Yuyuan Garden
You’d think you’ve traveled back to ancient China
Yuyuan is this awesome classic garden in Huangpu District, Shanghai. It started way back in the Ming Dynasty, like over 450 years ago! The guy who built it, Pan Yunduan, worked on it for more than 20 years just so his dad could have a nice retirement. It’s not just a pretty garden; it’s full of culture, with tons of cool stuff like brick carvings, stone sculptures, clay figures, and wooden art all around.
These days, Yuyuan has three main parts: Yuyuan Shopping Street for shopping, the garden itself, and the City God Temple, where folks go to pray and burn incense. It’s definitely the most famous garden in Shanghai and a must-visit for anyone traveling there. Events like the Yuyuan Lantern Festival and the Spring Festival Temple Fair bring in tons of people who want to enjoy the festive atmosphere and soak up some traditional culture.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Yuyuan Shopping Street (Chinese name: 豫园购物街)
Yuyuan Shopping Street is a lively spot with lots of unique shops. Every year, they have amazing lantern festivals and all kinds of fun activities that attract crowds. The night scene is stunning, with girls in Hanfu outfits everywhere. Once it gets dark, all the buildings light up, and it really feels like you’ve stepped back into the Tang Dynasty. Plus, there are plenty of little craft shops where you can stroll around and grab some cool souvenirs for family and friends.
The night scene in Yuyuan is truly enchanting. The lights illuminate the ancient pavilions and buildings, adding a warm, dreamy atmosphere to the garden. The traditional upturned eaves look especially delicate in the glow of the lanterns, with the ancient architecture beautifully contrasting with the night.
As I stroll along the winding paths, the colorful lights reflect in the water, creating shimmering waves that make it feel like I'm in a captivating night scene. Yuyuan at night offers a sense of tranquility and romance—it's the perfect place to appreciate the beauty of classical architecture and experience Shanghai's nightlife.
Yuyuan Garden (豫园园林)
Yuyuan is super popular with tourists because it’s got these gorgeous garden buildings and a ton of culture. The style really shows off that classic Jiangnan vibe, with the buildings fitting right in with the water and rocks. You’ll see cute pavilions, little bridges, and rock formations that create this awesome mix of nature and art. Plus, there are all these ancient trees, Ming and Qing furniture, famous paintings, and amazing clay and brick sculptures that highlight traditional Chinese culture.
When you’re checking out Yuyuan, don’t miss the Grand Rockery, Tianxiang Hall, Inner Garden, Jiuqiao Bridge, and the Lake Pavilion. These spots not only look stunning but also give you a real sense of the beauty of Jiangnan gardens.
The landscape in Yuyuan is really unique. I love the different rock formations, the clear lakes, and all the green plants. The buildings have their own style, too. The redwood doors and windows have these intricate carvings that catch my eye. The eaves stretch out with red lanterns hanging below. Inside, it feels cozy and inviting. I see old ink wash paintings on the walls and beautiful carved tables and chairs. It’s such a charming place!
Chenghuang Temple (Town God's Temple) (城隍庙)
Chenghuang Temple started back in the Ming Dynasty, so it’s been around for hundreds of years. It was built to honor the City God, who’s basically the protector of the city and its people. As Shanghai grew, this place turned into a lively commercial spot.
The architecture is super unique, mixing styles from different groups like Han, Tibetan, Manchu, and Hui. You’ll see a lot of red walls and yellow roofs, which give it that classic temple feel. And the wood carvings and stone sculptures inside? Absolutely stunning—they’re real art pieces.
When you visit, you’ve gotta try some traditional Shanghai snacks like soup dumplings and pan-fried buns. There are also plenty of craft shops and antique stores where you can score some cool souvenirs. Plus, during festivals and temple fairs, they have all sorts of cultural activities and performances that draw in loads of visitors.
Attraction Surprises
Chinese Traditional Lanterns (彩灯)
Every night, Yuyuan Shopping Street lights up with colorful lanterns. They’re shaped like traditional Chinese dragons, koi fish, flowers, and phoenixes. It’s a great vibe and a must-visit for anyone traveling there!
Shanghai Travel Fridge Magnet Souvenirs (上海冰箱贴纪念品)
Practical Travel Tips
- There are a lot of people in the evening, so plan your trip early to avoid the crowds.
- Note! The garden area of Yuyuan stops allowing entry at 4:00 PM and closes at 4:30 PM.
- Yuyuan has two entrances: the south gate is convenient for parking, while the north gate has more public transport options.
- It takes about 1.5 hours to explore the paid attractions in Yuyuan.
- In Yuyuan Mall, you’ll find Shanghai food spots like Xian De Lai, Da Hu Chun, Shen Da Cheng, and Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop… each one is a delicious treat!
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Yuyuan Garden is closed every Monday. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Yuyuan Shopping Street is open from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and the lights turn on at 5:30 PM.
Admission
- April 1 – June 30, and September 1 – November 30: 40 RMB (≈ $5.50)
- July 1 – August 31, and December 1 – March 31: 30 RMB (≈ $4.10)
How to Get to Yuyuan Garden
By Bus
- Buses 11, 26, 64, 71, 145, 581, 715, 730, 736, 801, 926, 929, 932, 969, and the Fangchuan Line all go directly to Yuyuan Station.
By Subway
- Take Line 10 to Yuyuan Station, and you can exit at Exit 1 to get to Yuyuan directly.
- If you take Line 14 to Yuyuan Station (Exit 7), it’s just a short walk to get there.
How Visitors Rate the Yuyuan Garden
Local tourists from China
The roofs of the buildings have detailed statues of people and birds. I especially love the carved dragon heads; they look super cool! If you’re into traditional Chinese gardens, it’s worth a visit. However, I recently went to the gardens in Suzhou, like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden, and Yuyuan doesn’t quite compare to those. Still, it’s definitely one of the top gardens in Shanghai!
