Shanghai Grand View Garden (上海大观园, Daguan Garden, Daguan Park), located on the western side of Qingpu’s Dianshan Lake, is a vast complex featuring a blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern landscaping. The layout of the garden is meticulously designed based on descriptions from the classic Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber” (红楼梦). Visitors can explore a picturesque environment adorned with stone bridges, lotus ponds, pavilions, and terraces, creating a setting reminiscent of the scenes described by the novel’s author, Cao Xueqin.
The lush greenery within the Grand View Garden includes abundant bamboo and relocated ancient trees. In summer, the artificial lake comes alive with blooming lotus flowers, creating a breathtaking sight. During winter, the garden transforms into a plum blossom haven, making it a must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts seeking serene beauty.
Despite being a recreation of ancient architecture, the Grand View Garden exhibits meticulous design, combining the grandeur of royal gardens with the elegance of Jiangnan-style landscaping. Various structures within the garden, such as Jia Baoyu’s residence “Yihong Courtyard,” Lin Daiyu’s dwelling “Xiaoxiang Pavilion,” Jia Tan Chun’s abode “Qiushuang Studio,” and Miaoyu’s retreat “Longcui Nunnery,” authentically recreate the settings of the Jia Family’s estate in “Dream of the Red Chamber.” Notable buildings like Daguang Building, Lixiang Court, and Daoxiang Village are also present, each accompanied by informative plaques detailing their significance.
Occasionally, the Grand View Garden hosts traditional Chinese opera performances featuring scenes from “Dream of the Red Chamber,” especially during national holidays. The Grand View Tower houses a tea room where visitors can savor tea, admire the scenery, and engage in leisurely conversations. While the garden itself lacks dining facilities, there are restaurants outside the entrance, albeit relatively expensive, so it’s advisable to bring snacks and water for the visit.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shanghai Grand View Garden
- Vlog about Shanghai Grand View Garden
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Classical Gardens in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 15.15 (1st January – 31st March) 8.15 – 16.15; Last admission: 15.15 (1st April – 31st December) |
| Ticket Price | 55 RMB |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-59262089 0086-021-59262831 |
Location and Transportation
Shanghai Grand View Garden is situated in the southwest of Shanghai, approximately 30 kilometers away from the city center. The exact address is No.701, Jinshang Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China.
To get there, you can take Hushang Express Coach, Jinze Bus No. 1, Qingshang line, Demonstration Area Bus 4, 7, 8, or 7307 and get off at Jinshang Road Grand View Garden Stop (金商公路大观园站).
Highlights of Shanghai Grand View Garden
Jia Family’s Mansion
Jia Family’s Mansion is one of the main attractions in Shanghai Grand View Garden. It is a beautifully restored traditional Chinese mansion that belonged to the fictional Jia family, the main characters of the classic Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber.” The mansion features typical Chinese architectural elements, including courtyards, pavilions, and gardens. Visitors can explore the various rooms and halls of the mansion, which are decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. The mansion provides a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of wealthy families during the Qing Dynasty.
Grand View Tower
Grand View Tower is the tallest building in Shanghai Grand View Garden, standing at a height of 15 meters. The tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding gardens, ponds, and pavilions, making it a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The tower is also known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of traditional Chinese and modern architecture.
Yihong Courtyard
Yihong Courtyard is a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese courtyard located in Shanghai Grand View Garden. It is a typical example of the residential architecture of wealthy families during the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard features a central garden with a rockery, ponds, and pavilions surrounded by several halls and rooms. Visitors can admire the intricate wood carvings, paintings, and calligraphy that decorate the halls and rooms. The courtyard showcases the refined taste and elegant lifestyle of the Chinese aristocracy during the Qing Dynasty.
Lotus Pond
The Lotus Pond is a picturesque pond located in Shanghai Grand View Garden. As its name suggests, it is filled with lotus flowers, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The pond is particularly stunning during the summer when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, painting the surface of the water with shades of pink and white. Visitors can walk around the pond and enjoy the scenery, or sit on one of the pavilions and admire the reflections of the lotus flowers on the water.
Cultural Performances
Shanghai Grand View Garden is also known for its cultural performances, which take place in the garden’s main theater. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Chinese performances, including Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and other Chinese music and dance performances. The performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of China and provide a glimpse into the country’s traditional art forms. The performers are dressed in elaborate costumes and makeup, adding to the visual appeal of the performances. The theater has modern lighting and sound equipment, ensuring that the audience can fully appreciate the performances.
Teahouse
Shanghai Grand View Garden features a teahouse where visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Chinese tea and snacks. It is located in a traditional Chinese courtyard, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can choose from a variety of teas, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. The teahouse also serves traditional Chinese snacks such as mooncakes and dumplings, allowing visitors to experience the local cuisine.
Vlog about Shanghai Grand View Garden
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Breakfast Options: Near the entrance of the scenic area, there is a breakfast cart offering similar options to those found outside the garden. Additionally, there is the only restaurant, Xinghua Village Restaurant near the attraction, with an average cost of around 60 yuan per person. Adjacent to the restaurant, there is also a convenience store where prices may be slightly higher than those in the city area.
Tea House and Coffee Counter: Inside the garden, there is a tea house and a coffee counter offering various simple tea and coffee drinks for visitors to enjoy.
Fish Feeding: Consider purchasing extra bags of fish food at the entrance. These typically cost around 10 yuan for four small bags. You can use these to feed the koi fish within the garden.
Transportation: Public transportation to the garden is not very convenient, as it is quite far from downtown Shanghai. The furthest point reachable by metro is East Oasis (东方绿洲) on Line 17. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi for the remaining two kilometers to reach the garden.
