The 48-meter-high artificial nature-inspired mountain, as part of the southern section of the Shanghai Expo Culture Park, will open to the public on Sept 20. [Photo by Gao Erqiang / chinadaily.com.cn]
China's first artificial nature-inspired mountain exceeding 40 meters with cavity structures is now fully completed. As part of the southern section of the Shanghai Expo Culture Park, the 48-meter-high hill will open to the public together with the south section on Sept 20, the construction company announced on Monday.
The attractions in this 65-hectare new extension sitting near the bank of the Huangpu River include two artificial hills, greenhouse gardens, and world floral gardens, said Li Wei, general manager of the Shanghai Expo Culture Park Construction and Management Co.
Visitors can have a view of the park and the city's skyline on the top of the hill. [Photo by Gao Erqiang / chinadaily.com.cn]
The twin hills are located on the park's southeast side. Occupying 300,000 square meters, the artificial mountains consist of a 48-meter main summit and a 37-meter secondary peak, with over 7,000 trees planted across the slopes.
The twin hills employ an earth-covered architectural design and are complete with streams and waterfalls. Their interior cavities house exhibition spaces, parking, and functional facilities.
The greenhouse gardens showcase tropical arid plants, rain forest plants, and tropical floral plants in immersive environments enhanced by sculptures, art installations, projections, and panoramic displays. [Photo by Gao Erqiang / chinadaily.com.cn]
A limited-edition ticket to the greenhouse gardens will be available for early birds at 59 yuan ($8.29) per person. The tickets will go on sale this Tuesday at 2 pm through the park's WeChat mini-program or major travel platforms such as Meituan and Ctrip and remain valid until the end of the year.
The greenhouse gardens, spanning 22,000 square meters, occupy a central location adjacent to the twin hills. Featuring a visitor center and three themed pavilions, the gardens showcase tropical arid plants, rain forest plants, and tropical floral plants in immersive environments enhanced by sculptures, art installations, projections, and panoramic displays.
The greenhouse gardens showcase tropical arid plants, rain forest plants, and tropical floral plants in immersive environments enhanced by sculptures, art installations, projections, and panoramic displays. [Photo by Gao Erqiang / chinadaily.com.cn]
Construction on the Shanghai Expo Culture Park began in September 2017, with the northern section initially opening to the public in December 2021 and has already welcomed over 5.38 million guests as of last month.