An easy day trip from the Shanghai city life, She Shan is great for a quick hike and a dose of fresh air. It’s also relatively ‘resort-like’ as there’s a manmade lake (and beach), Happy Valley amusement park and golf course.
We just went out for the day to see the She Shan Basilica (translated as the Basilica of Our Lady of She Shan or Church of the Holy Mother in China), which is perched on top one of the only hills I’ve seen since moving to Shanghai (flatter than Florida here).
The original church was built in 1863, but destroyed a few times due to fires and such. The current church took ten years to build and was finished in 1935 by a Portuguese priest and architect. It’s said to be the biggest cathedral in Asia.
It’s free to climb to and entrance is free, as well (which is pretty rare from my experiences with China when it comes to nature). They also hold mass there which is great if you plan accordingly or speak Chinese for that matter.
A few other attractions we came across while we climbed up were a few paths along a bamboo forest (free), a bamboo playground (RMB10) and an Astrology museum and observatory (RMB12). The best part however, is just getting outside and getting some fresh-er air.
To get there, just take line 9 to Sheshan than catch bus 92 right outside the station (don’t cross the street) and ride it for two stops. Happy Hiking (and praying?)!
