Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden (Happy Garden) is one of the highlights of Shanghai. It is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago, with an exquisite layout and beautiful scenery.

The inner and outer gardens were both built in the Ming Dynasty classical style, with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and zigzagging bridges separating various garden areas and pavilions.

It is in the center of Shanghai's Old City, a few blocks south of the Bund.

Also read Best of Shanghai, Insider Guide

What to See

The garden has a total area of about two hectares (five acres) with more than 40 attractions. It includes some halls and other buildings of interest.

The antiques on show include century-old furniture, calligraphy and paintings from famous artists, clay sculptures, and brick carvings as well as some inscriptions and couplets.

Exquisite Jade Rock is one of the highlights of the garden. It is a 5-ton, porous, beautifully-shaped  rock, which is said to have been carried from Taihu (Tai Lake) in Wuxi, Jiangsu province.

An interesting legend is that the rock was found some 1000 years ago, and was originally one of Song Emperor Huizong's private collections before it ended up in Yu Garden.

The surrounding bazaar area has good shopping opportunities for traditional Chinese products, gold, and jewels.

Also Read Top Five Old Streets in Shanghai

Recommended Shanghai Tours More Shanghai Tours

Shanghai Memories Tour

4-Day Shanghai Memories Tour

  • From:$510View Details
Shanghai and Suzhou Memories Tour

4-Day Shanghai and Suzhou Memories Tour

  • From:$589View Details
Essence of Shanghai and Hangzhou Tour

5-Day Essence of Shanghai and Hangzhou Tour

  • From:$756View Details
Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on April 2, 2013
See My travel blog
Send feedback to me about this article
follow this pageChina Highlights
Planning a trip? Ask us here 800-2682918 (USA & CA)
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Do you want to book a tour/hotel/Wi-Fi. etc.
Your Name Your Email
Q: LITTLE T Asked on 2012-11-19 Reply
I wanna take a trip to shanghai and be like jackie chan and owen wilson in shanghaii knights.
Dear Sir or Madam, We have many Shanghai tour packages on the website and you could check it. Please feel free to let me know your exact travel plan, i am glad to design an itinerary for you. Shanghai tour: http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/tours.htm Michael Hu Replied on 2012-11-20
Q: Drkarsoum Asked on 2012-09-24 Reply
I want to visit china speically shanghai Which near beautiful cities i can visit alsoHow far is it

Hi Drkarsoum, you can visit Suzhou which is about 110km, 0.5hr by bullet train. Or Hangzhou which is about180km,  1.5hrs by bullet train. Suzhou is famous for its gardens, while Hangzhou for the amazing natural scenery.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-25
Q: charles henry Asked on 2012-09-19 Reply
where should we stay in shanghai at the sifotel at pedestrian mall or the peninsula hotel we would like to visit the pearl tower
Dear Charles Henry, The peninsula hotel is near the pearl tower and it is opposit to the tower. You could take a taxi to get there. It takes about 10 minutes and it costs about CNY15/US$2.5 per car. Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-09-20
Q: yasser sharaf Asked on 2012-07-21 Reply
dear all,i will arrive to shangahai next tuesday and stay there for a business trip till sunday, so i will stay the week end in shangahai, what is the favorite places there i can visit ? and how to go there, i prefere puplic transportation as long as good. i will be in intercontinental hotel.thank you for your support.yasser

Hi Yasser, there are 3  intercontinental hotels in Shanghai, not sure which on you will be staying. The highlight attractions in Shanghai are Yuyuan Garden,  the Bund, Shanghai Museum and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It's suggested you visit these attractions by taxi. It will be convenient.

Wish you a nice journey!

Nora Ou Replied on 2012-07-22
Q: Denis Asked on 2012-06-22 Reply
How do you get there?
There are many public buses to yuyuan graden. Can you let me know where your hotel located? You can take a taxi as well if you hotel is in downtown area. Sammi Dai Replied on 2012-06-23