Shanghai | Found another great spot for photos that will definitely turn out amazing

Pujiang's Head Winter Travel + Metasequoia Photo Guide As the zero-kilometer point of the Huangpu River, Pujiang's Head features tranquil river waters converging in winter, with vast metasequoia trees gradually turning warm shades of red and orange. Paired with ancient archways, curved bridges, and other scenic spots, you can easily capture stunning photos that blend natural romance with cultural atmosphere. This guide covers routes, photo spots, and practical tips to help you effortlessly explore this winter secret. 1. Basic Travel Information ◦ Core Info: The scenic area is free to enter, open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and about 2 hours is enough for sightseeing and photography. The area is located in Dongxia Village, Shihudang Town, Songjiang District. Public transportation is inconvenient, so self-driving with navigation to "Pujiang's Head" is recommended. There is a free parking lot at the entrance, and after parking, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the core area. ◦ Travel Tips: It’s windy by the river in winter, so wear light-colored clothing paired with bright accessories like a red scarf or caramel-colored coat to stay warm and make your photos pop. Bring a thermos with hot water. For drone photography, keep the altitude between 30-80 meters to capture metasequoias, river water, and people in one shot. 2. Core Routes and Metasequoia Photo Spots ◦ Metasequoia Corridor: Right next to the riverside walkway at the entrance is the metasequoia corridor. In winter, the metasequoias transition from deep green to red-orange, resembling rows of warm-colored lamp posts. Stand in the middle of the walkway and shoot upwards to make the towering trees reach the top of the frame, highlighting depth; or shoot from a low angle to capture the interplay of fallen leaves and tree trunks, with sunlight filtering through branches creating dappled shadows that give photos a vintage filter effect. On windless sunny days, capture the reflection of metasequoias in the shallow water by the path, with red trees mirrored in the clear water for a full atmospheric effect. ◦ Delta Riverside Metasequoia Group: This is where the Xietang River meets the Yuanxiejing River, with rows of metasequoias by the water next to the "Pujiang's Head" stone monument. Include the monument, metasequoias, and river in one frame, with the subject standing beside the monument and metasequoias as the background. This highlights the site’s features while the warm colors of the trees soften the monument’s heaviness. Around 3 PM is ideal for backlit portraits, with sunlight filtering through the branches creating a soft golden glow on hair. ◦ Curved Bridge Metasequoia Belt: The curved bridge inside the scenic area connects the shore to the viewing area, with metasequoias growing by the water near the bridge. Stand in the middle of the bridge to use its curve as a leading line, ending in a cluster of metasequoias. Capture people walking on the bridge looking back for dynamic shots; or crouch by the bridge to photograph reflections of the metasequoias, bridge railings, and people overlapping in the water for a lively composition. ◦ Metasequoia Scene by Longwang Temple: The metasequoias near the Longwang Temple beacon are sparser, suitable for wide shots. Use the ancient architecture of Longwang Temple as the background, with a few metasequoias in the foreground for accents. Have the subject sit on the temple’s stone steps to capture photos blending culture and nature. To enhance the atmosphere, take a photo with Longwang Temple and join the winter blessing event, holding a blessing plaque with metasequoias in the frame to create a unique winter memory. 3. Nearby Activities and Additional Tips After photographing the metasequoias at Pujiang's Head, drive to nearby "Dangli·Youmi" to enjoy cured meat rice dishes and warm up with delicious food. If time allows, visit the Rice Culture Creative Experience Center to try rice milk tea, or relax at the Noah New Ark Camping Park to end your winter outing perfectly. Also, when taking photos, avoid breaking metasequoia branches or stepping into the shallow water by the river. Respectful visits help preserve this beautiful winter scenery.