Sheshan National Forest Park is a popular destination in Shanghai to enjoy nature. [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]

With the only mountain and forest resources in Shanghai, Sheshan National Forest Park is a must-visit for hikers.

It is an ideal place for those who want to get closer to nature during their family vacations.

Sheshan National Forest Park boasts 12 mountains stretching 13 kilometers from southwest to northwest, forming a spectacular backdrop for the city.

The park's mountains have abundant plant resources and natural scenery. A wide variety of trees create plenty of shade in the park, which attract crowds of visitors in the summer. The fresh air, twittering birds and fragrant flowers in the park provide visitors with an idyllic getaway from the city.

The park is located in the Shanghai Sheshan National Tourist Resort in Songjiang district in the western suburbs of Shanghai and 30 kilometers from downtown. It is a 4A-level scenic area, the highest in China being 5A.

The park includes West Sheshan Park, East Sheshan Park and Tianmashan Park.

West Sheshan Park is a suitable scenic spot for visiting in spring, summer and autumn. The man-made landscape and natural scenery in the park attract numerous Chinese and foreign tourists. In the middle of dense trees at the top of the mountain, there is an imposing building known as the "Far East's First Church". The dome building adjacent to it is China's oldest observatory. The tea garden on the southwest slope is the only place producing "Shanghai Longjing" tea, which is regarded as a first-class tea product.

East Sheshan Park has abundant animal and plant resources. It is particularly famous for its bamboo shoots and delicate orchid fragrances. As early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 10 attractions were built here including the Suigao Garden, Baishi Mountain Villa and Meigong Angling Rock. Famous explorer Xu Xiake even visited here three times, and the park was the starting point for his 5,000 km expedition.

The Shanghai Sheshan Bamboo Shoot Festival, which is held in the park every spring, marks the best time to go for a spring outing at the park and to taste the delicious bamboo shoots dishes. In the wake of the spring rains, fresh bamboo shoots spring up all over the park. After Chinese Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) first tasted the plant he named it Lan Sun, which literally means orchid bamboo shoot.

Here it feels like spring all the year round. The forest bird park that is home to nearly 10,000 birds of more than 50 species is located inside East Sheshan Park. The park has also become a popular science education base for young people in Shanghai.

Tianmashan Park boasts the highest peak in Shanghai. In ancient times, there were many Buddhist palaces and temples in the mountains. Every March, the local people in Songjun township would go to the mountain and offer incense. On the mountainside, there is a pagoda called "Huzhu Pagoda" that was built more than 900 years ago. The pagoda has 6.5 degree lean, which is 1 degree more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and makes it worthy of being named the "No 1 leaning tower in the world." Currently, the pagoda is a heritage site under the protection of Shanghai.

Address: No 9260 Waiqingsong Road, Songjiang district, Shanghai

Sheshan National Forest Park features a range of scenic mountains and forests. [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]

Visitors walk in the shade at the Sheshan National Forest Park. [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]