Yu Yuan Garden was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. Yu Yuan means “peace and comfort,” and despite the popularity of the attraction, the gardens remain a serene sanctuary. Set aside an hour or two to explore the gardens, pavilions, courtyards, chambers and halls. The ponds, bridges and streams also provide perfect spots for reflection, while the protective dragon wall that encircles the garden keeps Shanghai’s bustling Old Town at bay. The gardens are a firm favorite with tour groups, so arrive early if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds. Set over 5 acres (2 hectares), the gardens are arranged into six main scenic areas. When you first enter the garden, head to the top of the Great Rockery for views of the whole garden. Then follow the main path in a clockwise direction to visit the garden’s main sections before arriving at the Inner Garden. You’ll find that the garden’s pavilions have poetic names. Three Ears of Corn Hall is the largest of the garden’s grand pavilions and features intricate carvings depicting a bountiful harvest. While nearby at the smaller Pavilion for Viewing Frolicking Fish, gaze down at the teeming schools of koi, just as visitors have for centuries. At the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Flowers, look for a giant maidenhair tree, reputed to be planted 400 years ago. Not far from the Inner Garden is the Hall of Jade Magnificence, home to one of the garden’s star attractions, the Exquisite Jade Rock. The Inner Garden is the final and quietest section of the complex and contains the aptly named Hall of Serenity and the Tower for Watching Waves. Pause to admire the works of local calligraphers who often display and sell their works in these and other pavilions throughout the garden.When it’s finally time to leave the tranquility of the koi ponds and pavilions, step back out into the teeming markets and stores that surround the garden. There is a small admission fee to visit Yu Yuan Garden, which is open daily and is just a 30-minute walk from downtown Shanghai. The area is serviced by public transport.
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Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
Reviews of Yu Garden
5/5 - Excellent
This is a REALLY classic, beautiful garden. We were their during the May Day 4-day holiday celebration, so it was jam packed and not so fun. But on a regular day, you'll get some awesome photos. Very pretty, and there's a really fantastic old-style (pagoda) shopping district steps away. This was a really fun day for us to experience China in all her glory. Loved it.
3/5 - Okay
Please Google "Shanghai Scam" if you are visiting. This was a huge tourist trap. The gardens themselves seemed old but was just a maze of paths to different temples and stone gardens. There were signs to things that sounded interesting but then we couldn't find additional signs and never found the site we were looking for. The gardens are actually pretty small. The shopping area that surrounds the gardens looks old and the buildings are neat but I don't think they are actually that old. There were DQ's, Starbucks, KFC, etc...and then there were several roads surround this with high pressure sales stalls. If you even look into the small stall you get haggled to come in and buy something.
5/5 - Excellent
Lovely to visit and shop, watching the food being prepared and trying some new things. Easy to get to on the Metro.
3/5 - Okay
Too many people there during the New Year celebration
5/5 - Excellent
Clean and quiet.
2/5 - Disappointing
Garden was difficult to find because one has to go thru crammed and crowded shopping area to reach it. Garden also old and not well preserved, and admission was quite pricey. Admission is free for 70 and older and half price for over 60, in most museums and tourist attractions. Be sure to bring your ID/passport.
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