Bright Blooms at Shanghai Botanical Garden

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Shanghai Botanical Garden. Flowers and trees are beginning to bloom, and the weather is pleasant enough to stroll its more than 200 acres (81.86 hectares) for the better part of a day.

Spring for the full ticket at 40 RNB (approximately $6.50 USD), which grants you access not only to the general gardens but also to the Penjing Garden, the Tropicarium, the Bonsai exhibit, two greenhouses, and a cymbidium orchid display.

This is one experience that’s better shared in images than words!

If you go: The Shanghai Botanic Garden is within walking distance of the metro, and it’s open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. The extra ticketed areas are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are several concession stands selling snacks and souvenirs, and you’ll need to come prepared with your own toilet paper (I like these disposable towels) and hand soap for the public restrooms. Seasonal children’s activities including kiddie rides and paddle boats are available for an additional fee.

Next up: Shanghai street art, the world’s biggest Starbucks, and more Korean barbecue than three people can possibly eat.