Yu Garden: Exploring an Old Gem in New Shanghai
Yu Garden, also known as Yu Yuan Garden, is a historic garden in Shanghai that was built in the Ming Dynasty over 400 years ago. Originally a private garden owned by the Pan family, Yu Garden holds significant historical and cultural importance. The garden features an exquisite layout along with beautiful scenery and an artistic style of traditional Chinese architecture.
FrentaN/shutterstock.com
Yu Garden is one of the top attractions in Shanghai, attracting millions of visitors each year, and the area around the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place to shop, eat, and experience Chinese culture. There are plenty of exciting things to do in the Yu Garden area, and in this post, we'll explore everything on offer in this historic part of Shanghai.
Introduction to Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a must-visit destination in Shanghai, China. This large Chinese garden is situated in the Huangpu District, northeast of Shanghai's Old City.
With a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden is a classic Chinese garden that combines ornate pavilions, zigzag bridges, pagodas, archways, dazzling lakes, imposing rockeries, and ornamental halls. As one of the Four National Cultural Markets, Yuyuan Garden is a popular tourist attraction that showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
Exploring Yu Garden: Classical Chinese Architecture
Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden are the six wonderful parts that comprise Yu Garden. Each section shows a different aspect of the garden’s history and art.
Inspired Vision Studio/shutterstock.com
Yu Garden is particularly famous for its rockeries and the Exquisite Jade Rock, a natural and artistic masterpiece that is one of the key sights to see within Yu Garden. The famed Exquisite Jade Rock is a substantial 5-ton, porous, and uniquely shaped spiky rock that captivates visitors from all over the world.
While exploring Yu Garden, you will also come across classical Chinese architecture, beautiful sculptures, and carvings, all of which display the perfectly blended mix of natural and man-made elements. Visitors can enjoy the scenery at the traditional pond with Chinese lanterns and the Nine Turn Bridge, which winds across the water, offering incredible scenic views of the greenery and pavilions.
Yu Garden in Shanghai, China
The garden’s unique design is a classic example of Chinese garden architecture, blending decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, and scenic ponds, making it one of the most authentic and complete Chinese gardens in Shanghai.
Huxinting Teahouse
Located in the heart of Yu Garden is the Huxinting Teahouse, a hidden treasure that will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. This classic teahouse, with its traditional Chinese architecture, sits above the pond and can be accessed by the Nine Turn Bridge, the most famous bridge at Yu Garden.
Huxinting Teahouse in Yu Garden, Shanghai
At the Huxinting Teahouse you can try various Chinese teas and enjoy the views of the garden’s lush greenery and rocks. The teahouse is decorated with wood carvings and calligraphy inside, which matches the garden’s traditional Chinese design perfectly.
Whether you are a tea lover or just need a moment of peace, the Huxinting Teahouse is the perfect place to relax and try some delicious Chinese teas in Yu Garden.
Yuyuan Garden Bazaar
Yuyuan Bazaar is one of the most fascinating shopping areas in all of Shanghai. This area surrounds Yu Garden and consists of multiple shopping streets housed by traditional Chinese buildings. The area is very beautiful and looks more like an ancient Chinese town, rather than a shopping area.
Yu Garden Bazaar in Shanghai, China
Many of the shops in the Yuyuan Bazaar sell Chinese handicrafts and souvenirs, and there are also a ton of street food vendors in the area. This makes it a great place to pick up some gifts and try some Chinese street foods while you're exploring the area.
Perhaps the best part of Yuyuan Bazaar is its old town design; although the shops are great, souvenir shops are available throughout Shanghai. The architecture and the variety of stores and street food are what really make it special. Yuyuan Bazaar is a bustling blend of something that resembles a thriving ancient Chinese town.
Yu Garden Bazaar in Shanghai
The area is quite large too, and the shops spill out onto the surrounding streets nearby. I believe this is one of the best places in Shanghai to shop for souvenirs while experiencing Chinese culture. Although it is definitely a tourist area, the experience is incredible here, prices are reasonable, and there are endless shops and food vendors to pick from, making it a must for anyone visiting Shanghai.
Planning Your Visit
Spring is the ideal season to visit Yu Garden because of the blooming flowers and lush trees that line the grounds. Entering Yu Garden requires a ticket, which can be bought at the entrance or online through a tour website. If you are visiting Shanghai during a peak season, it would be wise to book a Yu Garden ticket in advance as it can get very busy.
Visitors can also explore the garden on a weekday, when it is less crowded than on weekends. If you're interested in the details of Yu Garden, you could consider taking a guided tour of the garden to learn more about its history and design philosophy.
Visitors can take the Shanghai Metro’s Line 10 and Line 14 to Yuyuan Garden station, which is located near the garden’s entrance. Yu Garden is conveniently placed in the heart of Shanghai, so planning your visit to coincide with other sights and Shanghai tours would make it convenient.
Nearby Attractions: City God Temple
This Taoist temple is a window into the city’s spiritual and cultural soul. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this temple is dedicated to the city gods who are believed to protect and bless the local community. The temple complex is a work of art, with classic Chinese temple design, ornate roofs, red pillars, and carvings.
Visitors to the City God Temple can explore its many halls, each filled with ancient relics and statues that tell the stories of Shanghai’s history and religious customs. The City God Temple is a very interesting addition to Yu Garden, especially if you want to discover more about Chinese Buddhism.
Hotels Near Yu Garden
Yu Garden is located in the Huangpu District, within close distance of other famous attractions. It has metro stations like Yuyuan Garden Station nearby and is within easy reach of famous places like the People's Square. The best part about staying in this area is that you will get to visit Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar multiple times. If that's your goal, then I highly recommend staying in the Huangpu District near Yu Garden.
There are a range of hotels in the area that are usually a bit more expensive than other areas in Shanghai. This is not the most expensive area, but you will likely pay a premium as it is considered a central location and will be easier to tour Shanghai from here. There are budget options available as well as 5-star hotels, so whichever you choose, it should be easy to find a hotel near Yu Garden. Booking in advance is recommended as this area usually gets busy, and hotels become fully booked during peak seasons.
Conclusion
Yu Garden is a must-visit attraction in Shanghai, especially as it offers visitors a chance to experience old Shanghai. The garden’s unique design and beautiful scenery make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts, while the Yuyuan Bazaar makes it the perfect place for shoppers and foodies.
For anyone interested in exploring the beauty of Shanghai and its unique history, Yu Yuan Garden should surely be on their list of things to do.