Yu Garden or Yuyuan Garden (traditional Chinese: 豫園; simplified Chinese: 豫园; pinyin: Yù Yuán, Shanghainese Yuyoe pronounced [ɦy²².ɦɥø⁵⁵], lit. Garden of Happiness) is an extensive Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai at Huangpu District, Shanghai. It abuts the Yuyuan Tourist Mart, the Huxinting Teahouse and the Yu Garden Bazaar.
This garden is accessible from the Shanghai Metro's Line 10 and Line 14 Yuyuan Garden station.
From the photos I had seen, in particular of one of the tea houses on site, I had expected a tranquil experience of classic Chinese landscaping. Though the beauty was there, the crowds were as well and the experience was very different from expected. Definitely worth a visit but be prepared for crowds, even in the off season in bad weather, which is when we went. (We were also there on a Sunday, which would be a contributing factor; try a weekday if you can.) The garden is surrounded (inundated?) by souvenir shops, street food stalls, etc., but that appears par for the course.
ashutosh kalshettiFeb 23, 2018
My wife was more excited to be here than me. But we still had a good time. Lots of nature. Come here in the early morning otherwise its way too crowded and might ruin the experience for you. Still very peaceful in some areas.
Stephan FonsecaJan 22, 2018
I had a long layover at Pudong, and made it over to the garden just fine. I can't lie, it was pretty filthy though. I'm not an expert on Chinese culture, so I may have misunderstood, but the people at the food stalls were extremely rude as well. It was sad to see the homeless people, too. I gave some food to one that was at the garden. On a brighter note, the markets nearby were really neat! The architecture was interesting to see Starbucks and Dairy Queen nestled in the area, too.
Lauren ElkinsJan 31, 2018
I love Yu Garden even the Spring Festival decoration is of horrible taste. However, DON’T have your meal in the food court outside Yu Garden!!! It’s expensive and terrible! For example, there’s no meat in the well-plated crab at all while priced at 40 yuan for each. And the food are cold!
Ivan ZMar 1, 2018
You can easily spend here entire day! Lots to see and to do, my favorite garden in Shanghai, want to come back one day! Lots of food and entertainment for all family
Julia NikolaychukFeb 3, 2018
Stunning, peaceful Gardens. I have been here several times. This time (mid-March) the Plum Blossoms and Magnolias were in full bloom. Lovely. The wisteria will kick in in April...draped over an arbor. My son loved the fish when he was younger. This year I was with a good friend and she loved the old stone mosaics. Look up for the Dragon. It's impressive.
Melanie GalutenMar 23, 2018
Stunning old buildings and maze-like paths connecting different parts of the garden. Absolutely beautiful. There is a lot of natural stone sculptures and waters. Compared to eg some of the classical gardens in Suzhou it has less flowers and green. I REALLY recommend going there early in the morning; after 10 or so it's crowded. The same goes for the neighboring bazaar, avoid it mid day and afternoon!!
Ulrika TegnérApr 6, 2018
This garden is a historical site and is pretty nice if you are looking to see a typical Chinese garden. The place is quite tranquil, and I recommend going when it is not too crowded (avoid high season of tourism) to really feel the peaceful vibe. Also, the streets outside the garden are very cute full of stores and food places.
Maria MounayarMar 15, 2018
It is actually a large garden next to a very large food and stall area. All upmarket. You do really need a guide to explain the garden, as it is very historic. These formal gardens were built for the very wealthy a long time ago.. they are peaceful with water, rocks , trees and are meant to walked in and seen from the many paths and pavillions. We missed the lotus blossoms which come up in the summer but we were there in March and they were having an early spring with blossoms coming out. It is a little crowded in the weekends but probably not much quieter during the week. You need to produce your passport to buy tickets which happens at every attraction in China.
Gerri StrevensApr 14, 2018
Absolutely beautiful. A step back in time into a series of stone walkways, bridges, pagodas and pavilions, with beautiful gardens and unusual plant life. Very well preserved and maintained. Note the quantity and obscene size of the koi in the ponds, all connected by underwater tunnels...
Alexander PaykinApr 3, 2018
Pretty cool area. Little small but was really enjoyable. Little Rock areas to crawl around and almost a bit of a maze. Wasn't that busy. It's not a "holy cow" attraction but definitely enjoyable. Also a really authentic looking souvenir store. Items ranging from ¥20 mini tea sets to ¥60,000 Jade carvings.
Bruno SchwizerMay 8, 2018
One of the historical place in Shanghai, beautiful Chinese ancient heritage that depicts retained beauty, art, culture and glory from the past. Perfect spot for an evening, relaxed walk around, eat some typical Chinese food, do some street shopping. I liked the structure and architecture. Although a lot of it is newly built or renovated but it still feels good to eyes!
T AbbasMay 1, 2018
Interesting Shanghai old garden experience. Lots of interesting souvenir shops too. Be careful with rip off prices. Always counter what they offer you. Enjoy ~ :)
Joseph ShinMay 12, 2018
If you like Chinese culture, this is a place represents a great deal of the Chinese gardening culture. I suggest to to go early and enjoy the walk in the garden when there are not that many people. Renting a audio guide might help you understand better.
Simon ShenJul 24, 2018
Bit difficult to find the exact entrance. Crowded on weekends. 40 yuan entry ticket for adults and 20 yuan for students. Entry closes by 4:30 pm Shanghai time. Has lots and lots of shops nearby for local shopping and eating. Being an Indian I felt safe there.
vinay bangaJun 28, 2018
From the photos I had seen, in particular of one of the tea houses on site, I had expected a tranquil experience of classic Chinese landscaping. Though the beauty was there, the crowds were as well and the experience was very different from expected. Definitely worth a visit but be prepared for crowds, even in the off season in bad weather, which is when we went. (We were also there on a Sunday, which would be a contributing factor; try a weekday if you can.) The garden is surrounded (inundated?) by souvenir shops, street food stalls, etc., but that appears par for the course.
ashutosh kalshettiFeb 23, 2018
My wife was more excited to be here than me. But we still had a good time. Lots of nature. Come here in the early morning otherwise its way too crowded and might ruin the experience for you. Still very peaceful in some areas.
Stephan FonsecaJan 22, 2018
I had a long layover at Pudong, and made it over to the garden just fine. I can't lie, it was pretty filthy though. I'm not an expert on Chinese culture, so I may have misunderstood, but the people at the food stalls were extremely rude as well. It was sad to see the homeless people, too. I gave some food to one that was at the garden. On a brighter note, the markets nearby were really neat! The architecture was interesting to see Starbucks and Dairy Queen nestled in the area, too.
Lauren ElkinsJan 31, 2018
I love Yu Garden even the Spring Festival decoration is of horrible taste. However, DON’T have your meal in the food court outside Yu Garden!!! It’s expensive and terrible! For example, there’s no meat in the well-plated crab at all while priced at 40 yuan for each. And the food are cold!
Ivan ZMar 1, 2018
You can easily spend here entire day! Lots to see and to do, my favorite garden in Shanghai, want to come back one day! Lots of food and entertainment for all family
Julia NikolaychukFeb 3, 2018
Stunning, peaceful Gardens. I have been here several times. This time (mid-March) the Plum Blossoms and Magnolias were in full bloom. Lovely. The wisteria will kick in in April...draped over an arbor. My son loved the fish when he was younger. This year I was with a good friend and she loved the old stone mosaics. Look up for the Dragon. It's impressive.
Melanie GalutenMar 23, 2018
Stunning old buildings and maze-like paths connecting different parts of the garden. Absolutely beautiful. There is a lot of natural stone sculptures and waters. Compared to eg some of the classical gardens in Suzhou it has less flowers and green. I REALLY recommend going there early in the morning; after 10 or so it's crowded. The same goes for the neighboring bazaar, avoid it mid day and afternoon!!
Ulrika TegnérApr 6, 2018
This garden is a historical site and is pretty nice if you are looking to see a typical Chinese garden. The place is quite tranquil, and I recommend going when it is not too crowded (avoid high season of tourism) to really feel the peaceful vibe. Also, the streets outside the garden are very cute full of stores and food places.
Maria MounayarMar 15, 2018
It is actually a large garden next to a very large food and stall area. All upmarket. You do really need a guide to explain the garden, as it is very historic. These formal gardens were built for the very wealthy a long time ago.. they are peaceful with water, rocks , trees and are meant to walked in and seen from the many paths and pavillions. We missed the lotus blossoms which come up in the summer but we were there in March and they were having an early spring with blossoms coming out. It is a little crowded in the weekends but probably not much quieter during the week. You need to produce your passport to buy tickets which happens at every attraction in China.
Gerri StrevensApr 14, 2018
Absolutely beautiful. A step back in time into a series of stone walkways, bridges, pagodas and pavilions, with beautiful gardens and unusual plant life. Very well preserved and maintained. Note the quantity and obscene size of the koi in the ponds, all connected by underwater tunnels...
Alexander PaykinApr 3, 2018
Pretty cool area. Little small but was really enjoyable. Little Rock areas to crawl around and almost a bit of a maze. Wasn't that busy. It's not a "holy cow" attraction but definitely enjoyable. Also a really authentic looking souvenir store. Items ranging from ¥20 mini tea sets to ¥60,000 Jade carvings.
Bruno SchwizerMay 8, 2018
One of the historical place in Shanghai, beautiful Chinese ancient heritage that depicts retained beauty, art, culture and glory from the past. Perfect spot for an evening, relaxed walk around, eat some typical Chinese food, do some street shopping. I liked the structure and architecture. Although a lot of it is newly built or renovated but it still feels good to eyes!
T AbbasMay 1, 2018
Interesting Shanghai old garden experience. Lots of interesting souvenir shops too. Be careful with rip off prices. Always counter what they offer you. Enjoy ~ :)
Joseph ShinMay 12, 2018
If you like Chinese culture, this is a place represents a great deal of the Chinese gardening culture. I suggest to to go early and enjoy the walk in the garden when there are not that many people. Renting a audio guide might help you understand better.
Simon ShenJul 24, 2018
Bit difficult to find the exact entrance. Crowded on weekends. 40 yuan entry ticket for adults and 20 yuan for students. Entry closes by 4:30 pm Shanghai time. Has lots and lots of shops nearby for local shopping and eating. Being an Indian I felt safe there.
vinay bangaJun 28, 2018
From the photos I had seen, in particular of one of the tea houses on site, I had expected a tranquil experience of classic Chinese landscaping. Though the beauty was there, the crowds were as well and the experience was very different from expected. Definitely worth a visit but be prepared for crowds, even in the off season in bad weather, which is when we went. (We were also there on a Sunday, which would be a contributing factor; try a weekday if you can.) The garden is surrounded (inundated?) by souvenir shops, street food stalls, etc., but that appears par for the course.
ashutosh kalshettiFeb 23, 2018
My wife was more excited to be here than me. But we still had a good time. Lots of nature. Come here in the early morning otherwise its way too crowded and might ruin the experience for you. Still very peaceful in some areas.
Stephan FonsecaJan 22, 2018
I had a long layover at Pudong, and made it over to the garden just fine. I can't lie, it was pretty filthy though. I'm not an expert on Chinese culture, so I may have misunderstood, but the people at the food stalls were extremely rude as well. It was sad to see the homeless people, too. I gave some food to one that was at the garden. On a brighter note, the markets nearby were really neat! The architecture was interesting to see Starbucks and Dairy Queen nestled in the area, too.
Lauren ElkinsJan 31, 2018
I love Yu Garden even the Spring Festival decoration is of horrible taste. However, DON’T have your meal in the food court outside Yu Garden!!! It’s expensive and terrible! For example, there’s no meat in the well-plated crab at all while priced at 40 yuan for each. And the food are cold!
Ivan ZMar 1, 2018
You can easily spend here entire day! Lots to see and to do, my favorite garden in Shanghai, want to come back one day! Lots of food and entertainment for all family
Julia NikolaychukFeb 3, 2018
Stunning, peaceful Gardens. I have been here several times. This time (mid-March) the Plum Blossoms and Magnolias were in full bloom. Lovely. The wisteria will kick in in April...draped over an arbor. My son loved the fish when he was younger. This year I was with a good friend and she loved the old stone mosaics. Look up for the Dragon. It's impressive.
Melanie GalutenMar 23, 2018
Stunning old buildings and maze-like paths connecting different parts of the garden. Absolutely beautiful. There is a lot of natural stone sculptures and waters. Compared to eg some of the classical gardens in Suzhou it has less flowers and green. I REALLY recommend going there early in the morning; after 10 or so it's crowded. The same goes for the neighboring bazaar, avoid it mid day and afternoon!!
Ulrika TegnérApr 6, 2018
This garden is a historical site and is pretty nice if you are looking to see a typical Chinese garden. The place is quite tranquil, and I recommend going when it is not too crowded (avoid high season of tourism) to really feel the peaceful vibe. Also, the streets outside the garden are very cute full of stores and food places.
Maria MounayarMar 15, 2018
It is actually a large garden next to a very large food and stall area. All upmarket. You do really need a guide to explain the garden, as it is very historic. These formal gardens were built for the very wealthy a long time ago.. they are peaceful with water, rocks , trees and are meant to walked in and seen from the many paths and pavillions. We missed the lotus blossoms which come up in the summer but we were there in March and they were having an early spring with blossoms coming out. It is a little crowded in the weekends but probably not much quieter during the week. You need to produce your passport to buy tickets which happens at every attraction in China.
Gerri StrevensApr 14, 2018
Absolutely beautiful. A step back in time into a series of stone walkways, bridges, pagodas and pavilions, with beautiful gardens and unusual plant life. Very well preserved and maintained. Note the quantity and obscene size of the koi in the ponds, all connected by underwater tunnels...
Alexander PaykinApr 3, 2018
Pretty cool area. Little small but was really enjoyable. Little Rock areas to crawl around and almost a bit of a maze. Wasn't that busy. It's not a "holy cow" attraction but definitely enjoyable. Also a really authentic looking souvenir store. Items ranging from ¥20 mini tea sets to ¥60,000 Jade carvings.
Bruno SchwizerMay 8, 2018
One of the historical place in Shanghai, beautiful Chinese ancient heritage that depicts retained beauty, art, culture and glory from the past. Perfect spot for an evening, relaxed walk around, eat some typical Chinese food, do some street shopping. I liked the structure and architecture. Although a lot of it is newly built or renovated but it still feels good to eyes!
T AbbasMay 1, 2018
Interesting Shanghai old garden experience. Lots of interesting souvenir shops too. Be careful with rip off prices. Always counter what they offer you. Enjoy ~ :)
Joseph ShinMay 12, 2018
If you like Chinese culture, this is a place represents a great deal of the Chinese gardening culture. I suggest to to go early and enjoy the walk in the garden when there are not that many people. Renting a audio guide might help you understand better.
Simon ShenJul 24, 2018
Bit difficult to find the exact entrance. Crowded on weekends. 40 yuan entry ticket for adults and 20 yuan for students. Entry closes by 4:30 pm Shanghai time. Has lots and lots of shops nearby for local shopping and eating. Being an Indian I felt safe there.
vinay bangaJun 28, 2018