Yu Garden, aka Yuyuan Garden, Yu Yuan in Chinese, is a classical garden ranking among the must-see attractions in Huangpu District, Shanghai. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and was owned by a government officer named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.
 

Location: No. 137, Anren Street, Huangpu District, very close to the Old City God Temple

Age: over 400 years

Area: 20,000 square meters (about five acres)

Highlights: exquisite classical gardening art, rockeries and carvings, Yuyuan Bazaar

Best Seasons for Visit: spring and autumn

Time Needed for a Visit: 2 hours
 

Yu Garden is small in size, but it contains all elements that a classical Chinese garden should have. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters all have unique characteristics. There are some highlights in the garden that you can't miss.
 

  

Upon entering Yu Garden, you will encounter a rockery, which is called the Great Rockery. With a height of 14 meters (about 50 feet), it is the largest as well as the oldest rockery in the southern region of the Yangtze River. On the top of the rockery, you can get a bird's eye view of the garden.
 

Cuixiu Hall sits at the foot of the Great Rockery. It is a quiet and elegant place surrounded by old trees and beautiful flowers. Visitors can find curio shops in the Cuixiu Hall.
 

Sansui Hall was originally used to entertain guests. Later it became a place to hold ceremonies for the gentlemen and bookmen. With a height of nine meters (about 30 feet) and featuring five halls, it is the most commodious structure in the garden. The name Sansui is derived from the book History of the Later Han Dynasty, and means 'propitious' and 'lucky'.

Elegant Furniture in Yu Garden

 

Wanhua Chamber is a delicate building surrounded by derious cloisters. Spring bamboos grow beside the cloisters. In front of Wanhua Chamber, there are two old trees. One is a ginkgo which is 21 meters tall (about 70 feet). It is said that the tree was planted by the owner of Yu Garden 400 years ago.

Pavilions of Yu Garden

 

The true treasure of Yuyuan is the Exquisite Jade Rock, one of the three most famous rockeries in south China. The rock is 3.3 meters (about 10.8 feet) in height and has 72 holes. What is interesting about this rock is that if you burn a joss stick just below the rock, the smoke will magically float out from all of the holes. Similarly, when you pour water into the rock from top, the water will flow out from each hole creating a spectacular sight to see. Yuhua Hall facing the rock was built particularly for appreciating it. The furnishings in the hall were made of top grade rosewood of the Ming Dynasty, appearing both natural and graceful.

Exquisite Jade Rock

 

On the periphery of Yu Garden, there is the Yuyuan Bazaar, where visitors can buy all kinds of souvenirs like foods, craftworks, and jewels. Bargaining is necessary.

The Commercial Street

 

The zigzag Nine Bend Bridge is a part of Yu Yuan Shanghai, but outside the area that charges entrance fee. At night, colorful lights on both sides of the bridge are attractive. During the Chinese New Year, lantern exhibitions will be held there, adding more charm to the night piece.
 

Nanxiang Steamed Buns with Stuffing is particularly famous in Shanghai and there is a branch at the end of Nine Bend Bridge. The buns are soft and juicy with thin skin. Do not forget to have a taste during your visit.
 

Entrance Fee	Apr. - Jun. & Sep. - Nov.: CNY 40 Jul. & Aug. & Dec. - Mar.: CNY 30 Free for children under 1.3m (4.3ft) or no more than 6 years old. Half price for seniors over 60.
Opening Hours	9:00 - 16:30 (Ticketing stops at 16:00.) Closed on Monday, except national holidays.

 See also:
Places of Interest in Shanghai: 12 Historical Sites to Explore
15 Most Beautiful Places in Shanghai in Spring
Where to Go in Shanghai in Autumn - 11 Best Destinations
 Top 10 Places for a Shanghai Visit in Winter
 Top 10 Shanghai Tourist Spots for Solo Travelers