun fact: Unlike crowded spots in central Shanghai, Kunxiu Lake feels intimate—perfect for picnics or sunset bike rides. There’s even a tiny pavilion by the lake where you can snap Instagram-worthy shots. Pro tip: Bring a kite! The open spaces and gentle winds make it a kite-flyer’s dream.

Facilities: Comfort Without Crowds

The park nails the basics. Shaded rest areas with benches pop up along trails, and clean bathrooms are everywhere. For snacks, a lakeside café serves bubble tea and light bites—try the green tea ice cream on a hot day. Families will love the spacious lawns for impromptu soccer games, and there’s a kids’ play zone with swings and slides.

If you’re into fitness, rent a bike (or bring your own) to zip around the 5km loop. The paths are flat and mostly shaded, so you can pedal without turning into a human fountain. Just watch out for those pesky squirrels—they’re sneaky when it comes to picnic leftovers!

Year-Round Experiences

Spring is a no-brainer here—sakura season turns the lake’s edges into a pink tunnel. But don’t sleep on fall! The persimmon trees by the south entrance look like they’re dipped in gold, and the air smells like ripe fruit. Winter mornings are magical too: mist rises over the lake, and the mei flowers release that heady, honey-like scent.

For photographers, golden hour is everything. The lake reflects the sky in technicolor, and the gardens become soft silhouettes. Just avoid weekends if you can—Sunday afternoons get packed with families.

Why You Should Go

Kunxiu Lake is Shanghai’s best-kept secret. It’s got the scale of a national park but zero attitude—no entry fee, no loud tours, just you and nature. Whether you’re craving a quiet jog, a flower-splosion photoshoot, or a laid-back day with friends, this place delivers. Pro tip: Bring a picnic blanket and a good book. Trust us—you’ll want to lose a few hours here.

And hey, if you’re already hitting up Chen Shan Botanical Garden, Kunxiu Lake is the perfect next stop. Just don’t blame us if you end up planning your entire trip around cherry blossom season!