Xisha Wetland Park

西沙湿地公园

Located at the western end of Chongming Island, it is a mudflat on the bank of the Yangtze River. It is an excellent place to watch the tide, look for birds and enjoy the sunset.
The vast wetland is covered with reeds and interspersed with various vegetation communities. Looking around, it looks like a vast green wave, which is stunningly beautiful.
The wetland is well-known as a birdwatching destination, with a large number of bird habitats. The best birdwatching season is from November to March.
It is the best place to watch the sunset, which can be regarded as a unique scene in Chongming, the "Xisha Sunset", which looks unique against the backdrop of the mudflats.

Attractions Location: No. 588, Baohu Road, Chongming District, Shanghai

Tickets: free

Opening hours:
08:30-16:30 (Monday to Sunday, July 21st - December 31st)

Contact Details: 021-39633635

Transportation:
Located at the western end of Chongming Island, you can drive or take public transportation to reach it.
1. Self-driving: Shanghai Outer Ring Road (or Middle Ring Road Xiangyin Road Tunnel) - Pudong Wuzhou Avenue - Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel Bridge - Chongming Chenhai Highway - Sanhua Highway to the scenic area
2. Public transportation: Take the Xisha Wetland Tourist Bus from Nanmen Bus Station, or take the Nanniu Line or Nanjian Line to Lvhua Town Station, then transfer to the Lvhua Line and get off at Xisha Wetland Station.

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Xisha Wetland Park tours

1-Day Itinerary: Explore Xisha Wetland Park

Spend a full day immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility of Xisha Wetland Park, Shanghai’s important ecological reserve known for its wetlands, birdwatching, and peaceful walking trails.

  • Morning: Take metro Line 5 to Xidu Station, then take Bus No. 96 or taxi to Xisha Wetland Park (approx. 20 min by bus/taxi).
  • Explore the wetland walking trails, observation decks, and birdwatching spots.
  • Lunch: Picnic in designated park areas or dine at nearby local restaurants (within 10 minutes taxi ride).
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the park or rent a bike for a scenic ride through the wetland paths.
  • Evening: Return to downtown Shanghai via taxi to Xidu Station and metro Line 5.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near downtown Shanghai for convenience; nearby hotels in Minhang District offer good comfort. Food options include local Shanghainese restaurants or international eateries in city center.

Souvenirs: Local handicrafts related to wetland ecology, postcards featuring bird species, eco-friendly products, and natural-themed gifts from the park’s visitor center.


2-Day Itinerary: Xisha Wetland Park & Minhang Cultural Exploration

Combine a nature day at Xisha Wetland Park with a cultural visit to nearby Minhang district, discovering local markets and parks.

  • Day 1: Full day at Xisha Wetland Park following the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Take metro Line 5 to Jiangchuan Road Station (approx. 10 min), visit nearby Minhang Museum (5-min walk).
  • Lunch: Try local eateries around Jiangchuan Road.
  • Afternoon: Visit Qibao Ancient Town (metro Line 9 from Jiangchuan Road Station to Qibao Station, approx. 40 min).
  • Evening: Return to hotel, enjoy dinner in Minhang or downtown Shanghai.

Accommodation/Food: Minhang or downtown Shanghai; food ranges from local street snacks in Qibao to upscale dining in city center.

Souvenirs: Traditional crafts from Qibao, local tea, wetland-themed souvenirs from Xisha Wetland Park.


3-Day Itinerary: Wetlands, Cultural Towns & Urban Parks

Explore Xisha Wetland Park, Qibao Ancient Town, and nearby urban parks to get a well-rounded experience of nature and culture.

  • Day 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary above.
  • Day 3 Morning: Visit Gucun Park (take metro Line 7 from Qibao Station to Gucun Park Station, approx. 50 min).
  • Lunch: Cafes or restaurants around Gucun Park.
  • Afternoon: Return to downtown Shanghai (metro Line 7 to People’s Square, approx. 30 min) for shopping or city sightseeing.
  • Evening: Explore Nanjing Road pedestrian street for dinner and shopping.

Accommodation/Food: Stay downtown or near metro hubs for easy access; enjoy local Shanghainese cuisine and international options.

Souvenirs: Natural souvenirs from wetlands, handicrafts from Qibao, and Shanghai-themed gifts from city shops.


4-Day Itinerary: Nature, History & Modern Shanghai

Immerse yourself in nature, history, and modern city life by visiting Xisha Wetland Park, Qibao, Shanghai Museum, and Lujiazui.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4 Morning: Visit Shanghai Museum at People’s Square (metro Line 7 or Line 1 to People’s Square, approx. 30-40 min from city center).
  • Lunch: Near People’s Square or in the Bund area.
  • Afternoon: Take metro Line 2 to Lujiazui for Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower visits (approx. 20 min).
  • Evening: Dinner with a view in Lujiazui or the Bund.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near People’s Square or the Bund; diverse dining options including fine dining and local favorites.

Souvenirs: Museum-themed books and replicas, Shanghai skyline souvenirs from Lujiazui, ecological products from Xisha Wetland Park.


5-Day Itinerary: Wetlands, Ancient Towns & Shanghai Highlights

Expand your journey with visits to Xisha Wetland Park, Qibao Ancient Town, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and Shanghai’s city highlights.

  • Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Take metro Line 9 to Zhujiajiao Station (approx. 1 hour from city center), explore Zhujiajiao Water Town.
  • Lunch: Local specialties in Zhujiajiao.
  • Evening: Return to Shanghai, dinner near hotel.

Accommodation/Food: Stay downtown or near metro stations; enjoy local cuisines at water towns and city centers.

Souvenirs: Traditional crafts from Zhujiajiao, wetland-themed eco-products, local teas.


6-Day Itinerary: Nature, Culture & Modern Urban Life

Combine wetlands, water towns, museums, parks, and shopping for a comprehensive Shanghai experience.

  • Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6 Morning: Visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square (metro to People’s Square).
  • Lunch: People’s Square or Nanjing Road area.
  • Afternoon: Explore Huaihai Road shopping street (metro from People’s Square to South Shaanxi Road Station, approx. 10 min).
  • Evening: Relax at a café in the French Concession.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near French Concession or downtown; excellent international and local cuisine.

Souvenirs: Urban planning books, Shanghai fashion, eco-friendly goods from wetland visits.


7-Day Itinerary: Full Shanghai Experience Including Wetlands and Water Towns

A full-week itinerary encompassing natural wetlands, ancient towns, city museums, modern architecture, and shopping districts.

  • Days 1-6: Follow all previous itineraries.
  • Day 7 Morning: Visit Jing’an Temple and Jing’an Sculpture Park (metro Line 2 or taxi from French Concession, approx. 15 min).
  • Lunch: Nearby Jing’an dining options.
  • Afternoon: Relax at People’s Park or visit the Jade Buddha Temple (taxi or metro).
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at The Bund or Xintiandi.

Accommodation/Food: Preferably stay in central Shanghai near French Concession or Jing’an for best access and dining variety.

Souvenirs: Religious artifacts, Shanghai-themed gifts, wetland souvenirs, local handicrafts, and tea products.


User Reviews

By Small Life |

The Xisha Wetland, located on the western tip of Chongming Island, is significantly smaller than the Zhalong Wetland in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province. However, the scenery is beautiful and the facilities are relatively well-equipped. It's early summer now, and the vast expanses of reed marshes and fir forests are lush and green, a real eye-catcher. Most captivating are the countless tiny crabs lurking in the mud beneath the reeds. The largest is no bigger than a palm, while the smallest looks more like a tiny spider. The mud is dotted with countless small holes, and nearly every one holds a tiny crab. Crab fishing has become a staple here. The Xisha Wetland, located on the western tip of Chongming Island, is significantly smaller than the Zhalong Wetland in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province. However, the scenery is beautiful and the facilities are relatively well-equipped. It's early summer now, and the vast expanses of reed marshes and fir forests are lush and green, a real eye-catcher. Crabs are voracious eaters, and once they catch food, they clamp their claws tightly and refuse to let go, resulting in the fish being pulled up. There are many fishing rods for sale in the park. A fishing rod is simply a thin bamboo or reed pole with a small piece of meat tied to the end. The rod is then used to place the meat near the entrance of a crab's burrow. The greedy crabs will latch onto the meat and it can be easily pulled out. Many people fish for crabs, and they often catch a lot.

By Big Bad Wolf |

At the western end of Chongming Island in Shanghai, there is a mudflat on the bank of the Yangtze River. The vast wetland is covered with reeds and is famous for its bird watching. There are many bird habitats here.

By DaddyPuff |

The construction and development of the Xisha Wetland Park occurred in two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I was completed and opened to the public at the end of September 2006. Constructed using over 1,300 cubic meters of high-quality fir wood, the Xisha Wetland's architecture is both simple and elegant, yet also ornate and beautiful. Subsequently, Phase II of the Xisha Wetland "ecological restoration" project commenced, building on the research achievements of the first phase and establishing new demonstration projects. Through these two phases, the Xisha Wetland has been transformed into a multifunctional wetland ecological demonstration area, enhancing its existing functions and benefits while providing a venue for young people to learn about science.

By Rainbow after the rain 0062 |

Yesterday I cycled around Chongming Island. Starting from Dongping Forest Park and ending at the entrance of Xisha Wetland Park, a 30-kilometer one-way trip. Xisha Wetland Park was closed, so I returned, a total of 60 kilometers. It was a pleasant ride, though a bit hot.

By Young |

This is Shanghai's only natural wetland with natural tides and extensive mudflats and woodlands, and its sunsets are renowned. It's midsummer, the prime season for hairy crabs and octopuses. Numerous crab holes, large and small, dot the muddy ground on either side of the plank road, and from time to time, one can glimpse a small crab poking out of one or two.

The plank road winds deep into a bald cypress forest. The lush, leafy trees are bathed in dappled light and shadow, accentuating the lush greenery. It's a picture embodying the beauty of summer. Birds chirp, cicadas sing, and the wind rustles, creating a natural melody. Following the painting, my heart swaying with the music, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility, as if summer never existed. Leaving the cypress forest, the plank road slopes down into a reed flat. To either side, vast, uninterrupted reeds blanket the path, bathing the sun in dazzling green. Here, a small red crab emerges from its burrow; there, a dragonfly soars low. In the distance, a charming swallow glides past; a red ladybug rests on a reed stalk. Like a child, I'm constantly delighted by new discoveries. This inspiration brings to mind Guo Xiaochuan's poem, "Green Gauze Tents Over Sugarcane Forest," which I learned as a student. As the sun gradually set, the sky took on a captivating orange-red hue, reflected on the river. "Half the river is rustling, half is red," "The setting sun casts its shadow on the water." Many lines of poetry came to mind, yet none could fully capture what I saw and felt. Those who had been resting or fishing for crabs suddenly stood up, pulling out their cameras to take photos or videos, capturing this moment.

By Dugu Qiubai |

It was already 4:10 when we arrived at Xisha Wetland Park (rumor has it that tourists are banned at 4:00, but thankfully it's still open even in the middle of summer). We were free to enter and there were reeds and crab holes everywhere. It was still sunny after 4:00, so we walked to the tide-viewing platform to rest and quietly wait for the sun to set. At this moment, the sun was setting, and I was heartbroken in Xisha!

By Little Traveler |

Xisha Wetland is a great place to visit. No entrance fee is required, and you can enjoy fishing and crabbing. If you're lucky, you might even see a unique light show.

By Qiao Lihua |

In late autumn, the Xisha wetlands are a sea of golden color, with reeds swaying in the autumn wind, and my mood is relaxed. . . .

By Strong Sheep |

What's even more interesting about Xisha is that, as a wetland park, it's the only tidal flat in Shanghai with natural tides, offering a recurring tide cycle and an ecosystem that interacts closely with nature. Xisha Wetland National Park is open to the public free of charge, and a daily tide timetable is displayed at the entrance.

Due to the wetland's tidal characteristics, all walkways in the park are constructed of wooden and concrete planks, roughly divided into two sections. The front section is surrounded by jungle, flanked by willows and bald cypress trees. A closer look reveals a patchwork of holes, where red-clawed crabs occasionally emerge, scurrying in at the slightest sound. The bald cypress is particularly beautiful under a gentle drizzle. Its fine, striped leaves take on a feathery appearance, stained by a few raindrops, creating a vibrant and beautiful scene. Who would have guessed it's a tree native to North America and Mexico?

The back section of the plank road offers a wide view, flanked by reed beds and marshes. The endless reed marshes give the illusion of being in a vast jungle wilderness. What's a bit distracting is the crowds of crabbers. Almost everyone has their own tools, some using their own poles, others using reeds, and sometimes even fish and shrimp. It's a lovely way to interact with the children, but some carry large buckets laden with their catch, looking like professional fishermen. It's a bit of a distraction. I really don't want this natural wetland to lose its original ecological environment due to overfishing.

Walking to the central platform, with the reed greenery in front and the Yangtze River behind, you can sit on the railing, feel the river breeze, and capture the poetic and picturesque scene before you. Dongping Forest and Xisha Wetland, one wood and one water, are leisurely and unhurried, just the right amount of time for a day.

By jinsemi |

First of all, it should be said that Chongming is a tourist attraction based on its ecological environment.

Xisha is free, and the parking fee is 10 yuan with no time limit after driving along Chenghai Highway for 1 hour.

There are three paths at the entrance of the scenic area: left, middle and right. The end point is the same platform, and then you can go directly to the riverside from the platform.

There are only fir trees and endless reeds here. It is very beautiful at this time! It is very suitable for taking artistic photos.

So I had a lot of fun!

By Fernando |

The Xisha Wetlands are quite captivating, with nothing but reeds. Gazing at the vast expanse of the Yangtze River is truly spectacular. There aren't many signs of commercial activity here, making it a great place for a relaxing stroll.

By Jenny |

Chongming Xisha Wetland Park offers free admission. The air is fresh and the scenery is pleasant. Wooden plank paths crisscross the main paths, and the park is well-equipped with amenities. You can enjoy the Yangtze River's scenic beaches from the bottom. However, the sun can be strong in the summer, so be mindful of UV rays and take breaks. Spring and autumn are ideal for families with children and the elderly. The Xisha Wetland's geological relics and landscapes primarily include estuarine tidal flats and wetland geomorphology, as well as wetland vegetation, birds, and benthic animals. Seventeen representative geological relics, primarily in two categories, are preserved within the park, showcasing the remarkable geological landscape of the world's largest estuarine alluvial island and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

By beaut |

A word of caution for those planning a trip to the Chongming Xisha Wetlands: it's best to drive. There's a farmers' market there with food, crabbing, and sunset viewing (I went on a cloudy day, so it was less fun, and the photos I took were also lacking in light). (Recommended 2-3 hours).

By nliu |

I thought I'd come to Chongming to breathe some fresh air on the weekend and since the wetland is free, I came here. The weather was a bit cloudy and I didn't see the sunset, but it was quite suitable for the reed marshes in this season. It might be better to come to Green Point later. It takes about an hour and a half to walk through it.

By capital |

Xisha Islands? Is it Chongming Island? I went there at night, it was so desolate

By China-TravelNote users |

The scenery without filters, the vast reed marshes are spectacular

By Walking in the rain |

The scenery is particularly beautiful, a great place to relax!

By Feathering |

Xisha Wetland is a scenic spot that does not charge admission. There are not many views and not many people when you go there. The other side is Liuhe in Taicang. It is worth a visit.

By *Fairy* |

I went there on May Day in 2016 to avoid the crowds and visit the wetlands. The sun was very strong, but it was a green experience. Perhaps it would be more enjoyable in autumn. I also went to the coastal embankment to enjoy the breeze and watch the sunset.

By Dan |

The Xisha Wetlands in winter really have a unique charm, so cute!

By Edea |

We happily walked into the Xisha Wetland and started our crab fishing trip. We bought two special crab fishing rods at the door (2 for 5 yuan) and also received a small net bag. Xisha is free of charge for admission. Crab fishing is quite interesting, but the crabs in the outer reed marshes are larger, and the ones inside are smaller. The number is still considerable in one morning.

By Dinosaur frog 👶 |

After a leisurely breakfast, we arrived at the Xisha Wetland. Many people were catching crabs, using bamboo poles for five yuan, catching the meat, and patiently waiting. Crabs of all sizes were hiding in their holes. Many people had a bountiful catch, and everyone, young and old, shared the joy of their harvest. The Xisha Wetland has many great spots for photos, and even deeper into the area, there weren't many people. There was a large reed patch, rustling in the gentle breeze. The reeds rustled in the wild autumn scenery, and I, dressed in a raincoat, returned to my boat alone in the wind and rain.

By Ashley's Little Happiness |

The reed marsh is highly praised, and children will also like catching crabs. It is worth recommending~~

By KK |

There is no ticket required here.

We parked our car in the west parking lot, and a little further ahead was the farmers' market.



As soon as you enter the entrance, you'll see women selling crabs hanging on bamboo poles. As you walk further in, you'll find that crabs are protected species. You'll see crabs all along the way.

Personally, I think you can't take the hanging crab home with you, and you can't keep it alive after all. They're doing well in the wetlands, so don't bother them.



The humidity in the wetland was quite high, and I felt very hot after staying there for a while.

It's nice to go to the reed marsh and enjoy the breeze.

From time to time you can hear the sounds of birds in the reeds.

By alvinqi |

This attraction is far away from downtown Shanghai and does not require tickets. The parking fee is 10 yuan. Fishing for crabs on the mudflats is a more interesting entertainment activity.

By Guaguale-Couple Travel |

The Xisha Wetlands are characterized by small crabs and reeds. Adults and children caught tons of crabs, and there were little crabs everywhere, brown and red, a novelty. The vast expanses of swaying reeds must have been a unique autumn sight. Crabs can actually dig holes, and from time to time, women would sell fishing rods made with frog bait, catching small crabs, and the children had a blast. The dots above are all little crabs... The endless, beautiful reeds... A cool, cool spot for catching little crabs.

By Encounter with Shanghai Foreign Language |

Crabs abound in the Xisha Wetlands, making them easy to catch. Dense reeds embody a pale, inky beauty. Swaying and graceful, they sway like endless waves, lingering in their whirlpool. A gust of wind stirs the reeds, stirring and rustling. Picking a reed core and blowing into it brings back endless memories. From the Xisha Wetlands' tide-viewing platform, you can descend directly to the Yangtze River estuary. Take off your shoes and the cool, refreshing waters will leave you feeling refreshed. But wear slippers, and don't go down there on rainy days; you'll likely sink deep.

By Go Go |

We drove to the Xisha Wetland. Friends who had been there before told us there were long lines for parking during peak hours, so we got up early again. Haha, it's not just the parking lines; if you get up late, there's also a line at the hotel for breakfast, isn't it? Currently, admission to the Xisha Wetland is free, but parking is 10 yuan per person. Remember! Even if you arrive late, there's still a long line for parking, and even after parking, it's still a 10-minute walk to the entrance. The Xisha Wetland and Dongtan Wetland have completely different approaches. Xisha has no flowers, only fir trees, reeds, and crabs. I was stunned upon entering the park. Many elderly local women held up long reed poles with pieces of chicken skin dangling from the ends, asking if they wanted to buy them. They were fishing for crabs on the mudflats. The sheer number of crabs and the number of crab holes was a bit disgusting. I'm getting trypophobic, so I let two crabs out to calm my nerves. Take a closer look, and you'll see two different species. A true gift from nature, the Xisha Wetland is a crab paradise. Crab anglers, can you please have some fun and teach your children about nature? The lesson is over. Why are you carrying a bucket and holding a rod? Are you going to catch crabs and cook them?

By Mimi |

The scenery and air were really nice. It was drizzling when we went there, and my friends walked in the green reed marshes with umbrellas. It was really great...

By Sunny Deng Xiaodan |

The Xisha Wetlands are a breathtaking expanse, with gentle breezes and clear skies. The reeds, taller than a person, reminded me of the elementary school text "Little Soldier Zhang Ga," where he hid among the reeds to fight the Japanese invaders. I wanted to take a picture of my legs, but my calves were a bit thick. Embracing nature, Yang Yang said she loved this photo. Most visitors to the Xisha Wetlands come for crab fishing. There are plenty of small crabs, and with luck, you can even catch a large one—it's fun!

By Crystal Bunny |

It's a bit far to drive from the city, but it's a place worth visiting. The reeds are still green now, which is beautiful. It will be even more beautiful when the reeds turn yellow in autumn. I will go there again in autumn. We also fished for crabs, which was very good and we had a lot of fun. I will never forget Chongming, Shanghai's back garden.

By brace |

We went on Arbor Day, and the weather was good. The wind was a bit strong near the beach, so I recommend packing well. The trees gave off a blend of autumn and spring, making it a bit hard to tell. It's best to wait until May, when the grass is lush, eagles are flying, and the sky is filled with colorful flowers. I hope to see it again someday.

By Youer Baby |

I prefer Xisha to Dongtan because you can catch crabs there and there's no entrance fee. It's just a bit far from the tunnel bridge.

By Delphine_C_C |

The second stop on our day trip to Chongming Island. Arriving at the scenic entrance at 3:00 PM, we saw significantly more visitors to the Xisha Wetland than to Dongping National Forest Park. Judging by their accents, most of them were Shanghainese, driving in for the weekend. We walked along the wooden plank path leading to the "Tinghai Platform," flanked by tall pampas grass on either side, surrounded by planted metasequoia trees. It was winter, and the pampas grass had already withered, its withered yellow leaves swaying sideways in the sea breeze. A 15-minute walk took us to the "Tinghai Platform," where we could vaguely see Baoshan Wharf on the opposite bank. The Xisha Wetland is a great place to watch the sunset; the combination of pampas grass, the setting sun, and the rosy glow of the sunset is sure to be stunning. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we returned before sunset.

By Wood White |

A beautiful place, suitable for walking and letting you feel the clear feeling of nature

By W_hanmei |

Super good, Chongming Chongming, Chongming...

By 602344176 |

It was drizzling when I went there! It was very comfortable and the scenery was quite charming! But there were too many people catching crabs, and I wondered if they would all be gone!

By Fish flower |

Xisha National Wetland Park, located on the western tip of Chongming Island, is a tidal flat on the banks of the Yangtze River. In autumn, visitors can enjoy a vast sea of reed flowers. The park also has several birdwatching platforms for birdwatching.

By ZENG_YANXUN |

The scenery is nice, the reeds are as tall as people, and it seems that there were movies shot here in the past. It is suitable for relaxing.

By windliu |

I have to say Xisha is really nice. It's very clean and comfortable. And there are very few people. I went on the first day of National Day and it was deserted. I could fish for small crabs in the vast reed marshes, and walking on the wooden plank road, I didn't feel lost even when I couldn't tell the direction. I could rest when I was tired, and everything was very convenient. Five stars recommended~

By Excited cat |

Maybe more people go there for the little crabs. This is also a good parent-child activity. The children had a lot of fun. If you like quietness, you can stay quietly for a day. It's good.

By Happy Travel |

It's fun and free, a great place for parent-child activities, highly recommended

By Zou Xiaojun Big Buns |

You absolutely have to visit the Xisha Wetlands in summer or autumn because you can catch crabs. While that might disrupt the ecosystem, it's still super fun! We ended up releasing all the crabs we caught. It's best to avoid holidays, as they'll be so crowded that taking photos on the plank road is impossible.

By Geoffrey the Giraffe |

There are no public buses from Dongping Forest Park to Xisha Wetland, so taxis are the only option. The scenic area is dominated by trees, some leafless and withered, making the scenery seem less green. There are also reeds and a rapidly drying river. The only attraction is crab fishing and digging. Many people caught a lot of crabs along the way, but they weren't very large. There's no entrance fee, so you can wander around and look at the tiny red crabs. It takes about an hour to leave, as admission closes at 4:00 PM. If you visit in April or May, you might see more greenery. If you're visiting Chongming Island, you might want to stop by. Afterward, take a taxi to Nanmen Port to take the ferry back to the city, or take the Shenchong Line 6. The last ferry departs at 6:00 PM.

By Lyndon |

Chongming Island is Shanghai's "back garden," but Xitan is actually quite far away. You can take a ferry and then a bus. It takes quite a while to reach the Xitan Wetland. There, there are no cars, no noise, only the sounds of nature all around you. It feels like you're in a vast reed marsh. The sunrise over Xitan is stunning!

By Mr. Coco |

Xisha Wetland was established in September 2005. As soon as you enter the scenic area, you will feel the natural landscape. In order to allow tourists to get close to nature, the scenic area has built a 2-kilometer-long wooden trestle for tourists to shuttle among the reeds. Tourists can also take an electric boat to enjoy the scenery along the way and witness wild birds with their own eyes. Because it is early spring, we see yellow reeds waiting to turn green. I imagine that in spring, the banks will be green, the water will ripple, and birds will fly.

By Wen_Sui Ran |

The wetland park in western Chongming is currently open to the public free of charge and a must-see for many tour groups. While its surroundings may be slightly less impressive than those on Dongtan, the scenery is truly breathtaking. Reed marshes abound, with piers connecting every corner of the park. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers a tranquil haven. Birds of all kinds flock here, and small fish and shrimp thrive in this environment. Crab catching is also available, as Chongming crabs are a specialty, though excessive catching is discouraged, as the wetlands must remain peaceful. A recent reality show filmed here further cemented its fame. If traveling elsewhere seems too far, a visit here offers a peaceful retreat.

By He Xiaohe |

Today is a normal working day and there are very few people here. We both had a lot of fun and walked around the whole circle.

The air here is incredibly fresh. It was the highlight of our five-day trip. The gardenias were so fragrant! The reed maze was also fun. It rained a little, and some of the paths were too muddy to walk on, which actually made it even more fun. We got our feet covered in mud, but it was so much fun. Hehe, we fished for crabs as we walked. Crabs are quite greedy, so the success rate was very high, and it was a great sense of accomplishment. At the Xisha Wetlands, some locals were gathering reed leaves to make zongzi (rice dumplings) back home. They even showed us how to make them while we were chatting.

By Cc |

We walked along the wooden plank road through the reeds in the wetland park. The wind was strong, and the only sounds around us were the swaying reeds and the clatter of our footsteps. There weren't many people around, so it felt very relaxing. From the bird-watching pavilion, we could see the Yangtze River in the distance...

By Golden mignonette |

In the reeds more than one meter high, crabs are rustling, and there are neat rows of Metasequoia trees, blue sky and white clouds, which is a beautiful sight.

By Dabuliao |

We rode there. It was super hot. It's a good place to travel by yourself. I watched the Extreme Challenge and there were really a lot of crabs there. The scenery was also pretty good. Most importantly, it's free.

By China-TravelNote users |

Very good place. The class organization went there and the greenery was very good.

By YAMILU |

The best way to get to the Xisha Wetland is by chartering a car. You can take a taxi near the South Gate Bus Station for about 10-15 yuan per person and it takes about 40 minutes. The roads along the way are wide and comfortable. Cycling is also an option. The recommended option is to take the Nanniu Line from the South Gate Bus Station to Mingzhu Lake, then rent a bicycle from Yimi Bike at the entrance of Mingzhu Lake. It costs 15 yuan per hour and can be returned at the Xisha Wetland. The ride takes about 30 minutes and is quite enjoyable.

Xisha Wetland doesn't require an entrance fee, so if you go early, there won't be many visitors. Be sure to head inside. Although the area is mostly surrounded by reeds, it's less crowded and offers a chance to enjoy the stunning views from a higher point. Small crabs can be found in almost every corner of the Xisha Wetland, and some people sell fishing rods with meat attached for catching them. If you're looking for this, it's best to start your fishing trip away from the entrance.

The ecological environment of Xisha Wetland is really good, you can come here to breathe fresh air.

By Small fish sauce |

The wind blows the rice paddies into waves, which is so beautiful. It is definitely worth a visit.

By Tomato and Clam Noodle Soup |

The Xisha Wetland is vast, offering breathtaking views. A complete walk can take about two hours. Migratory birds occasionally fly by, small crabs dart underfoot, and the vast expanse of reeds creates a breathtakingly beautiful autumn scene. There's a bicycle rental shop near the entrance, with recommended routes for exploring Chongming by bike. Not far away, there's a farmers' market-like area selling so-called local specialties like che gao (a type of rice cake) and pickled vegetables. I don't enjoy the hawking, and I didn't pay much attention to the prices.

By shuangyufrank |

The scenery is nice and the air is fresh, but the facilities are not particularly complete. There are no birds in the bird watching pavilion. There are small crabs crawling around in the caves along the way. On the way back, the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge and the tunnel are very congested. The farm food is delicious.

By Great Magician SS |

Autumn is the best season to go. It is a bit far from the city and public transportation is not very convenient.

By Limu Villagers |

Located on Chongming Island at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it's suitable for both self-driving tours and group tours. The scenery is beautiful, and there are many crabs in the wetland mudflats, which you can fish with a rod, which is very interesting.

By ernaying |

In November, I went on a weekend outing with my family. The reeds were golden, the tidal flats were rippling, and my aunt and her friends caught lots of crabs in the wetlands.

By Cyan chain |

There is no entrance fee to the wetland park, but when I got to the gate I found out that pets and bicycles were not allowed.

There are two intersections in the wetland park, one in the east and one in the west. Tourists who don’t have much time can enter from the west and simply circle out. There is a small farmers’ market on the west side, selling some local specialties and the like. Although it is a bit more expensive, the price is still reasonable. I asked the locals if there are any agricultural and sideline products nearby, and they recommended two vegetable markets. I only found the Lvhua Market/Vegetable Market on the map, which is in Lvhua Village. Since it is some distance away, I didn’t go to see it. There is no entrance fee to the wetland park, but pets and bicycles are not allowed. There is a large platform at the southernmost end, called the Tide Viewing Platform, which is the best place to watch the sunset. The shadowy figure across the river should be Taicang City. Only by standing on the Tide Viewing Platform can you appreciate the breadth of the Yangtze River. The park is closed at 4:30 and only entry is allowed.

By Fulaiwei Little Ginger |

Unfortunately, the tide was high that day, so I could only drive around the area. The air was quite good!

By Simple and free |

The first stop is the Xisha Wetland.

The entrance fee is free and the store closes at 4 pm. When they say closed, they actually don't let customers in. No one is chased away, so you can take your time to stroll around and then come out.

The wooden plank road should be the iconic landscape of Xisha Wetland, but it seems that all wetland parks are like this.

The bird watching platform, as shown in the picture, is a high platform with a wide view. In front of you is a large reed field, and in the distance is the silvery sea. There are no migratory birds at this time.

Do you think that the sky and the clouds are the most beautiful things in the photo? Fortunately, it is a sunny day, otherwise there would be no such beautiful scenery.

When visiting the Xisha Wetlands, crabbing is definitely a priority. There's a crab fishing rod for sale at the entrance. We originally planned to walk around the area before buying one and finding a shady spot to start catching crabs. Instead, we ended up picking up two discarded crabs. And there were tons of crabs right where we found the rods. They all looked incredibly hungry and were easy to catch. Two people were fishing, and one person was scooping up the crabs, and the other person was completely overwhelmed. The crabs here are much larger than those in more popular areas, so we ended up not even bothering to order the smaller ones.

By Dynamic Super Brother |

Xisha Wetland Park. Perhaps because it's located in a remote area, it's not as famous as Dongtan Wetland Park. So even though it's the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, there aren't many people here. This park is currently free and no entrance fee is charged.

By Light and shadow distance |

Riding freely on the empty road

Measure every distance with wheels,

Use the lens to capture the beauty of every place.



In October, Chongming Island's river and sky merge into one

By Sunny day |

The air in Xisha Wetland Park is amazing. I recommend renting a bicycle to visit. It's definitely worth it.

By narcisse61 |

The Xisha Wetland also has a rather impressive name: Chongming Island National Geopark. Small crabs can be seen everywhere in the park. Since it wasn't the weekend, there weren't many people, so I only saw a few groups here and there.

By Vega |

No entrance fee is required. You can buy a reed stick inside and drop octopus, which is very interesting. This is the most fun place I have visited in Chongming for 3 days.

By Ra-Ga |

Xisha Wetland, there were a lot of people on the day I went there. It was rare that there was no one on this trail, so I took out my phone decisively.

By Junjun is Mao's mother |

I'd heard the Xisha Wetlands were a great place for a while, but I was still blown away when I walked in. For those of us living in concrete cities, this place is undoubtedly a paradise. Of course, the crabbing is even more fun.

By *Senbonzakura* |

My friend and I thought it was the kind of place with reed marshes on both sides and where we could drift in the middle on a small bamboo raft. But when we got there, we found that we were walking on a wooden road. There were tall green reeds on both sides. There was no water underneath, just mud. We walked straight ahead along the wooden road, with reeds on both sides, until we came to a bird-watching pavilion. We climbed up the stairs and the view suddenly became very broad. We saw lush green reeds everywhere, and the people walking in it became small dots. When the wind blew, the reeds swayed like waves, which was very beautiful.

By yoyo rabbit |

Entering the Xisha Wetland, I turned on the music on my phone and took photos along the way. The wetland scene attracted me. The spring scene happened to be the time when reeds sprouted. There was a large green area. Even reeds grew out of the cracks of the plank road. The wetland was very large and the plank road connected various places. Such a small rest pavilion was particularly suitable for the scene. It was simple and exquisite. There were endless reeds and endless green.

By lvguansi |

I was still a little disappointed after entering. Since it was winter, all I could see were withered and yellow reeds. The lush green wetland forest park I had dreamed of was completely different from what I saw.

It is especially not suitable to go there in winter, as the reeds are all withered and yellow.

There is no entrance fee and the entire plank road is about 2 kilometers long.

By Hengzhi Jingling |

I came here to watch the sunset glow over the Xisha Wetlands, but plans didn't work out, but the trip was worth it. Reeds abounded, and crabs occasionally scurried about in the mud. The Xisha Islands are truly beautiful, like something out of a painting. Looking out, the vast expanse of green waves is breathtakingly beautiful! It's a quiet and peaceful time. If you're tired, take a break from the hustle and bustle and come here to experience the idyllic scenery, breathe the fresh air, and immerse yourself in nature. I'm so glad it's spring, so glad I caught its tail end!