5 Excellent Camping Escapes Around Shanghai

It’s normal to want to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. Sometimes we need to get away from the concrete, the smog and the stress that comes with living with 24 million other people. When that time comes, reconnecting with nature is the best remedy for beating the city blues, and the most fun way to do so, is camping!

Camping is a great activity for families, friends and couples, and are always packed full of adventure, exercise and new challenges.

To help you out, we’ve collected the top 5 camping escapes around Shanghai for you to explore, take in some fresh air and leave all your troubles and stress be 

hind. We’re fast approaching the deep cold of winter, so act fast and get your last fix of nature in before it’s too late! 

DONGPING NATURAL FOREST PARK

Photo source: flickr

Located on China’s third largest island, Dongping Natural Forest Park is the perfect escape from busy city life. It’s one of the few places in Shanghai where you can spot deer and there’s lots to do for the outdoorsman including renting bikes, grass skiing, karting, horse riding, paintball, rock climbing and plenty more.

Last year, confusion arose when a British tourist was denied permission to camp to Dongping Natural Forest Park. A Chinese-only policy was enforced since the park does not have the technology to register foreigners staying there with police. Thankfully, this didn’t last long as the director of the park announced shortly after the incident, that foreigners are now welcome to camp at the national park on Chongming Island. 

You’ll need to bring your passport and photocopies so the park will be able to register you at the police station. No biggie!

How to get there:

Take a 50 minute bus journey from the bus station on Jinxiu Lu to Chenjia on Chongming Island. Price is RMB 12 one way. From Chenjia bus station, it’s a RMB 90 taxi journey to Dongping Forest Park. Entrance fee: RMB 70

ANJI

Photo source: Meetup.com

Famous for its stunning bamboo forests and setting of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the county of Anji is a beautiful scenic spot offering some excellent scenic hiking trails. The area is truly off the beaten path and the opposite of the metropolis, Shanghai. 

Explore the peaceful town of Anji itself and sample the spicy bamboo shoots dish ( 竹字 zhu zi). Also, the region produces white tea (白茶 baicha) which is a must try while you are there.

When it comes to camping, head to Tianjia Mountain located near Fushi Reservoir, for a serene campsite by the water and with great views of the mountain.

How to get there:

Either take the 4 hour bus (RMB 68) from Shanghai South Railway Station to Anji, departing every hour from 7:10 am to 10:10 am. Alternatively, take the train to Hanghzhou, leaving every half hour (RMB 50-115) and a bus to Anji (under 1 hour).

For the Tianjia Mountain campsite follow GPS to “Chengyu Bamboo Crafts”; then follow the signs to the campsite.

MOGANSHAN

Photo source: Meetup.com

One of the most beloved tourist hot spots, Moganshan offers an exciting, fun-filled weekend retreat from Shanghai, and if you have your own car, is only a 2.5-hour drive west. At this time of year, crowds will be much less, so enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful region. 

Set up camp among the inspiring pine and bamboo forests and go to explore the amazing natural rock formations, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Like many places in China, Moganshan is steeped in history. Visit the Sword Pond which is supposedly the spot with legendary sword smith, Ganjiang, forged two swords for the Emperor of Wu.

How to get there:

Several buses travel to Wukang daily, starting at 6:30 am, 11:50 am and 12:40 pm from the bus station at 80 Gong Xin Lu (公兴路80号). Tickets cost RMB 65 and the trip takes 4 hours. Alternatively, take the train to Hangzhou (leaving every half hour, RMB 50-115) and then then the 40-minute bus for RMB 20 RMB.

ORIENTAL LAND, DIANSHAN LAKE

photo source: idealShanghai

Located on the shores of the largest natural lake in Shanghai, Oriental Land is a breath of fresh air just 60km from the heart of Shanghai.

The social and recreational center is a popular site for training programs for schools and companies, and features more than 400 different types of plants, 110,000 trees, and 170,000 square meters of grass. 

Don’t be put off by the odd sounding name! At the park you can rent bikes or quadricycles, explore the maze of bridges and wooded areas, and take part in a long list of water-based activities. 

Originally designed as a campsite for youngsters, it’s better suited for those travelling with little ones. There are around 100 employees trained in all aspects of safety and outdoor activities your experience is rewarding and fulfilling.

This is the ideal weekend getaway for stressed city dwellers looking to return to the happiness of nature. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in cabins of pitch tents in designated areas.

How to get there:

Buses depart daily from Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Center at Shanghai Stadium between 9am-10am. Entrance fee: RMB 150

MEADOW BROOK

Finding a place to ride a horse can be quite tricky in Shanghai! However, if the feeling overwhelms you, you can always head to Meadow Brook in Qingpu District. The park contains professional stables and horseback-riding alongside campsites and barbecue facilities.

Meadows, woods and natural ponds make it attractive for barbecues, games, parties and camping away from the city.

The friendly and animal loving atmosphere of Meadow Brook makes it a good choice for families, however it’s close location (only 35km west of Shanghai) makes it a convenient option for just about everyone. 

How to get there:

Take the metro to Donging Station (Line 9) and grab a taxi to Meadow Brook approximately a 11km taxi ride away.

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