Location & How to Get There

Osmanthus Garden is tucked inside Shanghai Botanical Garden, located at 1111 Longwu Road (near Baisui Road). If you’re coming from downtown Shanghai, it’s a quick taxi or metro ride away. The garden sits in the Xuhui District, surrounded by greenery, making it a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

To reach Osmanthus Garden, take Metro Line 3 to Shanghai Botanical Garden Station (exit 4) or Metro Line 7 to Caoxi North Road and transfer to a taxi. If you prefer buses, routes 56, 72, or 824 drop you near the entrance. Driving? There’s a parking lot at the botanical garden, but weekends get busy—arrive early!

Natural Beauty: A Sea of Sweet Osmanthus

Osmanthus Garden lives up to its name! This part of Shanghai Botanical Garden is famous for its hundreds of osmanthus trees, especially during autumn (September to October). When the tiny, star-shaped flowers bloom, the air smells like sweet honey—it’s impossible to miss. You’ll find different varieties here, like golden jin gui (金桂) and silver yin gui (银桂), each with their own unique fragrance.

Beyond osmanthus, the garden glows with seasonal plants. In spring, cherry blossoms and tulips add color, while summer brings shaded bamboo groves. A small pond reflects lotus flowers in June, and maple trees turn fiery red in winter. It’s a year-round oasis!

Cultural Touches: Gardens with History

Osmanthus isn’t just about flowers—it’s designed with traditional Chinese flair. Winding paths lead you past pavilions, stone bridges, and carved wooden fences. The layout feels like a classic Chinese painting, with hidden corners perfect for quiet moments.

Did you know? Osmanthus symbolizes good luck and harmony in Chinese culture. Locals love bringing families here to admire the blooms, snap photos, or enjoy tea under the trees. During festivals, the garden hosts events like lantern displays or traditional music performances.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

  • Opening hours: Shanghai Botanical Garden (and Osmanthus Garden) opens daily at 7:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. Tickets cost around ¥15–¥20, but check online for discounts.
  • Facilities: Inside Osmanthus Garden, you’ll find benches, drinking fountains, and clean restrooms. Nearby cafes sell snacks and tea, and there’s a gift shop with osmanthus-themed souvenirs (think scented candles or mooncakes!).
  • Accessibility: Paths are flat and stroller-friendly, but some areas have cobblestones—comfortable shoes are a must.

My Visit: A Relaxing Day

I visited Osmanthus Garden on a sunny October morning. The first thing that hit me? The smell! It’s like walking into a bottle of perfume. I brought a picnic blanket and spent hours under the trees, watching families play and photographers chase the perfect shot.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Bring a camera—the mix of flowers, pavilions, and dappled sunlight makes every angle picture-perfect. Just don’t forget bug spray if you’re visiting in summer!

Whether you’re a flower lover, culture buff, or just need a quiet spot to unwind, Osmanthus Garden delivers. It’s one of Shanghai’s hidden gems—trust me, your nose (and Instagram feed) will thank you!