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Yu Garden

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Yu Garden (China)

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Yu Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Happiness,' is a premier example of classical Chinese garden design located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. It was commissioned in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a peaceful retreat for his elderly parents. Spanning about two hectares, the garden seamlessly integrates all traditional elements: intricate rockeries, serene koi ponds, ornate pavilions, and shaded winding corridors. A centerpiece of the garden is the 'Exquisite Jade Rock,' a five-meter-tall porous boulder celebrated as one of China's finest scholar's rocks. The space is divided into six distinct scenic areas by 'dragon walls', undulating structures topped with sculpted dragon heads. Directly outside the garden entrance lies the famous Nine-Turn Bridge (Jiu Qu Bridge), designed with sharp angles to thwart evil spirits on the way to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse. Despite several periods of neglect and restoration, the garden was opened to the public in 1961 and remains a tranquil oasis amidst the city's towering skyscrapers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C461015212529292519147
Rain mm67788895105195148173137777153

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City, the garden is a short walk from the Yuyuan Garden Station on Metro Line 10, making it very accessible.
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Best season
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit, as the moderate temperatures make exploring the outdoor pavilions and classical courtyards much more comfortable.
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Terrain & paths
The garden features narrow, winding stone paths, small arched bridges, and occasional steps, which can become quite slippery during rainy weather or humid conditions.
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What to bring
Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the uneven stone surfaces; a camera is highly recommended to capture the intricate Ming Dynasty architecture.
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Parking
Finding a parking spot in the dense Old City area is extremely difficult and expensive; most visitors find it much easier to arrive by subway or public taxi.
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Safety
Please watch your step on the narrow bridges and uneven surfaces; also, be mindful of your personal belongings in the busy bazaar area just outside the garden entrance.
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Time needed
You should expect to spend about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to fully appreciate the complex layout, historical structures, and serene ponds of this traditional Chinese garden.

Geography

Coordinates
31.22700, 121.49130

Facts

  • Construction of the garden began in 1559 and was completed in 1577.
  • The entire garden complex covers an area of approximately two hectares.
  • The Exquisite Jade Rock weighs about five tons and stands 3.3 meters tall.
  • The garden's dividing walls feature five large, intricately carved dragon heads.
  • The Nine-Turn Bridge features exactly nine sharp turns to ward off spirits.
  • Yu Garden was officially opened as a public park in 1961.

Explore nearby

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Baosteel Shanghai PlantBaosteel Shanghai Plant10 km · WExplore →
Shanghai Disneyland ParkShanghai Disneyland Park19 km · NExplore →
HaiwanHaiwan23 km · EExplore →
Yangtze RiverYangtze River33 km · NExplore →
XitangXitang69 km · SExplore →
ZhouzhuangZhouzhuang73 km · SExplore →
Yangshan Deep-Water PortYangshan Deep-Water Port74 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Yu Garden (14)

Centre d'Art Rodin🏛 museum

Named after Auguste Rodin, this gallery in Shanghai showcases the sculptor's works as well as modern cultural and art exhibitions.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum🏛 museum

This large science museum in Shanghai's Pudong district was opened on December 18, 2001, and features a prominent spherical architectural element.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:15💶

Power Station of Art🏛 museum

This contemporary art museum in Shanghai is housed in a former power station featuring a towering factory chimney on the banks of the Huangpu River.

🕒 Tu-Su 11:00-19:00

Saint Francis Xavier Church;The Dongjiadu Cathedral⛪ religious

Built in 1853, this level 4 heritage Catholic cathedral in Shanghai's Dongjiadu area is one of the city's oldest churches.

Xiao Tao Yuan Mosque⛪ religious

This level 4 heritage historical mosque in Shanghai was built in 1917 featuring traditional domes and minarets.

Mercedes-Benz Arena🎭 culture

This modern event arena in Shanghai features a flying saucer-like design on the banks of the Huangpu River.

Xujiahui Saint Ignatius Catholic Cathedral⛪ religious

This level 2 heritage Neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral in Xujiahui was consecrated in 1910 with its prominent twin spires in Shanghai.

🕒 Mo-Fr 06:15-07:00; Sa 16:30-18:00; Su 06:00-18:00

Fosun Foundation🎭 culture

This arts centre on the Bund in Shanghai is characterized by its moving bronze-colored facade that resembles a bamboo curtain.

Nanpu Bridge📍 landmark

Opened on December 1, 1991, this cable-stayed bridge over the Huangpu River in Shanghai is famous for its distinctive spiral approach ramp.

Shanghai Confucian Temple📍 landmark

Dedicated to Confucius, this temple complex in the old city of Shanghai features traditional stone bridges and a three-story scholar's pavilion.

Tianzifang📍 landmark

This tourist arts and crafts enclave in Shanghai sprawls through a labyrinth of traditional red-brick Shikumen alleyways.

Shanghai Botanical Garden🌳 park

Established in 1974, this expansive botanical garden showcases a vast collection of regional and exotic plants.

Century Park🌳 park

Opened in 2000, this large urban park features sprawling lawns, lakes, and landscaped walking trails.

🕒 07:00-18:00

Penglai Park🌳 park

This urban park features traditional Chinese landscaping with tranquil ponds and shaded pathways.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Yu Garden located?
In the heart of Shanghai's Old City, near the City God Temple.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, the entrance fee is between 30 and 40 RMB depending on the season.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are convenient to avoid the weekend crowds.
What is nearby?
The adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar features plenty of souvenirs and local food.
Are there famous stones there?
Yes, the 'Exquisite Jade Rock' is one of the garden's main attractions.
Yu Garden: where is it located?
Yu Garden is located in China.
Yu Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Centre d'Art Rodin, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Power Station of Art.
Yu Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Yu Garden: why is it worth visiting?
Yu Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Happiness,' is a premier example of classical Chinese garden design located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Haiwan — Yu Garden (China)
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Ningbo — Yu Garden (China)
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History & landmarks

The Bund — Yu Garden (China)
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A waterfront area in central Shanghai, famous for its historic buildings along the Huangpu River.
Oriental Pearl Tower — Yu Garden (China)
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Xitang — Yu Garden (China)
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Zhouzhuang — Yu Garden (China)
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Often called the 'Venice of the East,' this is China's oldest and most famous water town, with over a thousand years of history.

Nature

Yangtze River — Yu Garden (China)
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The longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, playing a crucial role in the history, culture, and economy of China.
Hangzhou Bay — Yu Garden (China)
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More places

The Bund, Shanghai — Yu Garden (China)
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A historic waterfront area in central Shanghai.
Baosteel Shanghai Plant — Yu Garden (China)
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Shanghai Disneyland Park — Yu Garden (China)
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Yangshan Deep-Water Port — Yu Garden (China)
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The world's largest automated container terminal, part of the Port of Shanghai, built on islands offshore.
Sinopec Zhenhai Refinery — Yu Garden (China)
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