Overview
Yuyuan Garden, or Yu Garden, is a renowned classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. It was first built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a gift for his father Pan En, a high-ranking official of the Ming court.
Yuyuan Garden is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty gardening, showcasing classic Chinese garden design with pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters.
Location
Address
No. 218 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District
Neighborhood: Old City
Coordinates
31.230416, 121.473701
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, September-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Fewer crowds, better light for photography
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild (10-20°C / 50-68°F)
- • Cherry blossoms
- • Peony flowers
summer
Hot and humid (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
- • Extended opening hours
- • Water features
autumn
Cool and comfortable (15-25°C / 59-77°F)
- • Autumn foliage
- • Clear skies
winter
Cold (5-10°C / 41-50°F)
- • Holiday decorations
- • Fewer tourists
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Bring a map
- Check the weather forecast
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Low to moderate (some walking on uneven surfaces)
- • Stay hydrated
- • Wear sunscreen
- • Watch for slippery surfaces when wet
Medical facilities: First aid stations available
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash (CNY), Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable, Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking or hiking shoes recommended, Revealing clothing, Beachwear
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 week in advance for peak season
- • Official website or authorized ticket vendors
- • 48 hours in advance for a full refund
- • Available online or at the ticket office
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Yuyuan Garden Official App
Size: 45 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar, Augmented reality experiences
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Cafes and restaurants, Main pathways
Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Cafes and restaurants
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Distance: 15 km
Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5-10 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Yuyuan Garden is a symbol of Shanghai's rich history and cultural heritage, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city
Historical Significance: The garden was built during the Ming Dynasty and has undergone several restorations, reflecting the evolution of Chinese garden design over centuries
Insider Tips
- Visit the garden early in the morning for a peaceful experience and the best photography opportunities
- Try the local snacks and street food at the Yuyuan Bazaar, especially the famous Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)
- Explore the nearby Old City streets for traditional architecture, shops, and cafes
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Shanghai snacks at the Yuyuan Bazaar
- • Visit the nearby Chenghuangmiao Temple for a glimpse of traditional Shanghai culture
- • Take a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at one of the garden's tea houses
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese, Korean
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Great Hall (Daxiaochuang Hall)
Best Time: Morning (golden hour)
Tips: Capture the intricate woodcarvings and details of the interior
Result: Stunning architectural shots
Exquisite Pavilion (Wanxiang Chamber)
Best Time: Late afternoon
Tips: Photograph from the garden side to capture the reflection on the water
Result: Beautiful symmetrical shots
Yuyuan Garden Lake
Best Time: Sunset
Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene with the garden and lake
Result: Breathtaking landscape shots
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
The Bund (Wai Tan)
Distance: 1.5 km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Scenic Waterfront
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Distance: 1 km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Shopping and Dining
Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple)
Distance: 0.5 km
Walking: 7 min
Type: Temple and Market
Shanghai Old Street
Distance: 0.3 km
Walking: 5 min
Type: Historic Street and Shopping
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience"
- "Book tickets online in advance to skip the lines"
- "Try the local snacks at the Yuyuan Bazaar"
- "Explore the nearby Old City streets for traditional architecture and shops"
Contact Information
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Quick Info
Available Tours
620
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
150 CNY