Zuibai Pond Park is one of Shanghai’s most iconic classical gardens, with a rich history spanning over 1,000 years that dates back to the Song Dynasty. Featuring lush lawns, ancient trees, and picturesque stone bridges over gentle streams, it captures the true soul of Jiangnan garden design. In a remarkably compact footprint, it masterfully creates a serene and elegant world of its own. You don’t need to head elsewhere in East Asia to appreciate traditional garden beauty—this hidden gem in Shanghai offers a peaceful, authentic taste of Eastern aesthetics.
How to Get There & Visitor Essentials
Getting to Zuibai Pond Park couldn’t be easier. Simply take Shanghai Metro Line 9 and get off at Zuibaichi Station (醉白池站). Head out from Exit 3, and the main entrance of the park will be right in front of you!
Flanking the main gate, you will find the Ticket Office on one side and the Visitor Center on the other.
- Tickets & Pricing: Admission is remarkably cheap at just RMB 12 (approx. $1.70 USD) per person. Children measuring 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) or under enter for free. Aside from the admission ticket, there are no extra fees or hidden charges inside the park.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer Season (May 1 – Sept 30): Park open 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Ticket counter open 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM)
- Autumn/Winter Season (Oct 1 – Apr 30): Park open 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Ticket counter open 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Visitor Services & Safety: The Visitor Center features a first-aid station equipped with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for any unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring a safe and worry-free visit.
The Charm of a Classical Scholar’s Garden
Originally created as a private scholars’ garden in ancient China, Zuibai Pond Park covers a relatively modest footprint, yet its layout feels endlessly expansive. Through masterful spatial design, the garden features layered courtyards that perfectly embody the traditional Chinese aesthetic principle of “a changing view with every step” (移步换景, Yi Bu Huan Jing). As you wander through, every angle and turn unveils a distinct, breathtaking scene. It is an exquisitely crafted space that rewards slow exploration and never grows boring.
Adding to its timeless charm, Zuibai Pond Park hosts vibrant seasonal flower exhibitions throughout the year. If the timing of your trip aligns, you might just chance upon one of these colorful floral celebrations:
- Spring (April – May): The Azalea Exhibition (杜鹃花展), where vivid pink and red blooms light up the ancient courtyards.
- Summer (July – August): The Lotus Exhibition (荷花展), featuring lush lotus ponds in full bloom—the quintessential summer scene in Jiangnan.
- Autumn (October – November): The Chrysanthemum Exhibition (菊花展), showcasing elegant autumn flowers set against the backdrop of historic pavilions.
Depending on the season of your visit, you might be lucky enough to catch one of these events, watching the tranquil, thousand-year-old garden come alive with a splash of vivid colors!
Beyond the seasonal flower shows, you will also discover a charming courtyard dedicated to dozens of exquisite Penjing (中国盆景, the traditional Chinese art of Bonsai). These living sculptures were generously donated to the park in the 1990s by a master Penjing artist from Shanghai.
In Chinese culture, Penjing is far more than just potted plants—it is a miniature microcosm of China’s vast natural landscapes. Through the poetic arrangement of a single weathered tree or a uniquely shaped stone, an artist can evoke the majesty of grand mountains and winding rivers. Cultivating large, mature Penjing takes immense time and decades of patience, making this peaceful corner a living testament to Chinese craftsmanship and artistic philosophy.
What we have shared here is truly just a small glimpse of what Zuibai Pond Park has to offer—with the changing seasons, every visit rewards you with a unique kind of beauty. Best of all, touring the garden won’t leave you feeling exhausted. A leisurely stroll through the entire park takes only about one hour.
As you wander, you’ll find plenty of winding covered corridors, historic octagonal pavilions, and public benches where you can sit down, catch your breath, and soak in the serene atmosphere at your own pace.
Post-Tour Dining & Shopping: A Quick Walk to Ludu Shopping mall
After immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of Zuibai Pond Park, you might be ready for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or a bit of local shopping. Fortunately, you don’t need to jump back onto the metro just yet!
Just a pleasant 10-minute walk (around 700 meters) from the park entrance will bring you to the Ludu Shopping Center (鹿都购物中心) and its adjacent dining pedestrian complex, Lesongfang (乐颂坊).
This bustling commercial area is a favorite local hangout in Songjiang. Inside LuDu(鹿都) and Lesongfang (乐颂坊), you’ll find a vibrant variety of authentic Chinese eateries, cozy milk tea shops, and local snack spots—making it the ideal place to rest your feet and recharge after your garden tour.
Step 1: Exit the Main Gate & Head North on Renmin South Road
As you step out of the main entrance of Zuibai Pond Park, you will be facing South Songjiang Renmin Road (人民南路). Turn right and walk north along the street.
Just a short walk ahead, you will approach the intersection of South Songjiang Renmin Road and Songhui Middle Road (松汇中路). As you near the crossroad, you’ll easily spot several recognizable roadside landmarks: a Lawson convenience store, a Papa John’s Pizza, and a KFC.
Step 2: Turn Right at Luckin Coffee & Walk Along Songhui Middle Road
Once you reach the intersection, turn right. You will see a Luckin Coffee sitting right on the corner.
Continue walking straight down Songhui Middle Road along the same side of the street as Luckin Coffee. You will pass a minor side street along the way, but simply stay on the main road without taking any turns.
As you walk, you will notice some charming traditional-style Chinese buildings across the road. Keep going, and you will soon approach the main entrance of Songjiang No. 1 Middle School (松江一中).
Step 3: Cross the Street at the Crosswalk to Arrive at Ludu
Standing near the main entrance of Songjiang No. 1 Middle School, look ahead—you will see Ludu Shopping Center (鹿都购物中心) right in your line of sight!
Use the pedestrian crosswalk located right in front of the school gate to safely cross the road. After crossing, walk just a short distance further, and you have officially arrived at Ludu Shopping Center and the Lesongfang (乐颂坊) dining complex!
💡 Joytripper Pro-Tip: Skip the Shops on Miaoqian Street
Along the walk, you will pass a stretch of traditional-style buildings across the street. This is Songjiang Miaoqian Street (庙前街). While the traditional architecture looks charming from the outside, don’t be distracted! Most of the shops and food stalls here offer low-quality goods and mediocre snacks. You will get a much higher-quality, safer, and more reliable dining and shopping experience at Ludu Shopping Center and Lesongfang.
How to Reach Lesongfang (Without Getting Lost!)
If your visit coincides with lunchtime or dinnertime, it’s the perfect moment to treat yourself to some authentic local Shanghai cuisine.
A Quick Navigation Warning: Do not head straight into the main entrance of Ludu Shopping Center just yet. The mall’s indoor layout can be quite a maze, and it’s very easy for first-time visitors to lose their way.
Instead, take this simple outdoor shortcut:
- Find the carpark entrance right next to the main Ludu entrance.
- Walk along the outdoor side pathway running alongside the Ludu building.
- Turn left, and Lesongfang (乐颂坊) will be right there in front of you!
(Bonus Tip: If you happen to be inside Ludu Mall later, note that Lesongfang and Ludu Shopping Center are also conveniently connected indoors on the 2nd floor.)
Top 3 Recommended Eateries in Lesongfang
Inside Lesongfang, you will find a great selection of dining options. Here are three top spots catering to different tastes:
- Yang’s Dumpling (小杨生煎 – Iconic Shanghai Dim Sum)
- Why visit: An absolute must-try Shanghai legend! World-famous for its Shengjianbao (crispy-bottomed, pan-fried pork soup dumplings). It’s fast, incredibly delicious, and very affordable.
- Lao Fei Mao (老肥猫中餐厅 – Sit-Down Chinese Cuisine)
- Why visit: Ideal if you prefer a sit-down meal featuring authentic Chinese home-style dishes and classic Shanghainese flavors. Perfect for sharing multiple family-style plates with your travel companions.
- Saizeriya (萨莉亚意式西餐厅 – Budget Western Dining)
- Why visit: A famous, budget-friendly Italian family restaurant. If you are traveling with kids, have dietary restrictions, or simply crave familiar Western comfort food (like pizza, pasta, and salads) at unbeatable prices, this is a foolproof casual choice.
Yang’s Dumpling (小杨生煎 – Iconic Shanghai Dim Sum)
As you walk along the back side of the Ludu building next to the carpark path, keep heading straight into Lesongfang. The very first restaurant you will spot on the 1st floor, right along the roadside, is Yang’s Dumpling (小杨生煎).
A beloved local Shanghai specialty, Yang’s Dumpling got its start back in the 1990s and has since become a culinary legend. Its absolute signature combination is the Pork Shengjianbao (pan-fried soup dumplings with a crispy bottom and juicy pork filling) paired with a warm bowl of authentic Beef Vermicelli Soup (牛肉粉丝汤).
An average meal here costs only about RMB 30 (approx. $4.20 USD) per person. Piping hot Shengjianbao and savory beef vermicelli soup are comforting and soul-warming during chilly winter days. And if you visit in the hot summer, don’t worry—the restaurant is fully air-conditioned for a cool, comfortable meal!
If you decide to dine at Yang’s Dumpling, you can simply walk right in.
Indoor Shortcut Tip: If you are heading to Saizeriya or Lao Fei Mao, you don’t need to walk all the way around the building! You can actually walk straight through the interior of Yang’s Dumpling to reach the inner atrium of Lesongfang. From there, take the escalator up to the 2nd floor, where you will easily spot both Saizeriya and Lao Fei Mao.
Saizeriya (萨莉亚意式西餐厅 – Budget Italian Dining)
Saizeriya is a wildly popular Italian casual restaurant chain in China. Although its dishes utilize a central-kitchen, semi-prepped cooking model, the ingredients are remarkably fresh and of high quality.
Thanks to this efficient kitchen workflow, the service speed is lightning fast! Even during busy dining hours, you won’t wait long—dishes usually start arriving at your table in about 5 minutes.
The prices here are astonishingly budget-friendly. For example:
- Tuna Salad (金枪鱼沙拉): Just RMB 12 (approx. $1.70 USD).
- Thin-Crust Durian Pizza (榴莲薄脆披萨): Just RMB 18 (approx. $2.50 USD).
As a Western-style establishment, Western cutlery—including knives, forks, and spoons—is fully provided, making it a very comfortable dining option if you aren’t confident with chopsticks just yet.
💡 關於在中國支付小費的專業提示:
There is no tipping culture in China. Servers do not expect or accept tips in restaurants. If you try to leave a tip and the server politely declines or looks confused, don’t feel awkward at all—it is simply standard local practice!
Lao Fei Mao (老肥猫中餐厅 – Farm-to-Table Chinese Cuisine)
Lao Fei Mao is a popular Shanghai Chinese restaurant chain famous for its farm-to-table philosophy. The brand owns its own rural farming supply bases, ensuring that its fresh seasonal vegetables, eggs, meats, and soy products carry rich, authentic Chinese countryside flavors.
The kitchen and service management here are exceptionally efficient. Rather than serving dishes with long pauses in between, your entire table’s order will typically be served sequentially within about 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a full, balanced meal together.
Other traveler-friendly highlights include:
- Unbeatable Value: The average cost is only about RMB 60 (approx. $8.40 USD) per person.
- Generous Freebies: Complimentary hot tea and napkins are provided at your table. If you have leftovers, takeout boxes and plastic bags are also provided completely free of charge!
- Strict Quality Standards: All dishes are prepared using bottled mineral water, and the staple rice served is premium Wuchang Rice (五常大米)—China’s most prized, fragrant rice variety.
If you want a comfortable, sit-down meal featuring authentic Chinese flavors, high hygiene standards, and great hospitality, Lao Fei Mao is a top-notch pick.
Post-Meal Shopping & Returning to the Metro
After enjoying your meal, you can easily stroll from Lesongfang directly into Ludu Shopping Center via the 2nd-floor connecting skywalk corridor. The mall offers a fun look into everyday local life, filled with a wide variety of Chinese shops, clothing stores, and local services.
💡 Foolproof Return Navigation Tip:
If you happen to lose your bearings inside the mall, don’t worry! Simply step out onto the street through any ground-floor exit. Once outside, walk along the exterior perimeter of the Ludu building until you reach the main street, and simply retrace your original 3-step route right back to Metro Line 9 Zuibaichi Station.
Conclusion & Happy Exploring!
From stepping directly off Metro Line 9 into a thousand-year-old classical Jiangnan garden, to savoring authentic local flavors just a short walk away at Lesongfang, a trip to Zuibai Pond Park offers a uniquely rewarding escape from the downtown hustle. It proves that you don’t need a huge budget or complicated logistics to experience the rich history and vibrant everyday life of Shanghai.
🔗 Catch Up on the Series!
Are you a first-time traveler planning your metro trips in Shanghai? Before you head out, make sure you know how to buy tickets, use contactless cards, and navigate the fare gates seamlessly:
👉 Read Part 1 here: Exploring Shanghai by Metro Series: Part 1 – How to Buy Tickets and Ride for First-Time International Visitors