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Shanghai Yu Garden Facts
Chinese name: 豫园 (Yù Yuán)
Address: 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Age: More than 400 years old, built during the Ming Dynasty
Area: 5 acres
Highlights: Exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the decorative and historical artifacts
Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
Yu Garden Shanghai History
Yu Garden, a magnificent example of classical Jiangnan garden style, was constructed starting from 1559. It was commissioned by Pan Yunduan, a Ming Dynasty official, as a peaceful haven for his elderly father. The name "Yu" reflects the aspirations for happiness and safety. The construction of Yu Garden spanned 18 years. Throughout its history, the garden changed hands after the decline of the Pan family, enduring various owners over several centuries. In the 19th century, political conflicts caused significant damage to the garden. However, after the wars, Yu Garden was rebuilt and reopened to the public in 1961, attracting visitors from both within China and abroad.
What to See in Yu Garden (Attractions & Things to Do)
Yu Garden is composed of six main scenic areas: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Hall, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden. The perfect arrangement of rockeries, water features, walkways, pavilions, and even the smallest details of plants and trees creates a harmonious and splendid atmosphere in this extraordinary destination. The highlights not to be missed when visiting this masterpiece of Jiangnan garden include:
Grand Rockery (Sansui Hall):
As you enter through the main entrance of Yu Garden, the towering Huangshi Grand Rockery, standing at 14 meters high and constructed with thousands of tons of Wukang stones, immediately catches your eye. It is not only one of the major attractions but also the largest and oldest rockery in the Jiangnan region. Climbing to the top of this rockery offers a panoramic view of the entire Yu Garden.
Ginkgo Tree (Wanhua Hall):
Planted by the garden's first owner, the ginkgo tree in Wanhua Hall has surpassed the remarkable age of 400 years. Standing at a height of 21 meters, its golden ginkgo leaves during autumn add a vibrant touch to the surrounding environment.
Covered Walkway (Wanhua Hall):
The impressive covered walkway, divided by walls with various shaped lattice windows, allows visitors to walk on both sides. It offers captivating views on either side, creating a delightful experience.
Dragon Wall (Dianchun Hall):
The Dragon Wall in Dianchun Hall is a highlight of the entire Dragon Wall in Yu Garden, which divides the garden into six sections. The Dragon Wall in Dianchun Hall is particularly awe-inspiring, featuring lifelike rolling gray ceramic tiles that resemble scales, with a towering dragon head at its end. A hidden gem to discover is a small toad concealed beneath the dragon's tail.
Jiyu Water Corridor (Huijing Hall):
This hundred-meter-long water corridor is the longest of its kind in classical Jiangnan gardens. Strolling along its winding path creates an immersive experience akin to stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.
Yulinglong Stone (Yuhua Hall):
This intricately patterned and fissured rock, originating from Lake Tai, is a treasured centerpiece of Yu Garden. Its hollows and cracks allow smoke to escape when incense is lit at its base, creating a spectacular sight. It is renowned as one of the most famous stones in Shanghai and one of the three famous stones in Jiangnan.
Ancient Theater Stage (Inner Garden):
The unique coffered ceiling of the ancient theater stage is a standout feature, resembling a dome with 22 rings intersected by 20 curved lines. It adheres to acoustic principles, ensuring excellent sound projection even without amplification equipment.
Explore Yu Garden Area during Shanghai Tour
Yu Garden Bazaar
Located near the garden, the Yuyuan Bazaar is a bustling marketplace where you can shop for traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including silk robes, jade jewelry, and teapots. Explore the labyrinth of small streets and lanes, where vendors sell everything from dumplings to dragon kites. It's the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or try a local snack.
Nine-turn Bridge & Huxinting Tea House
The Nine-turn Bridge, connecting to the main entrance of Yu Garden, is the most striking feature of the garden. This winding bridge is not only a picturesque spot for photography but also carries profound symbolism in philosophy of China. In Chinese culture, the number nine is considered lucky, and the zigzag pattern is believed to protect the garden from evil spirits. At night, the bridge illuminates with colorful lights, creating a captivating scene that visitors should not miss.
Crossing the Nine-turn Bridge leads to the Huxinting Tea house, a traditional and exquisite venue for relaxing and enjoying tea. It is renowned for hosting foreign dignitaries, including the Queen of England, making it a must-visit destination in Shanghai.
Old City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao)
Connected to Yu Garden is the Taoist temple - Old City God Temple, also known as Chenghuang Miao, located within the Yu Garden Bazaar. It is another must-visit attraction near Yu Garden. As one of most important Taoist temples in Shanghai, it serves as a vibrant place of worship and cultural center, featuring impressive architecture and a serene atmosphere. After exploring Yu Garden, it is worth visiting this temple with a 600-year history.
How to Visit Yu Garden Shanghai (Recommended Route & Tours)
Shanghai Yu Garden Location & How to Get to Yu Garten
Yu Garden is located in the historic district of southern Shanghai, forming part of the renowned Yu Garden area along with Shanghai City God Temple and Yu Garden Bazaar. The precise address is No. 168 Fuyou Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai.
Moreover, Yu Garden is conveniently situated within a 3-kilometer radius of other popular Shanghai tourist attractions, including the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Shanghai Tower, allowing for easy access to these sites.
How to Get There
You can easily reach Yu Garden by bus, subway, or taxi. The most recommended methods of transportation are taxis or the subway.
Subway: The nearest subway station to Yu Garden is Yuyuan Station (豫园站) on Line 10 of the Shanghai Metro. Take Exit 7 and walk for approximately 6 minutes to reach the garden. Bus: Buses such as No. 11, 26, 64, 66, 126, 715, 920, 926, 929, 930, and 969 will take you to Yuyuan Station. Additionally, you can also take Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Line 1 to reach Yu Garden. Taxi: It is advisable to avoid taking a taxi during weekdays between 4 PM and 6 PM, as well as on weekends, due to the one-way streets and potential traffic congestion in Shanghai.Shanghai Yu Garden Opening Hours and Tickets
The opening hours of Yu Garden in Shanghai are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. The garden is closed on Mondays.
The entrance fee is CNY 40 from April to June and September to November, and CNY 30 during other months. Yu Garden offers both online and offline ticketing services. Online ticketing is available through platforms such as WeChat Official Account, Ctrip, Meituan, Qunar, and Tongcheng.
Recommended Yu Garden Visiting Route
Exploring Yu Garden, Yu Garden Bazaar, and City God Temple typically takes around 2-3 hours. You can follow the suggested itinerary below to ensure you don't miss out on the highlights:
South Gate of Yu Garden - Sansui Hall - Wanhua Chamber - Dianchun Hall - Huijing Hall - Yuhua Hall - Inner Garden - West Gate of Yu Garden - Nine-turning Bridge - Huxinting Pavilion - Yuyuan Bazaar - Old City God Temple
How to Plan A Yu Garden Visit During Shanghai Tour
When planning a Yu Garden visit during your Shanghai tour, consider spending at least half a day to explore the garden and its surrounding areas thoroughly. It's ideal to visit in the morning when it's less crowded, giving you ample time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Yu Garden Shanghai
The best time to visit Yu Garden is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather in Shanghai is most pleasant. In spring, the garden comes alive with blooming flowers, creating a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere. On the other hand, autumn brings a different charm to Yu Garden. The golden ginkgo leaves paint a picturesque scene, casting a warm and enchanting glow throughout the garden.
The garden is also less crowded on weekdays and in the early mornings, making these ideal times for a visit during your Shanghai tour.
Where to Eat near Yu Garden Shanghai
When it comes to dining, the area around Yu Garden does not disappoint. You'll find numerous restaurants and food stalls serving up local Shanghainese cuisine, as well as dishes from other regions of China.
The most famous among these is the Nanxiang Bun Restaurant, renowned for their Xiao Long Bao, a type of soup dumpling that is a specialty of Shanghai. The dumplings are delicate, with a rich broth and succulent filling that is simply mouth-watering.
If you're looking for something more substantial, head to Lu Bo Lang Restaurant, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This restaurant is famous for its Shanghai-style dishes, including the popular Braised Pork Belly and River Shrimp with Crab Roe. With its elegant decor and views of the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, it's the perfect place to relax in Shanghai and enjoy a meal after exploring the garden.
For a quick snack, try the street food vendors around the Yuyuan Bazaar. They offer a variety of tasty bites, including fried dumplings, roasted chestnuts, and scallion pancakes. These are perfect for munching on as you explore the bustling market or relax in the tranquil garden.
How to Plan Shanghai Tours with Yu Garden?
If you only have one day in Shanghai, maximize your time by visiting the top attractions in Shanghai. Start at the Shanghai Museum to delve into art and history. Then, head to Yu Garden and Shanghai City God Temple, followed by lunch at Yuyuan Bazaar.
Afterward, take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, enjoying the bustling atmosphere. From there, hop on a ferry to Lujiazui and marvel at the renowned skyscrapers.
As the "City That Never Sleeps," Shanghai offers a vibrant nightlife. Experience traditional life in Xintiandi or catch a captivating Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
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