Sitting on an area of almost 90 acres, the Changfeng Park is an illustrious natural space with classical Chinese garden elements, an artificial lake in the center and a hill which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There is greenery abound with a whole lot of activities for people of all ages. It is also home to one of Shanghai’s first marine life displays built to international standards, known as Sea Life Shanghai or Changfeng Ocean World.
Located in Putuo district, the nearest subway station is Daduhe road station which is on the track of metro line 13. Going south on Daduhe road will bring visitors to Changfeng Park. Entrance is free to the park but the aquarium attraction is charged at RMB180. Kids under 3.3 feet are free while those between 3.3 ft to 4.6 ft are allowed a reduced fare of RMB120. A combination ticket with Madame Tussauds Shanghai will cost RMB370 (kids between 3.3 and 4.6 feet; RMB260) and this includes transfer and beluga whale performances as well. Park timings are from 06:00 to 21:00 and Ocean World timings start at 08:30 and end at 17:00.
Inside the lush park, there are good facilities like toilets, snack stands, seating areas and pathways that wound round the park. Families and peoples from all walks of life will come here, especially on weekends, to practice music or singing, exercise, have a picnic, fly kites, practice taichi, play board games and spend quality time in a relaxing atmosphere. Two features that deserve special mention are the Yinchu lake and Tiebi hill.
Tiebi hill (literally Mighty Arm) was created when the mud was emptied out for the lake but has turned into a green meadow, with many ascents and descents, and an attraction in its own right that offers vista views from its’ highest peak, of the sprawling park and the glimmering lake below. There are pavilions along the path and the foliage is dense with unique flora and shrubbery.
At the heart of the park and occupying about 1/3rd of the space, Yinchu lake (Meaning Glimmering Mattock) is like a mirror of the sky above. There are plenty of activities around this area including people-watching on one of the benches around the body of water. Strolls around its perimeter under old and expansive willow trees mixed with other varieties is a favorite among couples and old-timers. Motor boats and row boats are available at a charge and require a deposit to be secured as well before use. Ponds dedicated to fishing have been set aside as well.
A trip to Changfeng Ocean World, under the Yinchu lake, is an exciting learning experience for kids and elders alike. It has more then 10,000 species of sea critters with its most popular ones being the beluga whale and the sea lions. Kids especially enjoy the feeding activity that are offered at the aquarium. And those with the love of the ocean can also swim with the fish for an extra charge.