

Phase 2, Hudiewan Garden
About
This enchanting butterfly garden in Shanghai's Pudong area offers children a magical opportunity to observe native Chinese butterfly species up close in their natural habitat. The garden combines beautiful outdoor spaces with educational displays that teach kids about butterfly life cycles, local ecosystems, and conservation in an engaging, hands-on way.
Highlights
- ✓Free-flying butterflies in naturalistic garden settings where kids can walk among them
- ✓Educational displays showing butterfly life cycles from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly
- ✓Native Chinese butterfly species rarely seen elsewhere
- ✓Photo opportunities with butterflies in beautiful garden landscapes
- ✓Shaded walking paths perfect for Shanghai's hot summers
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit in the morning (9-11am) when butterflies are most active and crowds are lighter. The garden can get busy with local school groups on weekday afternoons.
- 2.Download a translation app like Google Translate before visiting, as most signage and educational displays are primarily in Mandarin Chinese with limited English translations.
- 3.Wear bright colored clothing (especially yellow, pink, and purple) to attract butterflies. Encourage kids to stay still and butterflies may land on them.
- 4.Bring a camera with good zoom capability for capturing butterfly photos without disturbing them. The garden's natural lighting is excellent for photography.
- 5.Purchase tickets through Trip.com or Ctrip in advance to avoid language barriers at the ticket counter. Many international credit cards are accepted at these booking platforms.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and highest butterfly activity. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and tour groups. The garden is most active between 9am-2pm when butterflies are feeding.
What to Know
Entry fees are typically very affordable (around 20-40 RMB per person, roughly $3-6 USD). The garden has paved pathways suitable for strollers. Bring cash in RMB as international cards may not work at the entrance, and download Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible for easier transactions.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited from April through October when butterflies are most abundant. The garden may have reduced hours or temporary closures during winter months (December-February) when butterfly activity is naturally lower. Summer (June-August) can be very hot and humid, so bring water and plan for shorter visits.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Super Brand Mall (Zhengda Plaza) in Lujiazui, about 15 minutes away, has numerous international food options including McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Din Tai Fung with English menus. For a more local experience, explore the small restaurants along Kangding East Road where you can point to pictures on menus.
More Activities Near Pudong New Area
Shiji Boulevard
Shiji Boulevard offers families a peaceful escape along the Huangpu River with plenty of space for kids to run, play, and enjoy outdoor activities. This free riverside park features dedicated playgrounds, smooth walking paths perfect for strollers or bikes, and stunning views of Shanghai's iconic skyline that will captivate both parents and children.
Lujiazui Central Green Space
This modern circular park offers a refreshing green oasis amid Shanghai's futuristic Lujiazui skyline, featuring playgrounds, splash pads, and wide open lawns perfect for kids to run free. The park provides stunning photo opportunities with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower as your backdrop while children enjoy water features and play areas designed for active family fun.
Shanghai Expo Park
Shanghai Expo Park is a massive green space perfect for families seeking outdoor fun in the heart of Pudong. This former World Expo site has been transformed into a sprawling park with beautiful themed gardens, playgrounds, wide open spaces for running around, and plenty of spots for picnics. The free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for families exploring Shanghai with kids.
Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai
This upscale hotel in Shanghai's Pudong district features a seasonal outdoor splash pad that's perfect for families seeking relief from the summer heat. With interactive fountains and shallow pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children, it offers a safe, supervised water play area in a luxurious setting with attentive hotel staff.