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Yu Yuan Garden
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.
Guide to Exploring around Yu Garden
Top Yu Garden Flight + Hotel Deals
Mon, Nov 2 - Sat, Nov 7
Narita Intl. - Pudong Intl.
￥69,473
The price now is ￥64,139 per personFlight + Hotel
Best Lodging Options Near Yu Garden
Per night/room
Jul 16 - Jul 17
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Downtown Shanghai, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Former French Concession and K11 Art Mall. Shanghai Museum and Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre are also within 15 minutes. South Huangpi Road Station is only a 4-minute walk and Xintiandi Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Park Hyatt Shanghai
No 100 Century Avenue Pudong, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Pudong, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower. Shanghai World Financial Center and The Bund are also within 1 mi (2 km). Dongchang Road Station is only a 4-minute walk and Shangcheng Road Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Hotel Indigo Shanghai on The Bund
No 585 Zhongshan Dong Er Road, Huangpu Area, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Downtown Shanghai, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Bund and Yu Garden. Shanghai Museum and People's Square are also within 2 mi (3 km). Xiaonanmen Station is 16 minutes by foot and Yuyuan Garden Station is 18 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Shanghai ifc No.8 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Pudong, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Super Brand Mall, Shanghai Municipal History Museum, and Pudong Riverside Promenade and Park. The Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower are also within 10 minutes. Lujiazui Station is only a 3-minute walk and Dongchang Road Station is 20 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Pudong, this luxury hotel is steps from IFC Mall and Shanghai World Financial Center. Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower are also within 10 minutes. Lujiazui Station is 8 minutes by foot and Dongchang Road Station is 9 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
The Shanghai EDITION
199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Downtown Shanghai, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Nanjing Road Shopping District, Yu Garden, and People's Square. Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre are also within 2 mi (3 km). East Nanjing Road Station is only a 3-minute walk and Yuyuan Garden Station is 14 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
No. 2, Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Huang Pu District, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Downtown Shanghai, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Bund and Nanjing Road Shopping District. Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Yuyuan Garden Station is 10 minutes by foot and East Nanjing Road Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
No 33. North Henan Road, Shanghai, ShanghaiLocated in Downtown Shanghai, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Old Town God Temple Snack Street, The Bund, and Yu Garden. Nanjing Road Shopping District and People's Square are also within 1 mi (2 km). Yuyuan Garden Station is 7 minutes by foot and East Nanjing Road Station is 12 minutes.
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