The classical Yu Yuan Garden in the heart of the Old Town is one of the highlights of any visit to Shanghai. Originally conceived in the 1500s by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty as a peaceful retreat for his ageing parents, this exquisitely-designed space with its streams and ponds, pavilions and courtyards, provides a welcome oasis of calm in the bustling city.
The garden’s two hectares of land are divided into six areas, each with distinctive design features and structures. Stylised dragon walls, complete with tiled ridges and the mythical beast’s head, run around the edge of each section.
As you step into the garden, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Great Rockery. This impressive 14-metre high stone structure comprises caves and gorges, springs and waterfalls. Follow the winding path to the top for a panoramic view of the whole garden. At the foot of the rockery, you’ll find Cuixiu Hall, a traditionally-designed pavilion with small stands selling souvenirs.
From the Great Rockery, follow the main path in a clockwise direction to discover each of the remaining five garden areas, each named after the section’s main pavilion. Highlights include Wanhua Chamber, or Chamber of the Ten Thousand Flowers, a beautiful pavilion surrounded by cloisters, featuring delicate carvings of plum chrysanthemums. A 21-metre tall maidenhair tree, or ginkgo, stands at the front. It is believed to be as old as the garden itself.
Head to Yuhua Hall, or Jade Magnificence Hall, to marvel at the garden’s most famous attraction: the Exquisite Jade Rock. Standing at 3.3 metres high, its surface is covered with 72 holes. If incense is lit at the foot of the rock, you’ll see smoke appearing from each of these holes.
The Inner Garden is the final section you’ll visit. This small space dotted with ornamental ponds, rock formation and flower walls is possibly the most beautiful and tranquil setting you’ll find here.
Yu Yuan Garden is open daily, and a small entry fee is payable. It is just a 30-minute walk from downtown Shanghai, or you can reach it using public transport.
