Discover Shen Garden, a newly-built Jiangnan-style classical garden in the northern zone of Expo Culture Park. Modelled on Ming and Qing dynasties architecture, this “garden-within-a-garden” covers five hectares and follows the traditional layout of “hills in the north and water in the south, gardens in the east and courtyards in the west.”

Admire the garden’s white walls, black tiles, and layered upturned eaves, along with rockeries of Taihu stone and gurgling springs. Stroll through eight meticulously-designed scenic spots, including Lotus-Breeze-and-Joy-of-Fish, where the Five-Bend Bridge stretches across a lotus pond filled with lush summer lotus leaves and swimming koi fish.

At Pine-Rock-and-Flowing-Spring, clear water tumbles over stones amid lush plants, shutting out the noise of the city. Winding carved corridors and decorative lattice windows frame lake-and-mountain scroll-like views, with every corner perfect for photography.

Climb the Yilan Pavilion, the highest point of the garden, and enjoy views of classical pavilions in the foreground, while the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyscrapers unfold in the distance. The striking contrast between ancient garden architecture and modern cityscape creates a unique Shanghai-style view.

Try a Hanfu costume and wander through moon-shaped gates and curved corridors to take stunning vintage-themed photos. With moderate visitor flow and luxuriant plants, the garden charms in every season: magnolias bloom in spring, lotus perfumes the pond in summer, red maples glow in autumn, and quiet snow decorates the grounds in winter.