Shanghai Grand View Garden is located at No. 701 Jinshang Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, on the west side of Dianshan Lake. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Built based on the classic Chinese literary work Dream of the Red Chamber, it is a large-scale antique garden combining the features of Jiangnan classical gardens and Red Mansion culture. The garden covers an area of about 90,000 square meters, including a water area of about 23,000 square meters and a construction area of nearly 8,000 square meters. The overall layout imitates the scenes described in Dream of the Red Chamber. The architectural style integrates the exquisiteness and elegance of Jiangnan classical gardens with the grandeur of northern imperial gardens. With pavilions, terraces, carved beams and painted buildings, as well as harmonious landscapes of mountains and waters, it restores many classic scenes depicted in the novel. It is a representative Red Mansion-themed garden in East China and an important cultural tourism landmark in Shanghai.
History and Culture
The construction of Shanghai Grand View Garden originated from the inheritance and presentation of Dream of the Red Chamber culture. In the late 1970s, to promote and carry forward Red Mansion culture and enrich Shanghai’s tourism resources, relevant municipal authorities decided to build a real-life garden based on the descriptions of Grand View Garden in Dream of the Red Chamber, relying on the natural ecological advantages of Dianshan Lake. Construction officially began in 1980, partial areas opened to the public in 1984, and the whole garden was completed and officially put into operation in 1988.
As a well-known Red Mansion-themed garden in China, Shanghai Grand View Garden was designed strictly in accordance with the architectural and layout descriptions of Grand View Garden in the first 80 chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber. It was carefully planned by experts from Shanghai Landscape Design Institute and advised by scholars of Redology, ensuring that every building and scene conforms to the artistic conception of the original novel. The garden is not only a display of landscape architecture but also a carrier of Red Mansion culture. Over the years, it has successively held cultural events such as the Red Mansion Culture Festival, Mid-Autumn Moon Appreciation, and Hanfu experience, becoming an important base for inheriting and spreading Redology and bringing classical literature to the public in a concrete form.
Main Scenic Spots
Grand View Tower
Grand View Tower is the core building of Shanghai Grand View Garden, located at the center and the highest point of the scenic area. It is a double-eave hip-roofed structure, about 15 meters high with two floors, presenting a magnificent momentum. It corresponds to the main hall where Imperial Consort Jia received greetings and feasted relatives during her visit home in Dream of the Red Chamber. The tower is furnished with mahogany tables, chairs, court ornaments and other Qing Dynasty-style reproductions, restoring the scene of the imperial consort’s visit. Paintings and calligraphy related to Dream of the Red Chamber are hung on the walls, making it a must-visit spot to experience the essence of Red Mansion culture.
Happy Red Court
Happy Red Court is the residence of Jia Baoyu, located in the eastern part of the garden. It is a typical Jiangnan courtyard-style building covering an area of about 1,000 square meters. The courtyard is planted with Chinese crabapples, plantains and other plants, matching the scene of “joy in red and green” in the original novel. The main hall is named “Joy in Red and Green”. The interior is exquisitely furnished, displaying Baoyu’s study, bedroom and other scenes, as well as restored decorative details related to the “Spirit Stone”. It fully shows the elegance and liveliness of a young nobleman’s residence.
Bamboo Lodge
Bamboo Lodge is the residence of Lin Daiyu, located in the southwest of the garden. Centered on “bamboo”, the courtyard is planted with over a hundred bamboos including mottled bamboos and purple bamboos, echoing the description of “luxuriant bamboo leaves, gentle rustling wind” in the original novel. The building is a small three-room courtyard, quiet and elegant. The main hall is named “Phoenix Arrival”. The interior is simply and plainly arranged with Daiyu’s musical instruments, chess, books and paintings, restoring her aloof and elegant temperament. It is one of the most graceful and picturesque scenic spots in the garden.
Alpinia Park
Alpinia Park is the residence of Xue Baochai, located to the north of Bamboo Lodge. The architecture is simple and generous. Instead of excessive flowers and trees, the courtyard is full of vines and fragrant herbs, consistent with the description of “fragrant alpinia” in the original novel. The main hall is a five-room bungalow with neat and simple interior furnishings, reflecting Xue Baochai’s dignified and steady character. Stone tables and stools are placed in the courtyard, restoring the scenes of Baochai reading and doing needlework.
Rice Fragrance Village
Rice Fragrance Village is the residence of Li Wan, located in the northwest of the garden. It is a farmhouse-style courtyard with a simple and natural style, in sharp contrast to other delicate buildings in the garden. The courtyard is equipped with farm elements such as vegetable plots, wells and thatched cottages, restoring Li Wan’s peaceful and indifferent life after her widowhood. The main hall is named “Rice Fragrance Cottage”. The interior is simply furnished with farm tools and spinning wheels, showing the simplicity of rural life.
Green Nunnery
Green Nunnery is the meditation place of Miaoyu, located in the west-central part of the garden. It is an independent Buddhist temple with a quiet and peaceful layout. The nunnery includes the Mahavira Hall, meditation rooms and other buildings, as well as red plum trees, corresponding to the classic scene of “plum picking in snow” in the original novel. Tea sets, Buddhist scriptures and other items are displayed inside, restoring Miaoyu’s aloof and devout meditation scene.
Qinfang Pavilion
Qinfang Pavilion is a hexagonal pavilion built above the water system of the garden, connecting the paths between Happy Red Court and Bamboo Lodge. It is a frequent gathering place for Baoyu, Daiyu and other characters in Dream of the Red Chamber. Flowing water runs under the pavilion, and a plaque inscribed “Qinfang” by Baoyu hangs above it. Peach blossoms and willows are planted around, creating a scene of falling flowers in spring. It is an excellent spot to enjoy the water scenery and experience the artistic conception of Red Mansion.
Tour Route
Recommended tour route: Enter from the main gate, first reach Grand View Tower (core landmark to understand the garden layout and Red Mansion culture), then go east to Happy Red Court (experience the features of Baoyu’s residence), walk south along the water to Qinfang Pavilion (enjoy water scenery and take photos), then west to Bamboo Lodge (feel the quiet bamboo charm of Daiyu’s residence), continue north to visit Alpinia Park (learn about Baochai’s residence style), then go northwest to Rice Fragrance Village (experience the farmhouse atmosphere), and finally visit Green Nunnery (feel the Zen atmosphere). The whole tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. If time permits, you can stroll along the winding paths around Grand View Tower to enjoy the garden landscapes, or stop at the Red Mansion Culture Exhibition Hall to learn more about the construction history of the garden and Redology.
Tips for Visiting
- Best visiting time: Spring (March–May) when flowers bloom, especially crabapples and peach blossoms, matching the scenes of Red Mansion; Autumn (September–November) with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery around Dianshan Lake, suitable for walking and sightseeing.
- Recommended duration: 3–4 hours. Half a day is suggested for in-depth experience such as watching live performances and joining Hanfu experience.
- Guided services: Manual guided services and free audio guides via QR code are available. It is recommended to use guides to learn the Red Mansion background of each scenic spot for a better experience.
- Cultural experience: Hanfu rental service is available in the scenic area. Wearing Hanfu to visit and take photos will bring a more immersive experience. Red Mansion-themed live performances (such as Imperial Consort Jia’s Visit Home, Daiyu Burying Flowers) are held on holidays; please check the scenic area announcements in advance.
- Dining suggestions: “Grand View Tea House” in the scenic area offers light meals and tea. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy at the rest areas in the garden.
Notes
- Buildings, cultural relics and plants in the scenic area are protected. Climbing, carving and picking are prohibited. Violators will be punished in accordance with regulations.
- There are many water systems in the garden, and some road steps are slippery, especially on rainy days. Please pay attention to safety and take care of the elderly and children.
- Pets are not allowed in the scenic area (except guide dogs). Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the garden.
- Value-added services such as guiding and Hanfu rental are charged separately. Please confirm the price and service content before consumption.
- There are many tourists during holidays. It is recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and queues.
Transportation
- Public transport: Take Metro Line 17 to Oriental Green Boat Station, transfer to Bus Qingshang Line to Grand View Garden Station, then walk about 200 meters to the entrance. You can also take the Hushang Express Line (from People’s Square, Shanghai) directly to the gate of Shanghai Grand View Garden.
- Self-driving: From downtown Shanghai, take the Huyu Expressway (G50) to Jinze Exit, then turn west onto Jinshang Road and drive about 5 kilometers to reach the destination.
- Internal transport: Sightseeing battery cars are available in the garden, stopping at major scenic spots, suitable for the elderly, children or visitors with limited physical strength.
Opening Hours
Regular opening hours are daily from 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). During statutory holidays (Spring Festival, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, National Day, etc.), opening hours are adjusted to 7:30–17:30 (last entry at 17:00). The scenic area may slightly adjust opening hours according to seasonal changes; please refer to the official announcement on the day.
Tickets
Ticket price: 50 yuan per person. You can search for the official service account “上海大观园” on WeChat for the latest updates and online ticket purchase.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.