After a year-long renovation, Guilin Park is back, cleaner and brighter, but still keeping its old Shanghai charm. Built in 1931 as the private garden of Shanghai tycoon Huang Jinrong, the nearly century-old park became public in the 1950s and has long been a quiet Xuhui escape for locals.

The restoration focused on repairing rather than reinventing. Its four garden areas remain connected by winding paths, pavilions, ponds, and corridors, while details like flower windows, moon gates, and the iconic Sijiao Hall have been carefully restored. The hall, once used for entertaining guests and performances, will also host small weekend shows after reopening.

A new tea spot by the lotus pond is probably the most tempting addition. Before 9am, you can grab a simple cup of Chinese tea for only 5rmb and sit by the water. After that, tea, coffee, and snacks are available at a higher price point. Come early or stay until evening. The park is now open until 9pm, giving Shanghai another place for a slow walk after work.

Autumn might still be the best time to visit, when the osmanthus trees bloom, and the maple and ginkgo leaves turn. For now, Guilin Park is a rare kind of city escape: free, quiet, and still not overrun.

Guilin Park (桂林公园)