In most people's impression, Shanghai is located in East China and is a highly prosperous modern metropolis filled with skyscrapers. However, in reality, Shanghai is also home to many traditional Jiangnan classical gardens, rich in historical charm and natural beauty. Today, I would like to introduce the oldest garden in Shanghai. It is not Yu Garden, and compared with Qushui Garden, it is quieter, more comfortable, full of classical elegance, and incredibly photogenic.
Further Reading: 【Shanghai Free & Easy Travel】Complete 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide: Transportation, Itinerary, Accommodation, and Food
This is Zuibaichi Park. Together with Shanghai's Yu Garden, Jiading's Guyi Garden, Qiuxiapu Garden, and Qingpu's Qushui Garden, it is known as one of Shanghai's Five Great Classical Gardens. If we trace its origins back to its predecessor, it has a history of more than 900 years, making it the oldest among the five classical gardens.
Zuibaichi Park is located on Renmin South Road in Songjiang District, Shanghai. Covering an area of 5 hectares, it is one of the most famous classical Jiangnan gardens and a popular tourist destination in Shanghai.
With a history of more than 900 years, Zuibaichi Park preserves the largest and most complete collection of classical garden architecture in Shanghai, including halls, pavilions, terraces, boats, and waterside structures. It retains the distinctive style of Ming and Qing Dynasty Jiangnan gardens, featuring winding corridors, curved pathways, and an atmosphere full of classical charm.
Zuibaichi Park integrates Songjiang's historical culture with garden artistry. It is one of the best-preserved gardens in the Shanghai region and an outstanding example of Ming and Qing Dynasty garden design. It features clear ponds, ornamental rocks, winding corridors, elegant pavilions, numerous historical relics, and traces of visits by famous figures. The garden is renowned throughout Jiangnan for its waterside studios, ancient trees, and famous flowers.
Attractions in Zuibaichi Park
Carved Hall
The Carved Hall was built by Zhang Zunan, a famous Songjiang scholar during the Qing Dynasty and a descendant of Zhang Bi, the Ming Dynasty Prefect of Nan'an. It is now a protected cultural relic in Songjiang District. The building consists of three courtyards, two halls, and four side rooms, making it a classical Jiangnan residence renowned for its exquisite woodcarving artistry.
Inside the hall stands a large wooden screen titled “A Hundred Flowers in Bloom.” Every flower carving is unique and highly expressive. The walls display carvings of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums representing the four seasons. The craftsmanship is remarkably detailed and lifelike.
Xuehai Hall
Xuehai Hall was built in the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1909). It is a grand hall with five bays. The name comes from the plum blossoms once planted extensively in front of the hall; when in bloom, they resembled a sea of snow.
Poolside Cottage
The Poolside Cottage was built in 1909 and serves as the central building of the inner garden. Suspended above the pond, the structure is imposing yet elegant. The plaque “Fragrant Mountain Elegance” features the calligraphy of the renowned Shaoxing calligrapher Hu Wensui. The “Zuibaichi” plaque under the eaves was originally inscribed by Wang Shimin of Taicang during the early Qing Dynasty, while the current inscription was supplemented by the celebrated Chinese painter Cheng Shifa.
Letian Pavilion
Letian Pavilion stands on the site of “Guyang Garden” and “Wenlan Hall,” built by Songjiang scholar Zhu Zhichun in the sixth year of the Yuanyou reign of the Song Dynasty (1091). Located in the northern corner of Zuibaichi Park, it overlooks a clear pond, is surrounded by bamboo groves and rugged rocks, and is shaded by towering ancient trees. With nearly a thousand years of history, it is one of the oldest surviving garden sites in Shanghai.
Jianshan Hall
Jianshan Hall was built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its name comes from the courtesy name of Gu Dashen, the owner of Zuibaichi Park. The plaque was written by Peng Yefeng, President of the Songjiang District Calligraphers Association. The hall houses a permanent exhibition titled “The Life of Gu Dashen.”
Five-Colored Spring
The “Five-Colored Spring” stone tablet is embedded within an artificial rock formation from which spring water flows. The inscription on the left reads: “According to legend, Ge Zhichuan refined elixirs here. After the elixir was completed and cast into the water, the spring often displayed five colors. Scholars who witnessed it were said to achieve high academic success.” Another inscription records: “Early Summer, Dinghai Year, Seventh Year of the Daoguang Reign.” The signature reads: “Erected and Inscribed by Wang Yingfeng of Qiannan.”
Zuibaichi Park Visitor Guide
Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 Hours
If you are simply strolling through the garden, a little over an hour is enough to see the entire site. If you prefer a leisurely pace, the time required will vary from person to person.
Transportation Guide: Easily Accessible by Metro and Bus
Take Metro Line 9 directly to Zuibaichi Station. Buses Songjiang Routes 6, 9, 12, 13, 19, and 26 also stop at Zuibaichi Station. The metro is recommended, as parking nearby is limited. The entrance is located right beside the main road.
Opening Hours: 06:00–17:00 (Daily)
Photography Tips:
The best photography spots are around the boundary between the outer and inner gardens and throughout the inner garden itself. Wearing elegant traditional-style clothing will match the surroundings perfectly and help create stunning photos.
Admission Fee: RMB 12 per person (Discounted Ticket: RMB 6)
It is recommended to carry mosquito repellent with you ⚠️
That's all for today's introduction. What do you think of Zuibaichi Park compared with Shanghai's other four classical gardens? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
