Gucheng Park, whose name translates to "Ancient City Park," is located on the site of a real fortified settlement from the Ming Dynasty (14th-17th centuries). Archaeological findings confirm that this was once one of the outposts protecting the approaches to Shanghai. The modern park was established in 1997 as part of a large-scale urban greening project while preserving the historical spirit of the location.
Architecture and Landscape Design
• Spanning 8.5 hectares, the park blends traditional Chinese style with modern urban elements:
• Central Lake: Meandering shores that follow the contours of ancient defensive moats
• Stone Labyrinth: Made from boulders remaining from old city walls
• Ming-style Footbridges: Elegant walkways evoking historical architecture
• Observation Hill: An artificial 12-meter-high vantage point offering panoramic park views
Botanical Collection of Gucheng Park
The Park boasts a carefully curated selection of plants:
Ancient Trees:
• 400-year-old wisteria transplanted from Zhejiang Province
• 200-year-old pines from Anhui`s mountainous regions
Seasonal Plants:
• Cherry blossoms in spring (over 120 trees of 15 varieties)
• Golden ginkgo biloba in autumn
Rare Species:
• Chinese wolfberry (used in ancient medicine)
• Bamboo grove featuring 7 different bamboo species
St. Nicholas Church – an architectural Gem
In the park`s northern section stands St. Nicholas Catholic Church, built in 1935 by French missionaries. This rare example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Shanghai features:
• 28-meter bell tower
• Stained-glass windows crafted in Lyon (1934)
• Unique altar: Black marble with jade inlays
• Closed from 1966 to 1989, the church was meticulously restored and now hosts both religious services and organ concerts.
What to See in Gucheng Park?
• "Stone Garden" with Taihu limestone formations
• Traditional tea pavilion serving 15 varieties of Chinese tea
• Museum of Ancient Shanghai displaying a 16th-century city model
• Children`s playground designed as a miniature fortress
• Poetry Alley with Tang Dynasty verses engraved on stone steles
Practical Information
• Address: 500 Lujiabang Lu, Huangpu District
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (free admission)
• Best Time to Visit: April (cherry blossoms) or November (golden ginkgo)
• Transport: Laoximen Station (Line 10), Exit 3
• Pro Tip: Join locals at 7:30 AM by the lake for tai chi sessions – a perfect way to observe traditional Chinese culture.
Gucheng Park is a unique space where history, nature, and architecture harmoniously coexist. Unlike crowded tourist spots, it offers tranquility that lets visitors feel a profound connection across time.
