Beautiful view of Yu Garden
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Yu Garden

Shanghai, China
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Beautiful view of Yu Garden

Yu Garden, a classic walled haven in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling old city, invites every traveler to slow down and step into centuries of artistry. Each limestone rockery, delicate pavilion, and shaded pond weaves a quiet story. Time seems to move at a different pace behind these ornate gates. Every winding path reveals corners where bamboo and willow frame stone bridges, koi flicker golden below, and ornate dragon walls stretch above handmade tiles. Even among the crowds, the air feels touched by calm, the pace measured by footsteps on ancient flagstones.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
40 CNY
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
China, Shanghai, Huangpu, 四牌楼 邮政编码: 200000
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Good planning makes all the difference when exploring Yu Garden. While this cherished garden sits at the heart of Shanghai’s action, thoughtful visitors enjoy smoother entrances and deeper appreciation for its hidden details. The best days offer cool air, morning sunlight, and manageable crowds—essential for truly seeing the courtyard textures, intricate windows, and shadowy corridors. Yu Garden draws locals as well as visitors year-round, especially during weekends and major holidays when lines lengthen and pathways fill up quickly. Tickets can be purchased on-site or, preferably, reserved in advance during busy seasons.

  • Best time to visit: Midweek mornings in spring or autumn offer mild weather and the best light for photos. Early arrival is essential to dodge crowds, especially on weekends.
  • How to get there: Yu Garden Metro Station (Line 10, exit 1) places travelers a five-minute walk from the main entrance. Taxis and rideshare apps remain convenient, but expect extra traffic during holidays.
  • Accessibility: Most of Yu Garden is family-friendly and fairly flat, but some paths, bridges, and rockeries require extra care for strollers or wheelchairs due to uneven stonework.
  • Average visit duration: Two hours allows time for wandering, photography, and short tea breaks; bargain for three hours if traveling with children or interested in detailed tours.

Must see stuff

From grand halls to hidden grottos, Yu Garden’s highlights capture what makes this place a Shanghai treasure. Lovers of Ming Dynasty architecture, classical landscaping, and lively bazaar life discover it all within the same walls. Each section offers moments of quiet beauty or rich history—sometimes both in one glance. Small signs explain the meaning behind names like the Exquisite Jade Rock or the famous Dragon Wall, turning every corner into a story.

  • Key sights: The Great Rockery (towering rocks with city views), the Hall of Heralding Spring (elaborate woodwork), and the Inner Garden (blossoms and winding lotus ponds).
  • Unique experiences: Take a guided tour for deep background, or try a traditional tea at the Huxinting Teahouse, just outside the main gates.
  • Photo-worthy spots: The zigzag Jiuqu Bridge over koi-filled waters, moon gates framing bamboo groves, and dragon-sculpted walls create iconic image opportunities.
  • Cultural insights: Built in the 16th century, Yu Garden’s careful design once symbolized peace and prosperity for government officials. Today, it stands as a living museum of Shanghai’s old city heritage.

Tips for your visit

Small tricks and neighborly know-how elevate the Yu Garden experience. For all its beauty, expect some crowds and a burst of activity at the gates and in the bazaar outside. Lines move, but patience pays off. The weather shifts quickly—shade under curved rooftops and tree clusters help in summer heat, but sudden rain can turn stone paths slippery.

  • Timing beats crowds: Arrive when gates open or after 4pm; midday sees the heaviest foot traffic, while early evenings feel quieter and more relaxed.
  • What to pack: Comfortable shoes for stone steps, a reusable water bottle, and a camera—or just a phone—cover most needs.
  • Local etiquette: Keep voices low in narrow halls; photographers should avoid blocking paths during busy hours. Eating is not permitted inside the garden, but food stalls fill the bazaar next door.
  • Safety and comfort: Watch footing across bridges and wet stone. Families with young children need to keep an eye on small hands—koi ponds and rockeries are lovely but lack railings in some spots.