Nestled in the southwest of Shanghai, Minhang District stands as a dynamic blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern vitality, emerging as a new destination for travelers seeking an authentic yet vibrant Shanghai experience.

Starting this week and running through the New Year's Day holiday, several scenic spots in Minhang are delivering discounted treats during the first season of the "Discover Shanghai" Tourism Guide Super Competition, which was launched in November.

Pujiang Country Park

Pujiang Country Park features stunning autumn scenery. Covering a planned area of 15.29 square kilometers, it is a suburban forest park focusing on forest recreation and waterfront leisure, and also the closest among Shanghai's seven country parks to the city center.

Between December 22 and 28 and January 1 and 3, visitors are able to enjoy up to 42 percent off for the Fly Joy Forest and up to 52 percent off for the Little Yellow Duck Unpowered Paradise, which offer diversified thrilling outdoor programs like treetops adventure.

Address: Lane 2086, Pujin Rd S.

Tel: 021-67287058

Opening Hours: 8:30am-5pm

Recommended Transportation: Metro Line 8 (Shendu Highway Station), Minhang Bus Line 10, Minhang Bus Line 11, Minhang Bus Line 12

Hanxiang Water Garden

Hanxiang Water Garden, built in 2002 as an ecological park to guarantee safety of raw water intake in the upper reaches of the Huangpu River, blends rivers, stone bridges, towering trees and traditional architecture. In addition to offering camping sites and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, it also stages various intangible cultural heritage performances.

It is a shining star of agricultural leisure and sightseeing in Shanghai's suburbs.

It offers free admission from December 22 to 28 and January 1 to 3, 2026.

Address: 3805 Jiangchuan Road

Tel: 021-54725611

Opening Hours: 8am-5pm

Recommended Transportation: Maqiao Bus Line 1

Minhang is also dotted with a number of other attractions which are open for free. Here are some highlights:

Qibao Ancient Town

With a history dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220), Qibao Ancient Town is a time-honored water town in the Jiangnan region (areas to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). Once a bustling commercial hub during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties, it has evolved into a distinctive town integrating leisure, tourism, shopping and cultural experiences with a strong local folk culture vibe.

The name "Qibao" translates to "seven treasures" in Chinese, inspiring the town's legendary "Seven Treasures" tale. These treasures — an iron Buddha, a bronze bell, a gold script Lotus Sutra, a Chinese catalpa tree, a jade ax, a gold cockerel, and a pair of jade chopsticks — are steeped in legend and continue to enchant visitors.

Qibao Tangtuan (glutinous rice balls), Lao Wu Congyoubing (scallion pancakes), Haitanggao (begonia cakes), Baiqie Yangrou (plain boiled mutton), Xiehuang Tangbao (crab roe soup dumplings), A Mao Fanggao (square rice cake) are must-try local delicacies.

Address: Intersection of Qingnian Road and Hengli Road

Tel: 021-64610016

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day (except exhibition halls)

Recommended Transportation: Metro Line 9 (Qibao Station), Hongqiao Hub Bus Line 4, Hongqiao Hub Bus Line 5, Bus Line 189, Bus Line 91

Minhang Sports Park

For nature enthusiasts, Minhang is a green oasis away from the bustling city center. Minhang Sports Park, one of the largest urban parks in Shanghai, features sprawling lawns, lush woodlands, and tranquil lakes. It is an ideal spot for picnics, jogging, or simply unwinding amidst nature.

Address: 456 Xinzhen Road

Tel: 021-64612503

Opening Hours: 5am-9pm

Recommended Transportation: Bus Line 763, Bus Line 173, Bus Line 753

"Laowaijie" Street

Situated on Hongmei Road, the street was formerly known as Hongmei Road Leisure Street. With an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, it showcases a modern European and American style blended with diverse international cultures, serving as a perfect window to experience global cuisines and vibrant night life.

Address: No. 1, Lane 3338, Hongmei Road

Tel: 021-64656088

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day for the outdoor pedestrian street (opening hours of restaurants and event venues inside are subject to actual operation)

Recommended Transportation: Metro Line 10 (Longxi Road Station), Bus Line 71