Yuyuan Bazaar, also known as Yuyuan Market, is outside the
Yu Garden, in the heart of Old Shanghai City, and close to the
Old City God Temple. There are many traditional Chinese buildings, which nowadays are used as commercial stores to sell local products, snacks, jewelry, souvenirs, antiques and so on.
 | | Yuyuan Bazaar | |  | | Various Stores in Yuyuan Bazaar | |
Things to Do in Yuyuan Bazaar
Inside the market with diversified stores, visitors could satisfy all kinds of needs. They can enjoy traditional Chinese architecture, taste local snacks, buy antiques and silk products as gifts for friends or relatives. The market is well worth a visit at night when bright lights give it a cheerful air.
The market provides visitors with the most delicious local food. Nan Xiang Steamed Stuffed Bun (Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao) is famous because of its many special ingredients, and is reputed to be the best in China. Another famous restaurant is called Lv Bo Lang, and steamed crab stuffed bun, crab bean curd and crispy fried cake are the favourite dishes. Many world-famous politicians and visitors have come here, such as former US president Clinton. Visitors can also taste some local snacks, like the Yangchun Noodles, Fried Stuffed Bun, Crab-Yellow Pastry and Chop Rice Cakes.
In the bazaar, there are a great number of small lanes filled with stores. Yuyuan Old Street, in the north of Yuyuan Market, mainly offers various commodities with traditional Chinese characteristics. These products include home supplies, handicrafts, and festive supplies. In addition, Yuyuan Fashion Street totally differs from the Old Street. Daily supplies, modern handicrafts, snack food and coffee beverages are mainly offered here. Moreover, the gold and jewelry industry is very prosperous in this area, so visitors can also buy golden earrings, necklaces or rings. Two shops, Shanghai Old Temple Gold and Shanghai Yayi Gold Shop, are highly recommended for both local people and tourists.
 | | Nanxiang Steamed Stuffed Bun Restaurant | |  | | A Store inside Yuyuan Market | |
When the night comes, it gives ample opportunity for visitors to get some beautiful pictures in Yuyan Bazaar. All the ancient buildings are decorated and lit by colorful lightning. Their beautiful reflections on the clear water in front of Yu Garden are definitely worth a click. The natural mixture of modern light and ancient architecture is another beautiful sight.
Watch Yuyuan Bazaar Video.
How to Get to Yuyuan Bazaar
1. Take Metro Line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Station. Get out from the Exit 1 and walk to the market.
2. Take City Sightseeing Bus line 1, 3, and 5 and get off at the Yu Garden station.
3. Take bus 66, 36, 306, 929, 969, and get off at South Henan Road Fuyou Road Station.
4. Take bus 17, 26, 304, 320, 930, 932, and get off at the Old North Gate Station.
5. Take bus 11, 26, 64, 304, 805, 920, or 930, and get off at Xinbeimen Station.
Tips: It’s recommended to spend at least four hours to travel around Yuyuan Market.
Further Reading: History of Yuyuan Bazaar
The history of Yuyuan Bazaar dates back to Qing Dynasty Tongzhi Years (1862-1875). At first, temple fairs were held at this area. With the passage of time, Old City God Temple Market was gradually formed for local people to buy or sell products. Finally, the market name was changed to Yuyuan Bazaar, or Yuyuan Market.
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- Last updated on Feb. 22, 2024 by Kate Liu -