Sheshan: Bamboo Picking ✨ seasonal tour
Sheshan (佘山) is a national forest park just half an hour's drive from Shanghai. Here you will find beautiful bamboo groves, an ancient Catholic basilica and an astronomical observatory. But the main attraction is the unique opportunity to harvest young bamboo shoots with your own hands!
🎋 18th Sheshan Bamboo Culture Festival
The annual festival takes place in spring, in 2026 — from March 29 to April 13.
Two daily sessions: at 9:30 and 13:00.
Venues: Dayushan Park and East Sheshan.
The program includes bamboo picking, food tasting, bamboo dances, as well as exhibitions and workshops on bamboo crafts: carving, weaving ornaments and much more.
Why you should try it: it's a trendy activity that will give you dozens of atmospheric photos and a gastronomic experience. Freshly picked bamboo can be immediately cooked in a local restaurant or taken home as a green souvenir. The tour is available only in spring and autumn – during the harvest season.
Beauties of Sheshan along the route
What to expect on this seasonal tour
- Meeting and transfer — we will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai and drive to Sheshan mountain (about 1 hour).
- Bamboo picking briefing — the guide will show you how to select and cut young shoots without harming the plant.
- Walk through bamboo groves — immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real bamboo forest, take dozens of atmospheric photos.
- Bamboo picking — harvest fresh shoots with your own hands. We provide tools and baskets.
- Participation in an official festival session (from late March to mid‑April) — two daily picking sessions at 9:30 and 13:00. You can join a group pick in Dayushan Park or East Sheshan. Each session lasts 1 hour, groups up to 50 people. The guide will help with tickets and arrange transfer.
- Workshop on bamboo crafts (optional, during festival dates) — a large exhibition of bamboo products from carving to weaving. On select days (March 31, April 1, April 5‑7) you can make a simple product under the guidance of masters. Sessions twice a day. A unique chance to touch traditional Chinese crafts.
- Visit to the Catholic basilica — the famous cathedral on the mountain top, a pilgrimage site.
- Lunch at a village restaurant — the chef will prepare dishes from your harvested bamboo. You'll taste authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Old observatory (optional) — go up to the telescope and learn about the history of astronomy in China.
- Free time for walking and shopping — local souvenirs, tea, bamboo products.
- Return to Shanghai — we will drop you off at your hotel around 17:00.
Sample daily itinerary
*Times may be adjusted depending on weather and season.
| Time | Program stage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Pick‑up from your hotel. | The guide will pick you up by car. If you don't stay in the city centre, check transfer availability. |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Drive to Sheshan. | Comfortable transfer, you can ask the guide questions along the way. |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Briefing and preparation. | Get your tools, learn how to identify young shoots. |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Bamboo picking in the grove. | Fun and engaging process, photo session. During the festival you can join an official session (at 9:30 or 13:00, upon arrangement). |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch at a local restaurant. | Taste dishes made from the bamboo you picked, socialise. |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Visit to the basilica and observatory. | Go up to the summit (cable car available), explore the sights. |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Free time. | Souvenirs, tea, walk in the park. |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Return to Shanghai. | Drop‑off at your hotel. |
💡 Important notes:
- Seasonality: The tour is available only during bamboo harvest season (spring/autumn). Exact dates depend on weather, please check with the guide.
- Clothing: comfortable walking shoes, weather‑appropriate clothes (it's shady in the bamboo grove).
- Children: great for family holidays, kids love bamboo picking.
- Photos: don't forget your camera or phone – the place is very photogenic.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
Additional expenses (paid on site)
Duration
Additional services
What else to see nearby
Ready for an unusual adventure?
Book your seasonal bamboo picking tour now
⏱️ Season is limited! Book early to guarantee your spot.
💳 Payment: 50% deposit upon booking, 50% on the day of the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time the offer is made for private individuals. The cost and availability of transport, interpreter and guide services may change.
Booking of services is made only after receiving a prepayment. The exchange rate is calculated at the current central bank rate on the payment date.
If the booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the start of the event, the payment is not refundable.
If force majeure makes the tour programme fully or partially impossible (national holidays, official events, etc.), the organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme and its duration.
The basic cost of services does not include and is paid additionally: entrance tickets to additional sites, meals, personal expenses and other services listed in the “Additional expenses” section.
