"Complete Guide to Shanghai Fish: Check in at the Goldfish-Shaped Urban Oasis"

Hidden in Fengxian New City, the Shanghai Fish Sculpture Park is a masterpiece of land art by Larry Kibbes, the chief designer of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. The Golden Sea Lake, carved in the shape of a goldfish, winds through the park, perfectly blending natural scenery with artistic sculptures. Covering an open area of 2.53 square kilometers, this park is not only a free urban living room but also a versatile spot for camping, family outings, photography, and sightseeing. This comprehensive guide will help you unlock all the popular activities and enjoy the park without the crowds. Pre-trip Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Transportation and Parking Shanghai Fish covers a vast area, so choosing the right transportation can save you a lot of effort. The subway is the top choice, with Line 5 to Jin Hai Hu Station. Exit 1 and transfer to Fengxian Bus 21 or the Jin Hai Hu sightseeing shuttle; in 10 minutes, you’ll reach the core area. Driving offers more flexibility; from downtown, take the Hongmei Elevated Road to Jin Hai Road. However, avoid peak hours on weekends from 10:00 to 15:00 to prevent the frustration of full parking lots. Parking options have their nuances: For convenience, choose the P2 underground parking lot with 226 well-equipped spaces near the Youth Art Park. For saving money, the Nanjiao Yipin or Jurun Plaza parking lots are recommended. The Mulianzhuang Hotel parking lot is free and suitable for long stays. Note that the Fengxian Museum parking lot is closed on Mondays when the museum is closed; during this time, use the P4 parking lot instead. If parking spaces are tight, free roadside parking along Huanhu Road is an alternative, but be sure to park properly to avoid fines. Core Check-in Areas: Unlock Activities by Preference Sculpture Art Park: A Collision of Art and Lake Views As the park’s core, the Sculpture Art Park features various artworks throughout the green space, exploring local history while blending cultural vibes into the natural landscape. The most photogenic are the "Urban Symbiosis" sculptures made from repurposed shared bicycles, where industrial style meets nature with unique tension. The viewing seats on the south side of the park are perfect for watching the lake fountain and water curtain shows. At dusk, the interplay of light and shadow makes every snapshot atmospheric. Lake Heart Island: The New "Mirror of the Sky" The "Lake Heart Station" on Lake Heart Island is a new hotspot for 2025. The 360° transparent space around the lake is called a "spiritual refuge." Yoga enthusiasts often hold outdoor sessions here, with parent-child yoga and introspective flow yoga harmonizing with the lake’s scenery. The station includes a reading area and a mini gym where adults can read and recharge while kids play hopscotch and billiards. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, it’s best to arrive early to grab window seats. The surrounding lawns are ideal for frisbee and badminton, making exercise amidst the fresh grass a double pleasure. Bubble Park: The Ultimate Family Spot Families with kids must visit Bubble Park, where the Ant Paradise offers many free outdoor play facilities. Slides and climbing frames let children burn off energy, while parents can relax in the nearby bubble house tents, enjoying "free-range parenting." During the annual flower festival, the "Ferry Leisure Yard" at Gate 1 and the "Full Moon and Flowers" lawn are the main exhibition areas. The Margaret flower sea near the Fish Leaping Golden Sea sculpture is a photo hotspot. The park is close to the P1 parking lot, which is a dirt road but the closest, just a 2-minute walk away. Youth Art Park: Romantic Camping and Flower Seas Known for its large flat lawns, Youth Art Park is one of Shanghai’s few free camping sites, allowing tents, kite flying, and is pet-friendly, making it a favorite for pet owners. From September to October, the pink muhly grass and cosmos flowers bloom side by side on the park’s north side. When the wind blows the flower waves, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Paired with the distant lake view, any photo here is social media gold. Restaurants around the lawn mean you don’t need to bring much food, and you can easily grab meals during camping breaks. Surrounding Extensions: One-Day Tour Routes Fengxian Museum: A Cultural Deep Dive Directly across the road, the Fengxian Museum is a must-visit extension. The building’s reflection on the lake is itself a popular photo spot, and the exhibitions often echo the park’s artistic themes. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30. Allocate about 1.5 hours for your visit, and you can pick up your car directly from the parking lot afterward, saving time and effort. As Shanghai’s second-largest artificial lake, the Shanghai Fish Sculpture Park offers free admission, diverse activities, and stunning scenery, making it the top choice for city dwellers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether for family outings, romantic dates, or camping with friends, everyone can find their own joy here. Keep this guide handy, so next time you can head straight to your favorite spots and spend more time enjoying the lake, flower seas, and relaxing moments.