Shanghai offers a unique escape from the bustling city life through its lesser-known islands. These hidden gems provide a perfect weekend getaway, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of island life.

CNS has listed two such islands: Hengsha Island and Fuxing Island.

Hengsha Island

Hengsha Island, located in Chongming District, is a charming destination that has retained its natural charm and historical essence. Over the past 20 years, the island's structure has evolved from a heart shape to a more elongated form due to its status as a sedimentary island. With a green coverage rate of 70 percent, it is often referred to as Shanghai's "Green Island" and "Natural Oxygen Bar."

Many of the island's homes still retain the 1990s look. A few trendy new photo spots have also popped up on the island, making it a perfect place for city dwellers to enjoy a brief one-day "escape."

The Hengsha White Tower, originally a hydrological station, has become a popular photo spot with its unique white exterior. The tower, surrounded by reeds and the sea, has become a symbol of the island. Designer Liu Yi has turned the image of the tower into soft handmade dolls, and the White Tower Store has become her base for observing and recording life on the island. The store's youthful and creative design attracts many visitors.

Another must-visit spot is the HYH Bakery Studio, a purely handmade bakery on the island. The shop's decor is perfect for photo-taking, and it is recommended to visit after 4:30pm to avoid missing out on their delicious pastries. The Le Dao You Shi restaurant, with its "farm-to-table" concept, serves dishes that blend Western and Chinese culinary traditions. Most of the ingredients are sourced from their own farm, ensuring freshness and quality.

For nature lovers, Hengsha Island's Artistic Garden is a spring treasure trove and a dream spot for photography. After a day of exploring, visitors can relax at the Hengsha Bai Ma Café, where a white horse sculpture marks the entrance. The café is nestled in the picturesque scenery of the island, with a simple and natural interior decorated with second-hand elements. It offers hand-drip coffee, providing a perfect ending to a day on the island.

How to get there

• By car: Navigate to the Changxing Duijiangdu Dock and take the ferry. The cost is 40 yuan (US$5.54) per car (including the driver) and 10 yuan per passenger.

• By public transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Songbin Road Station, depart from Exit 1, and then take the Shen Chong 7 bus from Wusong Bus Station to Xinmin Town on Hengsha Island.

• Online ticketing: The "上海客轮高速航线及长横航线" mini-program offers online ticket purchasing services for personnel and vehicle ferry tickets.

Fuxing Island

Fuxing Island, the only inland island on the Huangpu River, is a treasure trove of historical and industrial heritage. Easily accessible by public transport, it is a beloved destination for residents of the Yangpu District. The main road, Gongqing Road, connects the north and south ends of the island like a ribbon. Towering camphor trees provide natural shade for pedestrians.

The island's main roads are lined with warehouses and factories that bear the marks of time. The giant cranes of the old shipyard stand silently, and the old equipment and mottled walls tell stories of the past, creating a unique "industrial chic" vibe.

Fuxing Island Park, though small, is a lush green space with vegetation that grows wildly. Stepping into the park feels like entering a hidden green kingdom. One of the park's highlights is a small bamboo pavilion. The roof tiles, weathered by time, and the mottled bamboo surface tell stories of the past, exuding a strong sense of history.

The octagonal pavilion inside has nearly floor-to-ceiling lattice windows on three sides, framing the surrounding scenery like a painting. The words "A Good Place for Shanghai Citizens at Their Doorstep" on the windowsill are eye-catching. Visitors can easily take beautiful photos from any angle to capture unforgettable moments.

Chuan Tai Park, a new public space transformed from the former Zhonghua Shipyard, is set to open this year. It will be the first open waterfront space in the Yangpu Riverside's Fuxing Island section. Additionally, the 6th Space Art Season will also be held on the island this year, making it a hub for cultural, artistic and brand activities.

How to get there

• By Metro: Take Line 12 to Fuxing Island Station.

• By Bus: Take Bus Route No. 577 or 60 to Dinghai Bridge Station.

• By Ferry: Take the Jinding Line from Dinghai Bridge Ferry Dock.

• By Road: Cross Dinghai Bridge or Hai'an Bridge to access the island directly.