Yu Garden

Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden) is a classical Ming‑dynasty garden in Shanghai’s Old City, constructed between 1559 and 1577 as a private garden and later opened to the public. It is one of China’s best‑known classical urban gardens and a major cultural attraction in central Shanghai.

The garden occupies roughly 2 hectares and contains traditional elements of Chinese garden design - pavilions, ponds, rockeries, corridors and carved halls - laid out to create framed views and seasonal interest. It sits adjacent to the Yuyuan Bazaar and the Huxinting Teahouse, making it easy to combine with shopping and local food.

Commissioned by Pan Yunduan in the Ming period for his family, the garden has been altered, damaged and restored at various times across the centuries; its core layout dates to the 16th century. Restoration and conservation efforts in the 20th century stabilised and reopened many of the original structures for visitors.

Yuyuan Garden is in Shanghai’s Huangpu District within the historical Old City, a short walk from the City God Temple and a few kilometres from the Huangpu River and the Bund.

• Size and location: Covers roughly 2 hectares and is located inside Shanghai's Old City next to the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, so expect heavy foot traffic at peak times.
• Best times: Peak crowds occur during national holidays and Lunar New Year; visiting early in the morning gives quieter access to the main halls and rockeries.

What to See #

• Exquisite Jade Rock: A large, naturally perforated limestone rock known as the Exquisite Jade Rock is one of the garden's famed rockeries and a traditional focal point for garden composition.
• Huxinting Teahouse: A century‑old teahouse built on the northern pond edge, adjacent to the garden and the bazaar, known for its architecture and views across the water feature.