I spent a magical day at the 10th China Flower Expo on Chongming Island, Shanghai—a first-ever island-based national flower exhibition set amid forests and countryside. From the iconic "Big Butterfly" Century Hall to the intricate provincial gardens showcasing China's diverse horticultural heritage, this day trip revealed why this event captured the nation's imagination. With convenient shuttle buses, surprisingly affordable prices, and Instagram-worthy installations at every turn, the Chongming Flower Expo proved that world-class floral displays don't require international travel.
Trip Overview
When: June 2, 2021 (Spring/Summer season)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: Solo
Budget: ~300 RMB (~$42 USD) including transport and entry
Transportation: Flower Expo shuttle bus from Shanghai (direct, dedicated lane)
Morning: The Journey to Floral Paradise
When I first heard about the 10th China Flower Expo opening on Chongming Island (Chóngmíng Dǎo), I knew I had to experience it. This was no ordinary garden show—it was the first time China had ever hosted its premier national flower exhibition on an island, in the countryside, and within a forest setting. The government had gone all-out to make this accessible to everyone, and I was about to discover just how smooth they made the journey.
I booked my ticket through the "Suishiban" app—120 RMB (~$17 USD) for a weekday visit, which included my designated entry time slot. The entire process took less than five minutes on my phone. That alone was impressive, but what really amazed me was the transportation setup.
🎯 Practical Info: Getting There
Entry Fee: 120 RMB (~$17 USD) weekdays; 180 RMB (~$25 USD) weekends Booking: Flower Expo official website or "Suishiban" app (Chinese) Shuttle Bus: 20 RMB (~$3 USD) one-way; dedicated flower expo lanes avoid traffic Custom Bus Lines: 30 RMB (~$4 USD) from various Shanghai districts Pro Tip: Public transit is highly recommended—the dedicated lanes make it faster than driving
The shuttle bus dropped me off at the North Parking Lot, which is why most visitors start their tour from the North Garden (Běi Yuán)—the main entrance area of the expo. As I stepped off the bus, the scale of this event hit me. The entire grounds are divided into two sections: the North Garden (the main expo area) and the South Garden (Nán Yuán), which is actually the renovated Dongping Forest Park (Dōngpíng Sēnlín Gōngyuán).
Exploring the Century Hall: The Iconic "Big Butterfly"
My first stop was the Century Hall (Shìjì Guǎn), locally nicknamed "the Big Butterfly" because from above, the twin buildings resemble a butterfly spreading its wings. As I approached, I could see why this became the symbol of the entire expo. The architecture is striking—modern yet somehow harmonious with the natural surroundings.
The rooftop garden on top of the Century Hall quickly became one of my favorite photo spots. Standing up there, looking out over the sea of gardens stretching in every direction, I felt like I was surveying a floral kingdom. The view alone justified the visit.
Inside the ground floor, I discovered a pleasant surprise—the First Food Store (Dì Yī Shípǐn Shāngdiàn), where I could buy flower expo souvenirs. But what really caught my attention was the fresh-baked butterfly pastries (húdié sū) being made right there on-site. These crispy, buttery Shanghai-style pastries are a local favorite, and watching them come out of the oven filled the air with an irresistible aroma.
Throughout the grounds, mobile food carts offered surprisingly reasonable prices—salted soda water for just 2.5 RMB (~$0.35 USD) and sparkling water for 10 RMB (~$1.40 USD). After the usual theme park markups I'd experienced elsewhere, this felt refreshingly fair.
Midday: The Grand Revival Hall and Provincial Gardens
Next, I made my way to the Grand Revival Hall (Fùxīng Guǎn)—the landmark building and largest indoor exhibition space. This was where China's provinces and flower association branches showcased their horticultural finest. Walking through those halls felt like taking a botanical journey across the entire country.
I was delighted to find 3D-printed ice cream creations—a modern treat that attracted crowds of young visitors. The intricate designs were almost too beautiful to eat, but the hot June weather made that decision for me pretty quickly!
But the real highlight was the outdoor Domestic Garden Area (Guónèi Zhǎnqū), featuring 35 provincial gardens. Each was a miniature masterpiece representing its region's unique landscape and culture. I found myself drawn to several favorites:
Shanghai Garden (Shànghǎi Yuán)
The Shanghai Garden cleverly incorporated Shikumen (Shíkùmén) architecture elements—the iconic stone-gate lane houses that define old Shanghai's character. Walking through this garden felt like stepping back into the city's elegant past while surrounded by contemporary floral artistry.
Beijing Garden (Běijīng Yuán)
The Beijing Garden showcased imperial grandeur with meticulously pruned trees and classical Chinese garden elements. The symmetry and restraint reflected the capital's historical sophistication.
Jiangsu Garden (Jiāngsū Yuán) & Zhejiang Garden (Zhèjiāng Yuán)
These neighboring gardens displayed the refined elegance typical of Jiangnan (Jiāngnán)—the region south of the Yangtze River famous for its classical gardens. Water features, moon gates, and carefully positioned "borrowed scenery" created endless photo opportunities.
Anhui Garden (Ānhuī Yuán)
The Anhui Garden featured a stunning replica of the Nanhu Red Boat (Nánhú Hóngchuán)—the iconic vessel from which the Chinese Communist Party held its first congress. Set among carefully cultivated flora, it was a powerful cultural statement.
Other gardens that caught my eye included the Hebei Garden, Tianjin Garden, Liaoning Garden, and the Inner Mongolia Garden with its distinctive grassland aesthetics.
Afternoon: Bamboo & Rattan Pavilion and International Gardens
The afternoon sun led me to seek shade in the Bamboo and Rattan Pavilion (Zhúténg Guǎn). This architectural marvel showcased sustainable building techniques using—you guessed it—bamboo and rattan. The organic curves and natural materials created a refreshing contrast to the more structured exhibition halls.
Nearby, the Flower Association Exhibition Area showcased specialized displays including the Rose Branch Garden and New Varieties Garden. This was where serious horticulture enthusiasts lingered, examining rare cultivars and taking notes.
By mid-afternoon, hunger led me to the Food Plaza—a surprisingly diverse collection of vendors offering everything from local Shanghai snacks to international options. The prices remained reasonable, which I greatly appreciated.
The International Exhibition Area (Guójì Zhǎnqū) was my final major stop. Ten gardens from around the world showcased global horticultural styles. My personal favorites included:
Royal Botanic Gardens – classic English garden elegance Netherlands Garden – tulip displays and Dutch design Shangfang Garden – Japanese-inspired tranquility Oriental International Garden – fusion of East and West International Design Masters Garden – avant-garde installations
One installation that stopped me in my tracks was "Tree on Rock" by a Malaysian artist—a thought-provoking piece that perfectly balanced natural elements with artistic vision. The Dutch artist's contribution was equally striking, using bold colors and geometric patterns that felt distinctly European yet harmoniously integrated into the Chinese setting.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Day
As the afternoon light began to soften and I made my way back to the shuttle bus pickup point, I found myself reflecting on what made this day so special. Yes, the flowers were spectacular—but it was more than that. It was seeing how each province of China interpreted natural beauty through its own cultural lens. It was watching families, couples, and solo travelers like myself wandering through living works of art. It was the attention to detail in every corner, from the architecture to the landscaping to the surprisingly efficient logistics.
The Chongming Flower Expo wasn't just a garden show—it was a celebration of China's horticultural heritage and a showcase of what happens when nature, culture, and human creativity converge. For international visitors, it offers a unique window into regional Chinese identities that you rarely see in the major cities.
If you're planning a visit to Shanghai and have a day to spare, I'd highly recommend making the trip to Chongming Island during expo season. Just remember to book your tickets in advance, wear comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover a lot of ground!), and bring extra camera batteries. Trust me—you'll need them.
Quick Reference Guide
🌸 What is it?
The China Flower Expo is the country's premier national horticultural exhibition, held every four years. The 2021 edition on Chongming Island was historic as the first island-based, forest-hosted iteration.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring/early summer (May-June) for peak blooms Weekdays for smaller crowds Arrive early (8-9 AM) to avoid tour groups
💰 Budget Breakdown
Entry: 120 RMB weekdays / 180 RMB weekends (~$17-25 USD) Shuttle bus: 40 RMB round-trip (~$6 USD) Food & drinks: 50-100 RMB (~$7-14 USD) Souvenirs: Variable
🎯 Don't Miss
Century Hall rooftop garden (best panoramic views) Grand Revival Hall indoor exhibitions Your home province/country's garden for comparison 3D-printed ice cream for a modern treat International gardens for global perspectives
⚠️ Pro Tips
Download "Suishiban" app before arriving in China (requires Chinese language skills or a local friend) Bring sunscreen and a hat—shade is limited in outdoor areas Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll easily walk 15-20 km Bring cash for small vendors (though most accept mobile payments) Consider visiting South Garden (Dongping Forest Park) separately if time permits
🚗 Getting There
Address: 北沿公路2288号, Chongming District, Shanghai (上海崇明区北沿公路2288号)
From Shanghai: Flower Expo shuttle buses from multiple locations; journey time ~1.5-2 hours with dedicated lanes