Guilin Park is a quiet corner of Xuhui that feels a world away from the city’s busy streets. Originally built in the 1930s as the private garden of Shanghai figure Huang Jinrong, the park later opened to the public and has kept much of its traditional Jiangnan garden character. Wander through its winding paths, moon gates, pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, where classical architecture sits among more than 1,000 osmanthus trees. Best known for its seasonal osmanthus blooms and peaceful atmosphere, Guilin Park is a good spot for a slow afternoon walk, a bit of old Shanghai history, or simply a break from the urban rush.