Where to Go This Nov: Sweet Osmanthus Bloom in Shanghai

Have you ever walked down the street recently and suddenly caught a faint, sweet fragrance, almost like honey? You pause for a moment, look around, and realize the scent is coming from a tree nearby - the osmanthus tree.

Many of our guests, when they first visit China at this time of the year, are instantly captivated by this fragrance. It's a scent that's hard to find elsewhere in the world - subtle but deeply comforting. Think honey, maple syrup, brown sugar. 

Osmanthus blossoms are fleeting. They only bloom for just 1-2 weeks. While they typically appear in October, this year it arrives late. Right now, early November is the best time to enjoy them this year.

And the best place to find these golden blossoms in the heart of the city? You don't have to go far - it's right in Gucheng Park (古城公园), a peaceful park in the very center of Shanghai. Gucheng Park sits quietly beside the Bund and Yu Garden. Although it's located right next to two of the busiest tourist areas in Shanghai, this spot remains surprisingly calm. Not that many people know about it, which makes it the best thing.

The park has two lovely arch-shaped pathways lined with osmanthus trees. At one corner of the park, you'll find the remaining relics of Shanghai's old city wall. It’s hard to imagine now, but Shanghai was once a walled city, enclosed on all four sides. The wall was eventually dismantled to make way for modern roads and easier traffic.

And just under the city wall relics, there's a cozy café called Yi Chi Garden (一尺花园). It's the perfect cafe to grab a cup of coffee, sit under the blooming osmanthus trees, and breathe in the pleasant scent.

Right now, Gucheng Park is undergoing a brief renovation - the city is taking down the fences and transforming it into a 24/7 public park. It's part of a larger initiative in Shanghai to make more parks fully open and accessible. Big shout-out to that! 

Don't worry if you plan to visit this weekend - the renovation is zone by zone, so only a small section will be closed at any given time. The entire project is expected to finish by the end of November.

And here's a little local secret: the park is just a short walk from the north entrance of Yu Garden - one of the less crowded entrances to enter the garden. So next time you bring your friends to visit Yu Garden, follow the locals and make a stop at Gucheng Park before entering the Yu Garden.

Address: Gucheng Park - 333 Renmin Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai

Admissions: Free entry

Opening Hours: 5:00-22:00