First Impressions
The Dog GO Park at Expo Culture Park is a pet-friendly destination I recently visited. Located in Shanghai's Houtan Riverside area, this park spans about 10,000 square meters, making it currently Shanghai's largest urban dog park. I first heard about this place through WeChat Moments, where many dog-owning friends shared their joyful experiences there. As a pet parent, I couldn't resist my curiosity and brought my furry child to check it out.
From the outside, the park's design is very modern and artistic. The park uses plenty of wooden materials and eco-friendly building materials, blending perfectly with the surrounding Expo Culture Park. The uniquely designed play equipment is particularly eye-catching from afar. The most striking feature is the giant bone-shaped art installation at the entrance, which makes for a perfect photo spot - I took lots of pictures there.
Booking Guide
Visiting Dog GO Park requires some preparation. First, you need to make a reservation through the "Shanghai Expo Culture Park" mini program, and remember to bring your dog's license. I recommend booking at least one day in advance, as weekend slots are particularly popular and might be fully booked if you wait too long. When booking, you need to fill in your dog's information, including breed, age, vaccination status, etc., to ensure all visiting dogs are healthy and safe.
The park opens at 8 AM and closes at 5:30 PM, using a time-slot reservation system. For my first visit, I chose the 9 AM slot, when the sunlight was perfect and the dogs were particularly energetic. During the opening period, the promotional ticket price is 30 yuan per dog, which includes insurance - quite good value. At other places, just buying insurance for your dog might cost quite a bit.
Notably, the reservation system is very user-friendly. You can check the availability of different time slots and learn about the park rules in advance. If you need to cancel, you can get a full refund if you do so 24 hours in advance, which is very thoughtful.
Facility Introduction
Upon arrival, I was amazed by the park's layout. The entire area is divided into several functional zones: human-pet interaction area, dog exercise area, leisure walking area, plus supporting facilities like dog waste bins, washing stations, and drinking points.
The human-pet interaction area is the liveliest part of the park. It features various interactive game facilities like jumping frames, hoops, and balance beams. I saw many dogs having a great time with their owners' guidance. The mini agility training course is especially perfect for small dogs. My Corgi played there for so long and didn't want to leave.
The exercise area is a spacious lawn with special non-slip mats, preventing muddy conditions even on rainy days. It includes artificial hills and tree stumps for dogs to run and chase freely. I particularly love the design concept here, which ensures both safety and fun.
The leisure walking area is specially designed for dogs and owners who prefer a slower pace. It has many resting benches surrounded by various flowers and plants, creating an elegant environment. I often see elderly people walking their dogs here, creating very heartwarming scenes.
You know what touched me the most? The washing station. At other parks, when dogs get dirty, you can only clean them at home, but here you can clean them right away. The washing station has a warm water system and provides professional pet cleaning products. Although it's self-service, the equipment is advanced and very convenient to use. When I first used it, the staff were very helpful in teaching me how to adjust the water temperature and pressure.
The drinking area is also scientifically designed, with water heights for large, medium, and small dogs. The water is filtered and regularly changed, so there's no need to worry about hygiene. Disposable water bowls are thoughtfully provided nearby for different dogs to use.
What impressed me most was the park's sanitation maintenance system. There are waste bins and disinfection stations everywhere, with staff regularly patrolling and cleaning. The ground uses special materials that are both non-slip and easy to clean. After closing each day, the entire park is thoroughly disinfected to ensure visitors can play in a clean environment the next day.
User Experience
The exercise area is my dog's favorite place. Here, you can safely unleash your dog and let them run freely. My dog was a bit shy at first but quickly made friends with other dogs. Watching them chase and play together makes me, as an owner, really happy.
However, I should remind everyone that leashes are required in other areas. This is for everyone's safety. I've observed many dogs making new friends here, and owners can exchange dog-raising experiences. Meeting different dogs and breeds each time makes for a really interesting experience.
The park staff are professionally trained, understanding both dog behavior and how to handle various emergencies. Once I saw a minor conflict between two dogs, and the staff immediately intervened and professionally resolved the situation. This made me feel very secure.
Additionally, the park often hosts themed events like dog social parties and pet photography contests. I attended a Halloween-themed party once and was completely charmed by all the adorably dressed dogs. These activities not only provide more interaction opportunities for dogs but also let us owners meet like-minded friends.
Parking Convenience
If you drive, there's a dedicated parking lot for visitors with reservations. The parking lot is right next to the park, just a few minutes' walk away. Parking costs 20 yuan per time, with charges based on actual time for stays over 4.5 hours. However, parking is currently free during the opening period, which is very considerate.
The parking lot design is also user-friendly, with spacious spots suitable for getting pets in and out of cars. Clear signs ensure you won't get lost. Especially for first-time visitors, there's clear guidance from the parking lot to the park entrance.
If you choose public transportation, it's also very convenient. Several bus routes pass nearby, and it's about a 15-minute walk from the subway station. I've taken the subway several times, and while there are some considerations when taking public transport with dogs, it's generally quite convenient.
Personal Recommendations
For first-time visitors, I recommend choosing a sunny weekend morning. The lighting is perfect for photos then, and it's not too crowded. Remember to bring your dog's daily essentials like water, treats, and toys. Although the park has drinking points, it's good to have backup supplies.
From my experience, it's best to bring your dog's favorite toys to help them adapt to the new environment more quickly. If coming in summer, bring an umbrella for shade, even though the park has shade facilities. In winter, prepare warm clothes for your dogs as they can easily catch cold after exercising and sweating.
It's best to have your dog use the bathroom at home before coming, although the park has designated relief areas, as dogs might be uncomfortable doing so in an unfamiliar environment at first. Also, I recommend bringing your dog's own towel and wet wipes - while the park provides basic cleaning supplies, using your own is more reassuring.
In the park, observe your dog's condition and give them rest time as needed. Especially for first-time visitors, dogs might over-exercise due to excitement. I suggest taking a break every half hour to rehydrate.
Did you know? Such professional pet parks are still rare in China. Nationwide, only a few pet parks in Beijing and Shenzhen might compare with the Expo Dog GO Park. In contrast, cities like Singapore have dedicated pet activity spaces in almost every community.
However, I think the emergence of Dog GO Park signals that our city is becoming more inclusive. It's not just a place for dogs to play but also a place where pet families can feel the city's warmth. Every time I come here, seeing different dogs and owners, hearing the joyful barking, makes me feel particularly warm.
This isn't just a place for dogs to play; it's a social platform connecting people and pets. Through this platform, I've met many like-minded friends and learned a lot about dog care. For instance, there's a regular visitor, an auntie who has raised dogs for over twenty years, who often shares useful dog-raising tips that I've found very helpful.
Moreover, its existence is gradually changing people's perceptions about pet ownership. Previously, some might have thought walking dogs was enough, but now, through places like this, people are realizing that dogs need socializing, exercise, and professional care. This improved awareness helps develop the entire pet industry.
What do you think? Feel free to share your experiences at Dog GO Park with me. If you haven't been yet, why not bring your furry child for a visit on the weekend? We might run into each other there. I believe that as more professional pet parks like this emerge, our city will become friendlier and more inclusive, allowing every family member, including our furry friends, to find their own happy place.
