Yu Garden

Yu Garden
Yu Garden
Yu Yuan Garden
Yu Garden
Yu Yuan Garden showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes


Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

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 favourite 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
3.5 out of 5
No. 839 Renmin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
5 out of 5
88 Henan Central Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
4.5 out of 5
159 South He Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
5 out of 5
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
5 out of 5
No. 2, Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Huang Pu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
5 out of 5
Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Ave, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.