Step into Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a 16th-century oasis in bustling Shanghai, where classical Chinese garden artistry meets vibrant cultural heritage.
Built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan to honor his parents, this UNESCO-listed gem spans 2 hectares and epitomizes Jiangnan-style landscaping—a harmonious blend of pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds.
Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and history, Yu Garden offers a timeless escape just minutes from modern skyscrapers.
A Walk Through Ming Dynasty Elegance
Yu Garden’s design reflects Confucian ideals of balance and harmony. Key highlights include:
1.The Grand Rockery (大假山):
Crafted from 2,000 tons of yellowstone, this 14-meter artificial mountain mimics natural peaks with hidden caves and waterfalls.
2.Jade Exquisite Peak (玉玲珑):
A porous, 3.3-meter-tall Taihu rock revered as one of China’s “Three Great Stones”.
3.Nine-Zigzag Bridge (九曲桥):
Symbolizing luck, this iconic bridge winds over a lotus pond to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, Shanghai’s oldest teahouse.
4.Dianchun Hall（点春堂）:
A revolutionary site where the 1853 Small Swords Society plotted against the Qing Dynasty.
The garden’s “borrowed scenery” technique creates illusions of depth, making its compact layout feel expansive—a hallmark of Ming scholar-official aesthetics.
Cultural Treasures & Seasonal Festivals
Art & Calligraphy:
Admire Ming-era wood carvings and inscriptions in the Three Corn-Ear Hall, or explore rotating exhibitions at the adjacent Shanghai Old Street.
Festive Magic:
During Chinese New Year, Yu Garden dazzles with lantern displays, dragon dances, and a “wishing wall” filled with visitors’ hopes. In autumn, the Mid-Autumn Festival illuminates the garden with mooncakes and traditional music.
Beyond the Garden: Yuyuan Bazaar & Local Flavors
Adjacent to Yu Garden lies the Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively market where you can:
- Savor Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at the 120-year-old Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
- Shop for silk, antiques, and handcrafted souvenirs under red lantern-lit eaves.
- Visit the City God Temple (城隍庙), a 600-year-old Taoist shrine offering free entry and incense-filled serenity.
Visitor Tips & Practical Info
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds; evenings for illuminated landscapes. Spring (March-May) blooms with peonies and magnolias.
- Location: 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District (Metro Line 10, Yuyuan Station).
- Admission: ¥40 (adults); guided tours available.
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