Whether you are looking for an outdoor escape from technology or a unique vacation that combines nature and luxury, here is all you need to know about making your camping trip memorable. Whether you are a basic camper or a luxury glamper, read on to see where you can do what.
Basic Campsites
Dongping Natural Forest Park
Photo source: flickr
Located on China’s third largest island, Dongping Natural Forest Park is the perfect escape from busy city life. It’s one of the few places in Shanghai where you can spot deer and there’s lots to do for the outdoorsman including renting bikes, grass skiing, karting, horse riding, paintball, rock climbing and plenty more.
Last year, confusion arose when a British tourist was denied permission to camp to Dongping Natural Forest Park. A Chinese-only policy was enforced since the park does not have the technology to register foreigners staying there with police. Thankfully, this didn’t last long as the director of the park announced shortly after the incident that foreigners are now welcome to camp at the national park on Chongming Island.
You』ll need to bring your passport and photocopies so the park will be able to register you at the police station. No biggie!
How to get there:
Take a 50 minute bus journey from the bus station on Jinxiu Lu to Chenjia on Chongming Island. Price is RMB 12 one way. From Chenjia bus station, it’s a RMB 90 taxi journey to Dongping Forest Park. Entrance fee: RMB 70
Anji
Photo source: Meetup.com
Famous for its stunning bamboo forests and setting for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the county of Anji is a beautiful picturesque spot offering some excellent scenic hiking trails. The area is truly off the beaten path and the opposite of the Shanghai metropolis.
Explore the peaceful town of Anji itself and sample the spicy bamboo shoots dish ( 竹字 zhu zi). Also, the region produces white tea (白茶 baicha) which is a must try while you are there.
When it comes to camping, head to Tianjia Mountain located near Fushi Reservoir for a serene campsite by the water with great views of the mountain.
How to get there:
Either take the 4 hour bus (RMB 68) from Shanghai South Railway Station to Anji, departing every hour from 7:10 am to 10:10 am. Alternatively, take the train to Hangzhou, leaving every half hour (RMB 50-115) and a bus to Anji (under 1 hour).
For the Tianjia Mountain campsite follow GPS to 「Chengyu Bamboo Crafts」; then follow the signs to the campsite.
Moganshan
Photo source: Meetup.com
One of the most beloved tourist hot spots, Moganshan offers an exciting, fun-filled weekend retreat from Shanghai, and if you have your own car, is only a 2.5-hour drive west. At this time of year, crowds will be much less, so enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful region.
Set up camp among the inspiring pine and bamboo forests and go to explore the amazing natural rock formations, waterfalls and hiking trails.
Like many places in China, Moganshan is steeped in history. Visit the Sword Pond which is supposedly the spot where legendary swordsmith, Ganjiang, forged two swords for the Emperor of Wu.
How to get there:
Several buses travel to Wukang daily, starting at 6:30 am, 11:50 am and 12:40 pm from the bus station at 80 Gong Xin Lu (公興路80號). Tickets cost RMB 65 and the trip takes 4 hours. Alternatively, take the train to Hangzhou (leaving every half hour, RMB 50-115) and then then the 40-minute bus for RMB 20 RMB.
Oriental Land, Dianshan Lake
photo source: idealShanghai
Located on the shores of the largest natural lake in Shanghai, Oriental Land is a breath of fresh air just 60km from the heart of Shanghai.
The social and recreational center is a popular site for training programs for schools and companies, and features more than 400 different types of plants, 110,000 trees, and 170,000 square meters of grass.
Don’t be put off by the odd sounding name! At the park you can rent bikes or quadricycles, explore the maze of bridges and wooded areas and take part in a long list of water-based activities.
Originally designed as a campsite for youngsters, it’s better suited for those travelling with little ones. There are around 100 employees trained in all aspects of safety and outdoor activities to ensure your experience is rewarding and fulfilling.
This is the ideal weekend getaway for stressed city dwellers looking to return to the happiness of nature. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in cabins or pitch tents in designated areas.
How to get there:
Buses depart daily from Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Center at Shanghai Stadium between 9am-10am. Entrance fee: RMB 150
Meadow Brook
Finding a place to ride a horse can be quite tricky in Shanghai! However, if the feeling overwhelms you, you can always head to Meadow Brook in Qingpu District. The park contains professional stables, horseback-riding alongside campsites and barbecue facilities.
Meadows, woods and natural ponds make it attractive for barbecues, games, parties and camping away from the city.
The friendly and animal loving atmosphere of Meadow Brook makes it a good choice for families, however it’s close location (only 35km west of Shanghai) makes it a convenient option for just about everyone.
How to get there:
Take the metro to Dongjing Station (Line 9) and grab a taxi to Meadow Brook, which is approximately an 11km taxi ride away.
Luxury Camping
Glamping (glamorous camping) is a new kind of adventure that is still growing in China. So what actually is it? Think about all the outdoorsy adventures of camping without getting dirty or being lost in the wild. 『Tents』 are usually permanent structures with wooden floors, electricity and nice comfy beds. It’s a great way to get away and relax without having to get too wild. Another great thing about it is that most glamping sites have deals for fall and winter because it’s off-season, and they provide electric blankets so you can be toasty and warm at night.
Neoroll Glamping in Hangzhou
If you want to get out of Shanghai for the weekend but can’t face the slog of dragging your arse across the country, then Hangzhou is just the spot for you. An hour out of the city by high speed train you can get in your tent and get close (ish) in no time.
Toilets and kitchens are built into each tent so there is no icky sharing facility situation. You can spend a weekend chilling and pretending you’re in your own little canvas bubble.
Contact: booking@neoroll.cn
Norden Travel Glamping in Tibet
Okay, so this would be a bit of a bigger trip. But still, what an amazing way to see the Tibetan plains! Cocktail in hand, electric blanket warming up your bed and an absolutely stunning view.
There are only four yak-hair tents for rent at this glamping site, so it’s going to be peaceful. They can each accommodate up to two people. They have nice beds, wooden floors and are heated with wood fires. A toilet is provided outside of each vacation rental and inside they each have a sink. They also have log cabins if you want to upgrade from a tent.
Contact: www.nordentravel.com
Clouds Glamping in Yunnan
Just when you cannot get more envious of the people who went glamping we discovered one of our favorite new KOL's to follow, Eat Pray Jade went on a lovely glamping trip in Yunnan. She made us green with envy when she went on her Shangri-la glamping trip to Clouds Glamping in Yunnan.
Photo courtesy of eatprayjade.com
WeChat ID: clouds_glamping
Whatever your budget or agenda, we hope you enjoy planning for the upcoming holiday weekend.
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