How To Get To Yu Garden Shanghai

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.

Facts about Yu Garden

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

What to See in Yu Garden

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.

Great Rockery

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

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

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'.

Wanhua Chamber

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.

Exquisite Jade Rock

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.

What to Do in Yu Garden Area

Yu Garden Shopping

The outside of the Yuyuan Garden

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.

Appreciating the Night View on the Nine Bend Bridge

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.

Tasting the Nanxiang Steamed Buns

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.

How to get to Yu Garden Shanghai

By Bus:
1. Take bus 11, 26, 64, 304, 805, 920, 926, or 930 and get off at Xinbeimen Station, and then walk along Anren Street to reach the garden.
2. Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, 3 or 5 to get there.

By Metro:
Take Metro Line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Station. Leave from Exit 1.
Shanghai Bus / Metro Search

Entrance Fee	Apr. - Jun. & Sep. - Nov.: CNY 40 Jul. & Aug. & Dec. - Mar.: CNY 30 Free for children under 1.3m (4.3ft).
Opening Hours	8:45 - 16:45 Closed on Monday, except national holidays.