Is Dongping National Forest Park worth the trip from Shanghai?

It is the closest thing to a real forest near Shanghai, the largest planted forest in eastern China, with mature trees, bike paths, ropes courses and a camping area on Chongming Island. It is best if you want green space and fresh air rather than landmarks. In summer it runs a couple of degrees cooler than downtown, which makes it a genuine escape from the heat.

How do I get there and how long should I stay?

It is on the northern half of Chongming Island, roughly two hours each way from central Shanghai via the tunnel-and-bridge crossing, easiest with a hired car since taxis are scarce. Budget about three hours on site, making it a full day trip. If you have a car, you can pair it with Dongtan Wetland, around 90 minutes east, for one big Chongming day.

Is there English service, and do I need to book ahead?

Foreign visitors are rare here, signage is mostly Chinese and there is no English service, but the park layout is intuitive enough to navigate. No passport or advance booking is required to enter. Bring cash, as card payment is not reliable, and pack your own snacks since food choices inside are limited.

Dongping National Forest Park, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Largest manmade forest in eastern China on Chongming Island — bike paths, camping, treetop walkways.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 东平国家森林公园 (Dōng Píng Guó Jiā Sēn Lín Gōng Yuán)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 2-4 hours on site
Best time to visit: Spring-autumn weekday morning
Getting there: Remote — taxi can be tricky
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 2188 Beiyan Highway, Chongming District, Shanghai · 崇明区北沿公路2188号

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Dongping National Forest Park is the largest planted forest in eastern China, covering 3.5 sq km on the northern half of Chongming Island. It is the closest 'real forest' experience to Shanghai — quiet, mature trees, bike rental on site, ropes courses, and a designated camping area. Cooler by 2–3°C than downtown in summer. Foreigners are rare here, and most signage is Chinese, but the layout is intuitive. Day-trip pace: ~3 hours on site plus 2 hours each way for transit. Bring snacks (limited food choices inside). Pair with Dongtan Wetland (90 min east by taxi) for a full Chongming day if you can rent a car.

Highlights

Bike through the forest (骑行穿越森林)Bike rental on site; ~3 hours to explore
Treetop walkways (树顶漫步)Walk among the canopy for a unique perspective
Camping area (露营区)Designated camping zone; bring your own gear
Summer cool retreat (夏日避暑)2–3°C cooler than downtown; best in summer

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Rent a bike at the gate rather than walking; the park is large and cycling the loops is the whole point.
▸Come on a weekday morning in spring or autumn for the quietest paths and the best light through the canopy.
▸Pack a picnic and water before arriving. On-site food is limited, and prices reflect the captive audience.
▸In summer this is a legitimate heat escape, a couple of degrees cooler than the city under the tree cover.
▸If you plan to camp, you must bring all your own gear; the zone is designated but unequipped.
▸Hold your return car or driver, because flagging a taxi back across the bridge from here is hard.
▸The treetop walkways give a different, photogenic angle on the forest that the ground-level paths miss.

Photos

Person relaxing against a tree in Cuc Phuong, Vietnam, surrounded by lush greenery. Vibrant and tranquil scene.

Tall trees with lush foliage and twisting thin trunks growing in green forest with lake in nature in national park

Aerial shot of a park with vibrant autumn foliage in South Korea, featuring a winding walkway.

Experience the breathtaking Zhangjiajie mountainscape with lush greenery and cloudy skies.

Narrow long pathway with railings running through forest with lush green plants and tall trees in nature in summertime

Breathtaking view of Jiuzhaigou Valley's lush mountains and crystal-clear lake.

Narrow footbridge with railings between green bushes and lush trees with foliage growing in national park in forest in summer time

Drone shot over a vibrant mangrove forest with a wooden boardwalk and gazebo in Thailand.

Group of Formosan sika deer with antlers grazing in a green pasture field during the day.

A stunning aerial view of blue lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley surrounded by lush autumn foliage.

Tranquil pine forest scene with sunlit trees and clear blue sky, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Breathtaking suspension bridge spans a lush, mountainous valley, captured from above.

Stunning aerial view of lush green landscape with mountains and road in West Java, Indonesia.

Stunning aerial shot of a winding road through a dense forest in La Réunion.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ForestFan·TripAdvisor·4/5

Largest forest park near Shanghai. Bike paths, lakes. Day-trip with Chongming wetland.

2026-04-08

森林氧吧·Ctrip·4/5

崇明森林公园周末骑车野餐绝佳！1 小时车程到上海市区。

2026-03-18

Pete S.·Google Maps·3/5

Pleasant but underwhelming if you've seen real forests. Best for families with kids.

2026-02-20

Frequently asked questions about Dongping National Forest Park

Is Dongping National Forest Park worth the trip from Shanghai?: It is the closest thing to a real forest near Shanghai, the largest planted forest in eastern China, with mature trees, bike paths, ropes courses and a camping area on Chongming Island. It is best if you want green space and fresh air rather than landmarks. In summer it runs a couple of degrees cooler than downtown, which makes it a genuine escape from the heat.
How do I get there and how long should I stay?: It is on the northern half of Chongming Island, roughly two hours each way from central Shanghai via the tunnel-and-bridge crossing, easiest with a hired car since taxis are scarce. Budget about three hours on site, making it a full day trip. If you have a car, you can pair it with Dongtan Wetland, around 90 minutes east, for one big Chongming day.
Is there English service, and do I need to book ahead?: Foreign visitors are rare here, signage is mostly Chinese and there is no English service, but the park layout is intuitive enough to navigate. No passport or advance booking is required to enter. Bring cash, as card payment is not reliable, and pack your own snacks since food choices inside are limited.