Dianshan Lake Short Loop: Garden, Ginkgo & Water Town
Shanghai Grand View Garden (Jinshang Road 701) 上海大观园 → Zhujiajiao Water Town (Metro Line 17 Zhujiajiao station) 朱家角古镇
Plan Your Route
Quick Facts
| Start | Shanghai Grand View Garden (Jinshang Road 701) 上海大观园 |
| Finish | Zhujiajiao Water Town (Metro Line 17 Zhujiajiao station) 朱家角古镇 |
| Area | Qingpu Lakes & Water Towns |
| Best season | Autumn is the season — the ginkgo at Baoguo Temple turns gold and the viewing platform gets its clear sunset light. Spring runs a close second; summer is hot on the exposed lakeside. |
| Transport | Metro Line 17 to Oriental Land or Zhujiajiao stations, then a taxi to the start; or drive about an hour from central Shanghai. A shared bike or rented bike turns the walk into a short ride. |
| Crowd level | Quiet on weekdays. The viewing platform draws a small sunset crowd; Baoguo Temple is serene, and Zhujiajiao is busy on weekends. |
Route Summary
Dianshan Lake’s west shore holds the region’s three best-known sights in a single easy line: the Dream of the Red Chamber gardens, a free lakeside viewing platform, and a temple with Shanghai’s oldest living ginkgo. This ~20 km route strings them together and finishes in the canal town of Zhujiajiao — a half-day walk or a short, flat ride.
Walk or ride it town-first and garden-last if you want the sunset at the platform; the ginkgo is the quiet centrepiece either way.
Step-by-Step Route
Route notes are based on local knowledge and will be refined with field checks. Approximate times assume a relaxed pace with short photo stops.
Grand View Garden to the viewing platform
~1.5 hours walking / 40 min ridingStart at the Shanghai Grand View Garden (上海大观园, 金商公路701号) and follow the lakeside greenway to the free Dianshan Lake Viewing Platform (淀山湖观景台) near 金泽镇淀山湖村 — a 2.5 km greenway through forest and a lotus pond, free parking, and the classic sunset-over-the-lake view.
Photo suggestion: The viewing platform at golden hour is the line's signature shot.
The lakeside to Baoguo Temple
~1.5 hours walking / 40 min ridingContinue along the shore past the Dianshan Lake Forest Resort area (status varies — treat the resort as a landmark) to Baoguo Temple (报国寺, 朱家角镇淀峰村452号) — the Jade Buddha Temple's lakeside sub-temple, rebuilt in 1992 on the Ming Guan Wang Temple site, with Shanghai's oldest ginkgo: about 1,200 years old, 36.5 m tall, once a navigation landmark for lake boats.
Caution: The lakeside stretch has no services — carry water.
Photo suggestion: Late-afternoon light through the ancient ginkgo; the temple is quietest before sunset.
Oriental Land and the Zhujiajiao finish
~1.5–2 hours walking / 50 min ridingRide or walk to Oriental Land (东方绿舟, 沪青平公路6888号; carrier replica, 17万m² lawn, ¥50 reported) and finish in Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇) — free, with the 1571 Fang Sheng Bridge and Grandma's zongzi for the end.
Photo suggestion: Fang Sheng Bridge at dusk from the canal bank.
Getting There & Back
By metro
BestMetro Line 17 to Oriental Land (东方绿舟站) or Zhujiajiao (朱家角站), then a taxi to the Grand View Garden start. Finish at Zhujiajiao for the metro back.
By car
About an hour from central Shanghai. Park at the Grand View Garden Gate 2 lot (¥15/day) or Oriental Land Gate 1 (¥10–20/day) and ride the line one way, then taxi back.
Walk or ride
The full ~20 km works on foot for fit walkers (4–6 hours); a shared or rented bike turns it into an easy half-day ride. Bicycles are not allowed on the metro.
Return
Finish in Zhujiajiao and take Metro Line 17 back, or taxi to your car.
Return
ReturnFinish in Zhujiajiao and take Metro Line 17 back, or taxi to your car.
Practical Notes
Walk or ride
20 km is a long walk for small children — a shared or rented bike turns it into an easy half day. Walkers should allow 4–6 hours.
Check the garden status
AMap currently flags the Grand View Garden as temporarily closed — verify before planning to enter; the gate and lakeside setting still work as the start.
Temple hours vary
Baoguo Temple's reported hours range ~07:30–16:30 (winter listings vary) — check before planning the visit; entry is free.
Sunset timing
If the sunset is the point, do the line in reverse (Zhujiajiao → temple → platform) so you reach the viewing platform at golden hour.
Carry water
The lakeside stretch has no services — carry water and a snack.
Resort status
The Dianshan Lake Forest Resort's day-visitor status varies by season — treat it as a landmark rather than a planned stop.
Finish in Zhujiajiao
The metro at the finish makes Zhujiajiao the natural end; street food and Aba tea are the reward.
Safety Notes
- The lakeside stretch has no services and limited shade — carry water and sun protection.
- Road sections near the garden and Oriental Land carry traffic; use the greenway where it exists.
- The viewing platform and temple grounds have open edges — hold children close.
- The lakeside is unlit after dark; plan to finish before dusk.
Best Time to Go
Spring
Mild, green and quiet; the garden's flowers are out.
Summer
Hot on the exposed lakeside — start early and carry water; the temple's shade is a relief.
Autumn
RecommendedThe best season — the ginkgo turns gold and the sunset light is clear.
Winter
Cold but clear; the garden's plum blossom and the bare-limbed ginkgo have their own beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.
-
Walk or ride?
Either works. ~20 km on foot is 4–6 hours; a bike makes it an easy half day. Bicycles are not allowed on the metro, so rent in Zhujiajiao or bring your own. -
Is the Grand View Garden open?
AMap currently flags it as temporarily closed — verify before planning to enter. The gate and lakeside setting still work as the start. -
How old is the ginkgo really?
Baoguo Temple's ginkgo is reported at ~1,200 years (36.5 m, protected tree No. 0004) — among Shanghai's oldest, and a former navigation landmark for lake boats. -
Where do we stop?
The viewing platform, Baoguo Temple, Oriental Land and Zhujiajiao; eat at the garden gate area, Oriental Land or Zhujiajiao's street food. -
What's the best light?
Golden hour at the viewing platform — run the line in reverse if the sunset is the point. -
Is it OK for kids?
Yes on wheels; on foot it is long for small children. The temple and platform are easy stops either way.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.