I travel often to Shanghai for work, and have been to the regular attractions (the Bund, Xintiandi, Pudong, Tianzifang) and was looking for a different kind of place to spend some time away from the crowds in. it was a photo in article by CNN here that made me decide to make a trip to Wusonkou Pao Taiwan Wetland park in the suburbs of Shanghai.

 

How to go: Take Metro Line 3 to 水产路站 Shui Chan Lu station. Hail a cab from the station to the wetland park, it shouldn't cost more than 15RMB. Entrance fee to the wetland is 5RMB.


Situated in Baosan, near were Yangtze river and Huangpu river meet, the Wetland Park offers visitors a nice view of the  Huangpu River, save for some ships from the nearby harbour. The Wetland was named 'Cannon bay' or Pao Tai wan as Naval cannons used to be situated within the Wetland park.

Review: On a saturday morning, the park was relatively quiet, with just a few families walking around. The park attracts mostly locals due to it's obscure location.




The park's riverbank makes for a lovely early afternoon walk in the cool spring weather. It's a good place to watch ships along the river, explore nature or to people watch. Self-catering is highly recommended as there aren't any nearby stores offering food or drinks. One can choose to take a picnic along the river bank or at the outdoor amphitheater area in the middle of the wetland park.



The park is large and offers a wide variety of flora and fauna, sure to keep any nature lover occupied for an entire day. I spent about 4-5 hours in the park but did not manage to complete all the trails. 

 



Personally i would consider this as one of the best kept secrets in Shanghai- great place away from the crowds, pollution; close to nature, with beautiful scenery and some quality time for yourself.