Tourism GuideYuyuan Garden
A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of bustling Shanghai, showcasing traditional Chinese garden design and architecture
Key Information
Built
1559-1577 Ming Dynasty
Architectural Style
Classical Chinese Garden
Area
20,000 square meters
UNESCO Status
Part of Shanghai's historical heritage site
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn seasons
Nearest Metro
Yuyuan Garden Station Line 10
Architect
Pan Yunduan
Original Purpose
Private garden for Pan Yunduan's father
Yuyuan Garden, also known as Yu Garden, was built during the Ming Dynasty between 1559 and 1577 by Pan Yunduan, a government officer of the Sichuan Province, as a private garden for his father Pan En. The name Yu means peace and comfort in Chinese. This exquisite classical Chinese garden covers an area of 20,000 square meters and features traditional Chinese garden design elements including pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and dragon walls. The garden is divided into six main scenic areas: the Grand Rockery, the Hall of Heralding Spring, the Inner Garden, the Jade Magnificence Hall, the Lotus Pool, and the Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion. Each section has its unique characteristics and architectural style, representing the pinnacle of Chinese garden design from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The garden has undergone several renovations throughout history, including significant restoration in the 1950s and 1960s after being damaged during the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion. Today, Yuyuan Garden stands as one of the most complete and well-preserved classical gardens in Shanghai, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese aesthetics and philosophy.
Things to Do
- Explore the Grand Rockery
- the oldest and largest rockery in southern China made of yellow stones from Wukang
- Admire the Exquisite Jade Rock
- a 3.3-meter tall porous rock that was originally meant for Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty
- Visit the Hall of Heralding Spring with its beautiful wood carvings and traditional architecture
- Walk through the zigzagging Nine-Bend Bridge over the lotus pond for good luck
- See the famous dragon walls with their undulating shapes and intricate designs
- Explore the Inner Garden
- a garden within a garden built during the Qing Dynasty
- Visit the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse located in the center of the garden's pond
- Shop for traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs in the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar
- Try local Shanghai snacks like Nanxiang steamed buns and crab shell cakes
- Attend seasonal flower shows and cultural events held in the garden
