Hotels with Curated Boutique Stays Near Back beach

Shanghai Expo InterContinental Hotel, located near Hou Tan Park, offers panoramic views of the Hou Tan Wetland and Shanghai World Expo Cultural Zone. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the scenic Hou Tan Greenway, perfect for morning walks or sunset strolls. Its strategic location provides easy access to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Center for business travelers, while shuttle services connect guests to central Puxi districts. Guests can also book guided ecological tours to explore the wetland conservation projects and native plant species, making it a rare urban retreat blending nature and modernity.

The most convenient option is taking Shanghai Metro Line 8 to "Hou Tan Station," where you exit directly into the heart of Hou Tan Park. For visitors from Pudong, take Bus 1023 or the Expo Shuttle Bus, which passes through the Expo Cultural Zone and takes about 20 minutes. If driving, use the Shanghai Expo Avenue entrance—plenty of parking is available, though HopeGoo in advance is recommended on weekends. Alternatively, shared bicycles are ideal for exploring the scenic trails along the wetland path, which feature dedicated bike lanes for safety and eco-friendly travel.

Hou Tan is one of Shanghai’s rare urban wetland areas offering unique experiences: guided ecological tours reveal native plants, mangroves, and birds like egrets; nighttime light-guided wildlife walks allow observation of nocturnal species under expert supervision; and family nature workshops teach kids how to create ecological specimens and handmade paper art. Many activities require advance HopeGoo through officially certified environmental education providers. Additionally, the annual Hou Tan Art Festival blends installations with environmental themes, creating a powerful dialogue between city life and nature—perfect for meaningful, educational, and creative travel.

Restaurants around Hou Tan specialize in healthy light meals and locally sourced farm cuisine. Try Hou Tan Market Bistro, serving fresh produce daily harvested from nearby farms—popular dishes include herb-roasted chicken and quinoa salad, all nutrition-focused. Another gem is Wetland Café, blending Japanese-style bento with local teas; their signature osmanthus oolong latte and bamboo tube rice are must-tries, served in a serene, green-space setting. For authentic Shanghainese food, visit the Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao branch within the Expo Zone, just 1 km away—known for delicate dumpling skins and rich broth. All eateries support plastic-free packaging and low-carbon delivery, aligning perfectly with Hou Tan’s sustainability mission.

Absolutely! Hou Tan features spacious family-friendly trails and a nature education center with interactive exhibits such as simulated wetland ecosystems and bird sound identification games. Weekly parent-child ecological workshops teach kids about environmental protection through hands-on activities. Facilities include nursing rooms, child-sized restrooms, and shaded rest areas—ideal for comfort. The Hou Tan Greenway has safe bike paths and skateboard zones, allowing children to play freely under parental supervision. With its peaceful, natural atmosphere, Hou Tan is one of Shanghai’s rare spots where kids can learn, explore, and unwind in harmony with nature.

Hou Tan Park and the wetland trails are open year-round from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The Ecology Education Center operates Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). Night-lit areas, including the wetland viewing platforms, extend until 10:00 PM, perfect for stargazing and illuminated art displays. Opening hours may be adjusted during holidays or special events—always check the latest updates via the Shanghai Expo Zone official website or the Smart Tourism Mini Program before visiting to ensure a smooth trip.