Yuyuan Garden and Chenghuang Temple

A Review of Yuyuan Temple - The Aroma of Tea, Wooden Footsteps, and Ancient Chinese Charm in the Heart of Shanghai In the bustling modern city of Shanghai, there exists a corner where time seems to slow down. The faint aroma of tea lingers in the air, and the sound of footsteps on wooden floors resonates clearly. This enchanting place is Yuyuan Garden and Chenghuang Temple, often collectively referred to as Yuyuan Temple. 🌿 Yu Garden (豫园) is an ancient Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Though not expansive, every square meter is packed with intricate artistry. Wooden pavilions with delicate carvings, koi ponds, winding pathways, ornamental rocks, and archways—all are thoughtfully arranged with philosophical intent, making you feel as though you're walking through a Chinese poem. 🏮 Adjacent to the garden is the Chenghuang Temple Market (城隍庙), an old district brimming with local Chinese snack shops, tea houses, souvenir stalls, and traditional wooden toys. Here, you can savor steaming hot Xiao Long Bao with thin wrappers and flavorful broth inside, or sip authentic Chinese tea in a teahouse overlooking red lanterns hanging along the pathways. ⛩️ The surrounding atmosphere is both lively and tranquil at the same time. The faint scent of incense wafts through the air, mingling with the sound of locals speaking in their native dialect. The ancient Chinese architecture stands gracefully amidst the modern cityscape. ✨ If you want to experience what ancient China looked like, Yuyuan is the answer that needs no words.