National Exhibition and Convention Center Surrounding Tour: Complete Guide for Eating, Staying, and Playing!
As the world's largest exhibition complex, the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center ("Clover") not only hosts international events like the China International Import Expo but also gathers the natural scenery, cultural heritage, and modern commerce of Qingpu District around it. Below is an in-depth travel guide combining transportation, attractions, food, and accommodation.
1. Transportation Guide: Seamless Hub Connection
Subway Access
Line 2 Xujing East Station: Exit 4 leads directly to the North Lobby of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Exit 1 connects to the South Square.
Line 17 Zhuguang Road Station: A 10-minute walk to the exhibition hall, linking Qingpu’s core attractions.
Hongqiao Hub: From Hongqiao Railway Station/Airport to the exhibition hall, just one stop on Metro Line 2 (about 5 minutes), taxi takes about 10 minutes (6 km).
Self-driving and Parking
The venue has two large parking lots in the north and south, offering over 5,000 parking spaces. The underground parking at the South Square is ideal for sheltering from rain or sun.
During peak times, it is recommended to park at nearby commercial centers (such as Hongqiao Tiandi, Longfor Paradise Walk), a 15-minute walk away.
2. Core Attractions: Fusion of Culture and Nature
1. Qingpu Water Town Clusters
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (Metro Line 17 Zhujiajiao Station)
Features: A thousand-year-old water town, Fangsheng Bridge spans the Caogang River, the North Street blends tea and rice dumpling aromas, night tours with red lantern-lit water alleys.
Activities: Ride a black-awning boat through bridge tunnels, visit Kezhi Garden to admire Jiangnan gardens, taste Grandma’s rice dumplings and cured meat.
Tips: Less crowded at dusk, perfect for Hanfu photos.
Jinze Ancient Town (Metro Line 17 Dongfang Green Boat Station plus bus)
Features: Well-preserved ancient bridges like Puji Bridge and Yingxiang Bridge, free from commercial noise.
Activities: Stroll along Jinze Pond, visit Yihao Zen Temple, try the top scholar cake.
2. Ecological and Historical Experiences
Qingxi Countryside Park (Metro Line 17 Dongfang Green Boat Station plus bus)
Features: Shanghai’s only countryside park featuring wetlands, 60 acres of stunning autumn water forest.
Activities: Bike the lakeside trail, birdwatch and photograph, enjoy farmhouse fun.
Songze Ruins Museum (Taxi 10 minutes from Metro Line 2 Xujing East Station)
Features: The origin site of Shanghai civilization, exhibits artifacts from 6,000 years ago, with a modern design.
Tips: Free admission, great for family educational trips.
3. Modern Leisure Landmarks
Panlong Tiandi (Metro Line 17 Panlong Road Station)
Features: A renovated old factory turned Jiangnan-style new town, combining art exhibitions, craft workshops, and waterfront dining.
Activities: Visit the Yude Yao Art Museum, take a mini train ride in Panlong Park, try trendy brunch spots.
Shanghai Sky Vanke Plaza (Metro Line 17 Xuying Road Station)
Features: A TOD commercial complex with CGV cinema, Hema Fresh supermarket, and interactive family spaces.
Tips: The rooftop garden offers panoramic city views.
3. Food Map: From Local to International
1. Dining Inside the Exhibition Hall
High-end Options:
Wu Zhen All-day Dining (InterContinental Hotel 1F): Buffet at ¥252 per person, rich in seafood and desserts.
Caifenglou Chinese Restaurant (InterContinental Hotel 1F): ¥346 per person, specializing in local Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine.
Quick Meals:
Real Kungfu (Diamond Building D-L109): ¥20 per person, offers steamed rice sets.
Master Kang Private Beef Noodles (Diamond Building D-L113): ¥36 per person, classic braised beef noodles.
Coffee & Desserts:
Starbucks (Hall 6.2 / 1F): ¥40 per person, multiple branches inside the venue.
Champs Elysees Paris Cake Shop (1F D-L116): ¥50 per person, exquisite French desserts.
2. Nearby Specialty Food
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town:
Dongtian Restaurant: ¥80 per person, must-try whitewater fish and cured meat.
Qingpu Urban Area:
Nongjia Cai Laoda (Hu Qing Ping Highway Branch): ¥90 per person, authentic dishes like snails stuffed with meat and wild vegetable soup.
Lianyi Loquat Garden: ¥120 per person, seasonal loquat feast and farmhouse dishes.
4. Accommodation Recommendations: Diverse Style Choices
1. Business Hotels Near the Venue
Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center InterContinental Hotel: Directly connected to the venue, luxurious facilities, ideal for business travelers.
Shanghai Hongqiao Indigo Hotel: 10-minute walk to the venue, industrial style design, charming night views.
2. Dianshan Lake Resort Area
Shanghai Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel: Luxurious resort converted from an ancient residence, private courtyards and spa experience.
Meifan Club: Lakeside location offering sailing experiences and tent camping.
3. Ancient Town Homestays
Zhujiajiao Jingtin Homestay: Renovated century-old house, terrace with views of Fangsheng Bridge at night.
Jinze Cenbu Village Homestay: Quiet countryside, suitable for family picking and fishing.
5. Suggested Itinerary Planning
One-day Tour (Expo + Surroundings)
Morning: Visit the National Exhibition and Convention Center expo.
Noon: Dine at Wu Zhen All-day Dining inside the venue.
Afternoon: Taxi to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, boat tour of water alleys, taste Grandma’s rice dumplings.
Evening: Return to Hongqiao Hub, stop by Panlong Tiandi for coffee on the way.
Two-day Tour (Deep Cultural Experience)
Day 1:
Morning: Songze Ruins Museum → Hiking in Qingxi Countryside Park water forest.
Afternoon: Explore Panlong Tiandi market, dinner at Dongtian Restaurant.
Day 2:
Morning: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town → Kezhi Garden.
Afternoon: Explore Jinze Ancient Town bridges, dinner at Lianyi Loquat Garden.
Accommodation option: Shanghai Easy Stay Expo Apartment (Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station National Exhibition and Convention Center Branch)
Return to Hongqiao Hub.
6. Practical Tips
During the China International Import Expo: Strict traffic control around the venue, subway travel recommended.
Avoid peak dining times: Venue restaurants are busiest from 12:00 to 13:30, consider dining earlier or later.
Ticket Discounts: Qingxi Countryside Park and Songze Ruins Museum are free; Zhujiajiao Ancient Town combo ticket ¥80 (includes 7 attractions).
Dress Advice: Ancient town has many stone paths, wear comfortable sneakers; countryside park has many mosquitoes, bring insect repellent.
The Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center is not only a business hub but also a key to unlocking Qingpu’s culture and nature. Whether for a busy expo schedule or a leisurely weekend getaway, it fulfills your diverse imaginations of the "Magic City."