Location & How to Get There

Pufa Park sits in the heart of Sanlin, Pudong’s lively neighborhood. The address is straightforward: No. Yuqiao Road, Pudong New Area. It’s a breath of fresh air in a bustling city, tucked between residential areas and local markets. To reach Pufa Park, hop on Metro Line 11 and get off at Yuqiao Station—it’s a 10-minute walk from there. Buses 576, 755, and 174 also drop you nearby. If you’re driving, there’s a small parking lot, but weekdays are less crowded.

Natural Scenery: A Green Escape

Pufa Park isn’t huge, but it packs in plenty of nature. The centerpiece is a shimmering lake with a wooden bridge curving over it—perfect for photos. In spring, the cherry blossom path explodes with pink flowers, and families flock here for picnics. During summer, lotus flowers cover the lake, and tall reeds sway in the breeze. For autumn, golden ginkgo trees line the walking trails, and winter brings delicate pluprose blooms. Even on busy days, there’s a quiet corner to relax by the water.

Cultural Touches: Art & Tradition

Don’t miss the stone sculptures near the entrance—they blend modern art with traditional Chinese motifs. A small pavilion by the lake hosts occasional local performances, like dance or music. The park also has a “Time Tunnel” walkway, where old Shanghai photos and stories about the area’s farming past are displayed. It’s a gentle reminder of how this place once looked before skyscrapers arrived.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Pufa Park nails the essentials. For kids, there’s a colorful playground with swings and slides. Adults can use the fitness stations (think pull-up bars and leg stretchers) or rent a paddle boat on the lake. Several shaded picnic areas have tables, and a small café sells ice cream and coffee. Clean restrooms and drinking fountains make it easy to spend hours here.

Wander & Unwind: My Visit

I visited Pufa Park on a sunny Saturday morning. The air was crisp, and the park was alive with families, couples, and elderly folks practicing tai chi. I strolled along the lakeside path, stopped to feed ducks, and sat under a tree to watch dragonflies skimming the water. Later, I rented a bike to explore deeper, discovering hidden benches and a bamboo grove that felt a million miles from the city. By afternoon, street food vendors outside the park offered shengjian (pan-fried dumplings) and sweet soy milk—a tasty end to the trip.

Tips for Visitors

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (less crowded) or late afternoon (softer light for photos).
  • Avoid: Weekends if you hate crowds—weekdays are peaceful.
  • Pair with: Nearby Sanlin Old Street for local snacks or a walk along the Puhuitang River.
  • Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, and comfy shoes—there’s lots of walking!

Pufa Park isn’t Shanghai’s biggest attraction, but its mix of nature, culture, and community vibe makes it a hidden gem. Whether you’re a jogger, a photo buff, or a family looking for a break, it’s worth adding to your Pudong itinerary.