[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

The new southern section of the Shanghai Expo Culture Park in Pudong New Area opened its gates to the public on Sept 20.

It showcased two attractions, the Twin Hills and the Greenhouse Garden, which have quickly emerged as the city's newest scenic landmarks, eagerly anticipated by locals.

Rising to heights of 48 meters and 37 meters respectively, the Twin Hills stand as imposing man-made mounds that dominate the skyline, offering visitors panoramic views of the city's scenic Huangpu River and a very special hiking experience indeed.

Nestling along the eastern bank of the river in the Pudong New Area, the artificial landscape of the Twin Hills was conceived following a public ideas submission in 2017 — aimed at providing residents with a convenient and immersive outdoor recreational space in the heart of downtown Shanghai.

Complementing the appeal of the Twin Hills, the nearby Greenhouse Garden — housed within a repurposed three-floor steel factory — showcases a diverse array of plant species set against a backdrop that blends industrial heritage with contemporary design and artistic installations.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, park management has implemented a reservation system for hiking the Twin Hills, requiring visitors to book their slots one day in advance and secure a valid reservation code.

On-site reservations will be accommodated based on availability, with seven bookable time slots offered daily from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Reservations are currently not mandatory for the Shanghai Greenhouse Garden.

Chen Zhu, deputy general manager of operator Shanghai Expo Culture Park Construction Management Co Ltd, anticipated a surge in visitor numbers during the coming weekend and the upcoming National Day holiday, with peak attendance expected during these periods.

To manage the crowds efficiently, the park has enforced a maximum passenger capacity of 5,500 and 4,000 people at a time for the Twin Hills and Greenhouse Garden, respectively — implementing one-way tour routes to facilitate orderly movement in and out of the attractions.

The park has also introduced a digital management system to streamline processes and optimize resource allocations — ensuring that guests can enjoy a hustle-free exploration of the Twin Hills and Greenhouse Garden.