Shanghai: Sheshan Travel Guide

Sheshan is located in Songjiang District, Shanghai, and is a famous natural scenic area in Shanghai, consisting of East Sheshan and West Sheshan, offering a rich hiking and climbing experience. Here is some guide information for climbing Sheshan:

Reservation and Opening Hours:

The general opening hours are from 08:30 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.

However, specific times may vary, so it is recommended to verify the latest information before traveling.

Before heading to Sheshan, you can follow the official WeChat public account of Sheshan National Forest Park in Shanghai for free reservation.

Ticket Information:

Admission to East Sheshan and West Sheshan is free, but some attractions like the Astronomical Museum may require separate ticket purchases.

Transportation Guide:

You can take the Metro Line 9 to Sheshan Station and then transfer to Songjiang Line 92 bus or ride a Bluegogo bike to get there. If you choose to drive, you can directly navigate to Sheshan National Forest Park, which has parking lots available.

Tour Routes:

• West Sheshan Garden Route: Enter from the North Gate of West Sheshan, and the first thing you see is the Xiudaozhe Tower. Then you can visit the Shanghai Astronomical Museum, followed by the Sheshan Virgin Mary Cathedral. If time permits, you can rest on the platform at the top of the mountain and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The entire tour of West Sheshan Garden takes about two and a half hours.
• East Sheshan Garden Route: East Sheshan is mainly characterized by natural landscapes, with dense bamboo forests on the mountain, suitable for hiking. You can enter from the South Gate, pass by Mei Gong Fishing Rock, 368 Climbing Path, Baishi Mountain Pavilion, reach the viewing platform, and finally exit from the West Gate. The tour time for East Sheshan is relatively short, suitable for quick hiking.
• Tianma Mountain Garden Route: Tianma Mountain Garden has attractions such as Liuyunge, San Gaoshi Memorial Garden, Sword Viewing Pavilion, and Hu Baozhu Guang Pagoda. Visitors can follow the route from the East Gate → Liuyunge → San Gaoshi Memorial Garden → Sword Viewing Pavilion → Hu Baozhu Guang Pagoda.
• Xiao Kunshan Garden Route: Xiao Kunshan Garden is relatively small with fewer attractions. Visitors can enter from the South Gate, pass by Er Lu Thatched Cottage, Huating, Jiufeng Temple, Er Lu Reading Platform, and finally return to the South Gate.
• Hiking through the Nine Peaks Route: This is a relatively easy route, passing by Sheshan Forest Hotel, West Sheshan National Forest Park, Sheshan Observatory, Far East First Virgin Mary Cathedral, Sheshan Tea Garden, etc., with a total distance of about 15 kilometers.
  **Pictures**

Attractions List:

1. Mei Gong Fishing Rock: Located on the southeast slope of East Sheshan, named after the Ming Dynasty literary figure Chen Jiru (Mei Gong) who fished here.
2. Lion Rock: The mountain shape is like a lying lion, with curly stone patterns resembling a lion’s mane.
3. Fish-shaped Stone: A stone wall shaped like a swimming fish, legend has it that on cloudy days, the sound of wooden fish or singing can be heard.
4. Qilong Weir: A stone path from the south of the mountain to the north across the ridge, with a quiet environment.
5. Buddha Fragrance Spring: The spring water is clear and cool, and it is said to have a warm nature.
   Xin Xi Spring: Dug by Cong Daoren of the Northern Song Dynasty, with clear and cool water quality.
6. Forest Bathing Area: Provides leisure content such as Qigong therapy, ethnic bamboo buildings, bamboo mazes, picnic barbecues, etc.
7. Bird Garden: A bird attraction integrating science popularization and viewing, raising various rare birds.
8. Butterfly Garden: The largest butterfly viewing place in the East China region, with a dynamic butterfly viewing paradise.
9. Dry Bobsled: A sports and entertainment project that exercises courage, willpower, and coordination.
10. Sheshan Cableway: Connects East and West Sheshan, offering a panoramic view of the two mountains.
11. Catholic Church: Also known as the Far East Virgin Mary Cathedral, it is a symbol of Sheshan, combining Chinese and Western features.
12. Sheshan Observatory: The earliest modern observatory in China and one of China’s astronomical research centers.
13. Xiudaozhe Tower: Located on the eastern slope, the tower is slender and tall, like a beautiful woman.
    Seismological Benchmark Station: The predecessor was the Shanghai Observatory, providing high-quality seismic data and information for domestic and foreign use.
14. Sheshan Zhongshan Virgin Mary Hall: Located on the mountainside, with a circular square and San Sheng Pavilion.
15. Hu Baozhu Guang Pagoda: Built in the Northern Song Dynasty, with a tilt angle exceeding the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, it is a symbolic building of Tianma Mountain.
16. Ancient Ginkgo Tree: Next to Hu Zhu Tower, it has a history of more than 700 years and is the oldest famous tree among the Nine Peaks and Twelve Mountains.
17. Bronze Guanyin: Located in the former site of Shangfeng Temple, it is 3 meters high and weighs 3000 pounds.
18. Er Lu Thatched Cottage: Commemorating the hometown of the famous Western Jin Dynasty literary figures Lu Ji and Lu Yun.
19. Jiufeng Temple: Located on the mountain top, with monks reading aloud inside the temple.

Precautions:

It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, bring enough water and snacks, and prepare mosquito repellent in summer. Also, pay attention to sun protection and carry appropriate clothing according to weather changes.