5 excellent places to check out on a trip to Chongming Island

Photograph: courtesy Mahota Farm

With a population of less than a million, Chongming Island is quieter and more laidback than the average Shanghai-dweller may be used to. For a getaway from the city this summer, hop on the Shenchong Line 2 or Shenchong Line 3 bus at the Wenshui Lu or the Science and Technology Museum metro stations and you’ll be on the island in just under two hours. Read on for our picks of what to do once you’re there.

Mahota Farm

Photograph: courtesy Mahota Farm

One of several working farms scattered about Chongming, Mahota Farm offers tours of its premises for around 280RMB for adults and 140RMB for kids. During all-day tours, you’ll see firsthand how Mahota promotes healthy eating and sustainable farming habits, and can pick your own organic vegetables and feed farm animals.

📍Beiqiyao Modern Agriculture Park, near Cao Gang Gong Lu, Chongming Island. 9am-5pm daily.

Mingzhu Lake

Photograph: courtesy Chongming Tourism Bureau

Located on the far west side of the island, Mingzhu Lake and its surrounding park are 10 square kilometres of gorgeous greenery and open space. Hop on a rental bike and explore the park area, or take a 20-minute boat ride on the lake for 20RMB per person. As there are far fewer people on the island than in Shanghai proper, you can expect blissful peace and quiet throughout the entire park.

📍333 Sanhua Gong Lu, near Mingzhu Hu Lu. 8.30am-4.30pm daily. 45RMB; 22.5RMB (kids 1.3-1.4m); free (seniors over 65).

Qianwei Ecological Village

Photograph: courtesy Chongming Tourism Bureau

Much like Mahota Farm, Qianwei has fields of its own and loads of hands-on activities. Pick a bouquet of roses from its massive rose garden or pluck fresh dragon fruit from its greenhouses for only a few RMB.

📍Qianwei Ecological Village, Qianwei Agricultural Tourism Area, near Linfeng Gong Lu. 8am-4.30pm daily. 60RMB; 30RMB (uni students); 20RMB (primary students). 

Sanmin Traditional Village

Photograph: courtesy Chongming Tourism Bureau

Afterwards, stop by Sanmin Traditional Village (about a 15-minute walk down the street from Qianwei), which features displays on traditional Chinese clothing, Chinese weaving techniques and other gems.

📍2201 Linfeng Gong Lu, near Jianliang Lu. 8am-5pm daily. 60RMB; 30RMB (kids, students, seniors).

Dongping Forest Park

Photograph: courtesy Chongming Tourism Bureau

This lush park spans roughly 3.5 square kilometres near the centre of the island and is packed to the brim with not only trees, plants and flowers, but also activities. Go-karting, rock climbing and paintball are just a fraction of all the action the park has to offer, most of which goes for 60RMB or less.

📍2188 Beiyan Gong Lu, near Linfen Gong Lu. 8am-4.30pm daily. 70RMB; 35RMB (kids); free (seniors over 70).

Where to stay

Photograph: courtesy Hyatt Regency Chongming

Chongming is massive and it’s impossible to cover all the major sites in a single day. If you’re keen on getting the most out of a visit, a weekend trip may be more your speed. Closer to the west side, find Jinxiu Hotel and City Garden Hotel, which offer basic accommodations for a modest yet comfortable stay. Farther to the east is the Hyatt Regency, which comes with a higher price tag, but more spacious and luxurious rooms and it’s pet-friendly.

📍Hyatt Regency Chongming, Lane 799 Lanhai Lu, Chenjia Town. 

📍Jinxiu Hotel, 68 South Xinchong Nan Lu, Chengqiao Town.

📍City Garden Hotel, 68 South Xinchong Lu, Chengqiao Town.

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