Shanghai | Autumn and winter here are simply too beautiful!

Shanghai Tianma Mountain Winter Travel and Photography Guide As a part of Sheshan National Forest Park, Tianma Mountain, with an elevation of only 98.2 meters, hides a leaning tower ancient tomb and strange tree caves. In winter, with fewer crowds, the pine waves and warm sunshine make it perfect for capturing historical sites or forest-style photos. This guide, covering routes, photo spots, and tips, helps you easily capture the unique charm of the winter mountain. 1. Travel and Basic Information: Tickets are 10 RMB per person, free for children under 1.3 meters. Opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. For public transport, take Metro Line 9 to Dongjing Station, then transfer to Songjiang 99 tourist bus directly to the East Gate; for self-driving, navigate to Tianma Mountain East Gate. If the East Gate parking lot is full, you can park along Longquan Mountain South Road for free. The temperature difference in the mountain is large in the morning and evening during winter, so it is recommended to wear three layers of clothing that can be put on or taken off, wear anti-slip sports shoes, and bring a flashlight (for cave exploration), a thermos, and some snacks to replenish energy. 2. Classic Check-in Route and Photo Spots: It is recommended to enter from the East Gate and take a loop route of about 2 hours, covering all the core photo points without backtracking. Entering from the East Gate, first visit the Three Scholars Memorial Park. The "Three Scholars Tomb" stone tablet and the Wenyuan Archway here are great for ancient-style photos. Have your companion stand under the archway with the forested mountain as the background, take a side shot looking at the stone tablet, paired with the pavilion corridor couplets to create a full atmosphere. If there is light frost, take close-ups of the frost-covered stone tablet to fully convey the sense of time. 3. Continue to Jian Pavilion, where the wooden pavilion and surrounding ancient pines are bathed in dappled sunlight through the pine branches in winter. You can sit on the stone steps inside the pavilion, using the pavilion pillars and distant mountains as the background for a side profile shot; or stand outside the pavilion to capture dynamic moments of wind blowing clothes and gazing into the mountains. Then head towards the Bronze Guanyin; the sturdy tree branches beside the steep steps and fallen leaves on the stone steps create a deep perspective when shooting upward along the steps extending into the forest. 4. About 200 meters down the small path to the right of Bronze Guanyin is the popular Pig Nose Tree, with two round holes resembling pig noses, perfect for playful or cute photos. You can squat beside the tree making funny faces with the "pig noses" in the frame, or take a wide shot to create an interesting interaction between the person and the strange tree. After shooting, walk back a bit and take the fork down to the cave. Although only 20 meters long, the dim light gives a sense of adventure. Shine your flashlight obliquely on the rock wall to outline the cave shape, and have the person stand at the cave entrance half-turned looking back to create a mysterious atmosphere. Be careful of the stone steps to avoid tripping. 5. After returning to Bronze Guanyin, follow the signs to Huzhu Pagoda, which, along with the nearby 700-year-old ginkgo tree, is a "golden duo" for photos. When shooting the pagoda, avoid standing in the center to prevent light contrast; instead, shoot from the side with the ancient ginkgo as the foreground, letting the leaning tower and withered branches and yellow leaves complement each other, highlighting the unique posture of the "Shanghai Leaning Tower of Pisa." You can also shoot details of the pagoda, with brick seams and winter blue sky creating a strong vintage feel. Finally, climb to the North Peak Wujian Terrace, where the view is wide open. You can take panoramic shots capturing the winter forest, distant villages, and sky together, recording the tranquil mountain scenery. 6. Photography and Travel Tips: The best times for photos are before 10 AM or after 2 PM when the light is soft and there are no harsh shadows on the ancient sites. There is a bird science interaction area in the mountain where you can scan a code to listen to science information and capture birds flying with the scenery. If you encounter a vendor selling vintage popcorn on the way down, buy some as a prop to take a set of photos with a mountain life vibe. Also, wild paths can be slippery when wet, so stick to main roads in winter; do not touch or climb on ancient sites while photographing, and capture the beauty with civility.