Shanghai Yuyuan Garden | Exploring the Beauty of Classical Gardens in the South of the Yangtze River

Yuyuan Garden was established during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty in 1559, and it is the only well-preserved classical Suzhou-style garden in downtown Shanghai. It was once the private garden of Pan Yunduan, the governor of Sichuan. It took more than twenty years to complete, and it was named 'Yuyuan' because 'Yu' implies 'peace' and 'security'. Whether it's for enjoying flowers and scenery, or for sipping tea and admiring the moon, this is a great spot for checking in. In this old garden, the weight of history is sedimented, and the essence of the culture of the South of the Yangtze River is inherited. Let's walk together under the blue sky and clear water of Shanghai Yuyuan Garden, and feel the charm of the classical garden! 📸 Photo check-in spots ❶ Jiyu Water Corridor: Named after a stone called 'Jiyu Peak' next to the corridor. The corridor is a hundred meters long, the longest water corridor in classical gardens of the South of the Yangtze River, winding and turning, with ancient trees lush and dripping, red fish swimming in the pond, pavilions shining with flowing light, full of poetic and picturesque charm. ❷ Nine Lions Pavilion: This pavilion is elegant and beautiful, with a platform in front, half-spanning over the pond. Leaning on the railing, one can enjoy tea and watch fish, or boil wine and listen to the snow. ❸ Cloud-Piercing Dragon Wall: Located to the west of Dianchun Hall, the dragon's head is made of clay, and its body is made of tiles as scales. The dragon's head is majestic, and its body meanders. The whole dragon seems to be ready to soar into the clouds. In the garden, there are also several other dragon walls: a reclining dragon behind the Great Rockery, twin dragons playing with pearls to the west of Hexu Hall, and a sleeping dragon in front of the 'Ke Yi Guan' in the inner garden, each with its own characteristics. ❹ Kuai Tower: To the southeast of Dianchun Hall, there is a rockery called Baoyun Rock, surrounded by water and stones, with deep caves and ravines. Looking at the mountain rocks from afar, they resemble white clouds in the sky. On the mountain, there is a double-layered pavilion; the upper layer is called Kuai Tower, from which one can overlook the Great Rockery and the entire Yuyuan Garden, feeling broad-minded and cheerful, hence the name; the lower layer is called Yanshuang Pavilion, with exquisite carvings and paintings. ❺ Tingtao Pavilion: Tingtao Pavilion is located to the east of Jiyu Water Corridor, facing north to south, and is a two-story building. 'Tingtao' means that it is close to the Huangpu River, and the sound of the waves seems to be audible. The southern part is a surrounding building, and the upper part is an elegant room. ❻ Dianchun Hall: The name of the hall comes from Su Shi's verse 'Cui Dian Chun Yan', which is lofty and bold. Behind the hall, there is a water pavilion by the pond, called 'Fei Fei Yue Yue'. ❼ 400-year-old Ginkgo Tree: The ginkgo tree is 21 meters tall, and it is said to have been planted by the owner of the garden when it was built. ❽ In addition: Fengwu Luan Yin, Yule Xie, Fu Lang, Liang Yi Xuan, Liu Shang Ting, San Qu Ban Qiao, Yu Linglong, 'Gradually Entering a Beautiful Realm' Touring Corridor, and so on, are also very beautiful. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (Entry stops at 16:00, and the venue is cleared at 16:30) Closed on Mondays (except for national statutory holidays) 🎫 Ticket: Peak season 40 yuan/person, off-season 30 yuan/person 📍 Address: ① North Gate: 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District (individual visitors, groups) ② South Gate: No. 279 Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu District (individual visitors only) 🚇 Transportation: Shanghai Metro Lines 10/14 Station Exit 1, walk 700 meters 🚌 Bus routes 980, 930, 736, 24, 11, etc.; City Sightseeing Tour Bus Line 1 🍝 Food: There are many snacks in Yuyuan Mall, such as Xian De Lai, Dahuchun, Shen Dacheng, Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop, Lübo Lang, and so on.