Trip Overview
When: July 2021 (summer peak season)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Family with kids
Budget: ~500 RMB (~$70 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-driving
Day 1: Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel
We checked into the Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel (海昌公园度假酒店) family room for the first night. The package included: ocean-themed deluxe room with bunk beds for one night, 2 adult two-day unlimited entry tickets to Haichang Ocean Park, 2 adult breakfast buffets, and 2 Polar Restaurant meal vouchers. The two two-day tickets alone are worth about 1,000 RMB, breakfast buffets worth 256 RMB, and meal vouchers worth 148 RMB—so the hotel isn't as expensive as it seems. However, during summer holidays, the premium makes it less worthwhile.
We booked the penguin-themed room, about 40 square meters. The space feels a bit tight, but since the focus is the amusement park rather than the hotel, the smaller size isn't a dealbreaker.
The room has 2 single beds (1.2 meters each) and 1 bunk bed (0.9 meters). The bunk bed was a huge hit with our kid—they said they wanted one at home too. But first, you need a sibling!
There's a comfy chair by the window—super thoughtful design. After a full day of walking, you can kick back, legs up, scroll your phone. Heavenly.
Coffee machine included, plus 4 bottles of water daily. Need more? Just call the front desk and a robot delivers it. Kids' eyes light up when they see the delivery robot.
Bathroom setup: bathtub and double sinks.
Day 2: Dishui Lake Holiday Hotel & China Maritime Museum
Night 2, we stayed at the Dishui Lake Holiday Hotel (滴水湖假日酒店), an IHG property (no crown this time). Redeemed with 13,000 points—no breakfast included. As a Gold member, we got welcome fruit and a complimentary drink. The front desk lady upgraded us to the top floor (7th floor). The view isn't much to write home about, but we appreciate the gesture. The hotel just opened 6 months ago, so there's still a slight new-hotel smell. The location is excellent: only 5 minutes by car from Haichang Ocean Park and 5 minutes from the Maritime Museum—perfect for our itinerary.
Standard hotel room—nothing special, just a place to sleep. Gets the job done.
The China Maritime Museum (中国航海博物馆), about 10 minutes from Haichang Ocean Park, is an educational museum that's best suited for older kids. Younger ones might find it a bit boring.
Pro tip: The museum's crown jewel—a full-scale Ming Dynasty Fuk ship (福船), hand-built to replicate Zheng He's treasure ships from the 15th century. This beast can actually float. Standing in the center of the hall, it's absolutely breathtaking.
We focused on the maritime history gallery, which our kid found most interesting. Following the docent, we toured the exhibition that traces China's thousands of years of naval development through time. All the ship models on display represent vessels that played pivotal roles in Chinese maritime history.
The Daming Kun Yi Tu (大明混一图)—the earliest world map drawn by Chinese hands, with the Ming Dynasty empire at its center, stretching from Japan in the east to Europe in the west, Java in the south to Mongolia in the north. 'All land under heaven belongs to the emperor'—just feel the vastness and power of the Ming Dynasty.
Zheng He (郑和)—the legendary explorer and national hero, seven voyages to the Western Seas that showcased Chinese civilization's influence across Asia for centuries. Even into the late Qing Dynasty, the legacy of Ming naval power still resonated.
The Spring and Autumn Great Wing warship—43 cm long, crafted in 24K gold, weighing 3kg. Priceless.
"The moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky. Maple fires, fishing lights, sorrow with the sleepless boat. Beyond the city walls, Hanshan Temple. At midnight, the bell reaches the traveler's boat." Was this where Zhang Ji composed his famous poem "Night Mooring at Maple Bridge"?
Stock certificates from the China Merchants River Steamship Company—a precious witness to the development of modern Chinese inland shipping. These documents reveal the company's founding, rise and fall, and its relationship with the China Merchants Bureau. The best testimony to the turbulent shipping history of late Qing and early Republic China.
China's first aircraft carrier—the Liaoning (辽宁号). You can admire this full-scale model up close.
Soul-Testing Navy Training
The Chinese Red Boat (中国红船), celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Communist Party.
Day 3: Nanhui Mouth Seaside Park & Nanhui New City Beach
Nanhui Mouth Seaside Park (南汇嘴观海公园), about 15 minutes from the Maritime Museum. Winding along the East China Sea, this is Shanghai's southeasternmost point on the mainland. Directly across is the Shengsi Islands.
The Direction Fish (司南鱼)—Shanghai's "Land's End" marker.
Reality check: Just a photo-op spot—a regular seaside park. Don't expect anything spectacular.
Nanhui New City Beach (南汇新城海滩)—almost missed this one! About 20 minutes from Nanhui Mouth Park. Formed where the Yangtze River and Qiantang River converge at Nanhui, creating Shanghai's muddy coastline. This is an open beach—when the tide goes out, it leaves vast tidal flats. Kick off your shoes, step onto the mud, and feel the seaside fun.
In the background: the East Sea Bridge (东海大桥)—China's first sea-crossing bridge, connecting Shanghai and Zhejiang's Yangshan Deep Water Port. The main bridge is about 23.5 km long; a 30-minute drive one-way.
Muddy coastline—perfect for catching little crabs.
The tide comes in fast—less than half an hour and the entire tidal flat disappears underwater. Our brief seaside adventure comes to an end.
Final Thoughts
Nanhui Mouth is Shanghai's version of "the ends of the earth." The arrival of Haichang Ocean Park perfectly fits the ocean theme and has brought more attention to this area. The park's rich marine life and exciting shows let both kids and adults immerse themselves. The Maritime Museum's precious collections offer educational fun. The beaches here lack artificial scenery—it's raw and authentic, with wide-open sea views perfect for sunrise and sunset. The fresh sea breeze, away from the city's hustle, lets everyone relax. Visit on a quiet day for a 2-3 day getaway—playing, having fun, and unwinding—absolutely wonderful.