When the summer sun sets, Shanghai's parks awaken with a different kind of life.

From glowing fireflies to nocturnal animals, each park offers unique evening experiences designed to spark curiosity and create unforgettable memories.

If you're a parent seeking educational adventures or a night owl drawn to nature's hidden beauty, this guide highlights six of Shanghai's top spots for unforgettable summer night tours.

Century Park: frogs, forests & natural exploration

At Century Park, summer nights come alive with the enchanting Night Owl Mission, a signature event inviting children and families into the world of frogs.

This year's theme, "Frog-tastic Night," focuses on amphibians as ecological indicators, offering interactive games like "Frog Song Detective" and "Voice Match Challenge." Held on weekends through August 31, the program is divided by age group to provide a tailored, hands-on science experience for kids from kindergarten to elementary school.

In the daytime, Century Park also hosts six themed summer camps designed for children aged 3 to 15. From observing insects in Bug Adventurer Camp to practicing wilderness skills on Survival Island, each program combines play with learning.

Other camps include woodcraft construction using ancient Chinese joinery, nature-themed puzzle solving and sensory discovery activities for preschoolers. With both day and night programming, Century Park offers a full-circle summer of exploration and fun.

Address: 1001 Jinxiu Rd, Pudong New Area

浦东新区锦绣路1001号

Shanghai Zoo: nightlife in the animal kingdom

As twilight descends, Shanghai Zoo transforms into a mysterious world through its Animal Night Adventure. Families can witness big cats like lions and leopards coming alive after dark, observe playful red pandas on the move, and hear wolves communicate through haunting howls.

These programs are available in multiple formats – adult-only, parent-child, overnight stays and more – making it accessible to every type of visitor.

The zoo also offers a Firefly Science Tour, where guests trace the insect's full life cycle and then venture outdoors to spot real fireflies glowing in the dark. For those curious about behavior in low light, the Evening Zoo Walk provides expert-led insights into twilight animal routines – from giraffes strolling gracefully to water otters splashing at sundown.

A hidden gem is the Urban Forest Class, held in a preserved woodland within the zoo. Rich with native trees and home to rare mammals, birds, reptiles, and even newly discovered beetles, the area gives visitors a deep dive into the wild heart of Shanghai.

Tel: 1316-6435-036, 1861-6983-907 (both WeChat available. Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm)

Address: 2381 Hongqiao Rd, Changning District

长宁区虹桥路2381号

Shanghai Botanical Garden: moonlit insects and mystery trails

The Shanghai Botanical Garden turns magical after sunset with its popular Secret Life of Night Creatures program. Guided walks invite families to explore a moonlit forest where stick insects, mantises, geckos and beetles emerge from the shadows.

The tour offers two themed paths: Bug Agent Squad, which focuses on land insects, and Mysterious Water World, which highlights aquatic species and amphibians.

The program doesn't just entertain – it educates. Children and parents alike learn about each insect's adaptations, their place in the ecosystem, and their night-time behaviors. With its natural trails and quiet garden atmosphere, this experience offers both an exciting and soothing way to connect with nature under the stars.

Address: 1111 Longwu Rd, Xuhui District

徐汇区龙吴路1111号

Binjiang Forest Park: firefly wonders & nocturnal bugs

Binjiang Forest Park is a haven for insect lovers and one of the few places in urban Shanghai where fireflies still thrive. Its Night Insect Observer program focuses on night-active creatures and the survival benefits of nocturnal life.

Designed for children aged 5 to 12 and their families, this guided walk teaches participants to observe carefully, identify common insects, and understand how light, temperature and sound affect their behavior.

The highlight is undoubtedly the firefly observation – children get to witness their gentle glow firsthand, sparking awe and appreciation for even the smallest life forms.

Quiet and shaded, Binjiang's natural forest setting offers an intimate encounter with wildlife that many kids have never experienced before.

Address: 3 Lingqiao Gaoshatan, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong New Area

浦东新区高桥镇凌桥高沙滩3号

Chenshan Botanical Garden: treasure hunts for junior scientists

At the Chenshan Botanical Garden, summer evenings become immersive adventures that spark curiosity and exploration in young minds.

In the Chenshan Magical Night program, children aged 7 to 12 take on the role of junior botanists, exploring nature with flashlights, observation notebooks and puzzle maps in hand. Activities include riding a garden train, identifying nocturnal plants and insects, and searching for fireflies among trees and shrubs.

Led by science educators, this treasure hunt-style event blends fun and learning in a tranquil, scenic environment. Children discover how plants behave at night, observe changes in leaf positions and uncover how light affects insect behavior – all while enjoying the golden glow of sunset and the symphony of night creatures in the background.

Tel: 1366-1539-536 (9am-6pm)

Address: 3888 Chenhua Highway, Songjiang District

松江区辰花公路3888号

Shanghai Greenhouse: light, music & culture by night

Launched on July 26, the Shanghai Greenhouse at Expo Culture Park is embracing night tourism with a dazzling lineup of events.

The main attraction is a night-time light show tour, where visitors explore exotic plant species under a canopy of creative lighting and starlight. A standard greenhouse ticket includes access, and a joint pass with the Centre d'Art Rodin adds an artful twist to the experience.

The cultural offerings continue with the Shenyuan Garden night tour, which invites visitors to stroll through a lantern-lit classical Jiangnan-style garden. The greenhouse plaza hosts outdoor music performances, while the culture park's Starry Lawn becomes an open-air cinema complete with picnic setups and cozy lighting.

Meanwhile, a Rodin Night Market offers handmade goods, local snacks and performances that create a lively community atmosphere. Free Saturday night shuttles connect key attractions, and services like 24-hour parking and extended restroom hours ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit for everyone.

Tickets can be purchased via the Shanghai Expo Culture Park's WeChat mini-program "上海世博文化公园."

Address: 100 Jiming Rd, Pudong New Area

浦东新区济明路100号

Yuyuan Garden: a journey through light and heritage

This summer, the historic Yuyuan Garden unveils its brand-new night tour experience, officially opening on August 8.

As one of Shanghai's most iconic classical gardens with over 450 years of history, Yuyuan transforms after dark into a poetic dreamscape where tradition meets technology.

Guests will be immersed in a magical atmosphere with five themed projection mapping shows, bringing ancient pavilions, winding corridors and tranquil ponds to life through dynamic light and shadow.

Beyond the visual spectacle, visitors can also enjoy interactive cultural games, such as treasure hunts and folklore-inspired activities, adding a playful and educational twist to the evening stroll.

Early-bird tickets are priced at 95 yuan (US$13.2) and grant entry on August 5 and 6, including a guided tour. Standard weekday tickets (Tuesday & Wednesday) are 188 yuan for adults and 150 yuan for eligible concessions, while weekend and holiday tickets are 218 yuan for adults and 175 yuan for concessions.

The tour runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday evenings (closed on Mondays and Thursdays), inviting both locals and visitors to rediscover the ancient garden under the stars – where centuries-old elegance shines with renewed brilliance.

Tickets can be purchased via Yuyuan Garden's WeChat account "上海豫园."

Address: 279 Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu District

黄浦区豫园老街279号