See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Yu Garden
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Images provided by Google Places
5-acre garden built in 1577 that features Ming dynasty pavilions, ponds, rockeries & arched bridges.via Google
A classical Ming Dynasty garden featuring intricate rockeries, traditional pavilions, and dragon-walled corridors.
- Good to know
- Low-band entry fee. Highly crowded; enter as soon as it opens to experience any tranquility.
Reviews from Google
Yuyuan Garden at night is truly beautiful and very different from its daytime atmosphere. The traditional Chinese architecture stands out even more under warm golden lighting, highlighting the detailed roofs, wooden structures, and intricate carvings. The overall atmosphere feels calm and peaceful, with soft reflections of lights on the water and stone bridges creating a very scenic view. Even with visitors around, the place still maintains a sense of tranquility. Outside the garden, the surrounding bazaar is lively and full of energy, with shops and food stalls that create a nice contrast to the quiet and historical feel inside the garden. It blends traditional culture with the modern city vibe of Shanghai very well. Overall, Yuyuan Garden at night offers a stunning and memorable experience, perfect for anyone who wants to see the cultural and historical side of Shanghai in a more magical setting.
We took a wonderful stroll around downtown Shanghai and went to visit the Yu Garden. It’s 30 RMB per person and is a wonderful walking experience. Such a small area however such a large about of beautiful buildings and sculptures / paintings / carvings to view. It’s a big maze and one could get lost but it’s such a small area one can’t get lost for long.
Yu Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Shanghai and one of the most impressive traditional Chinese gardens I have ever visited. The intricate pavilions, elegant bridges, koi-filled ponds, and carefully designed landscapes create a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy city outside. Every corner of the garden reveals something special, from stunning architecture and ancient rockeries to charming courtyards rich in history and culture. It is the perfect place to slow down, appreciate traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and experience a different side of Shanghai. The surrounding bazaar also adds to the experience, offering local snacks, souvenirs, and a lively cultural atmosphere. Whether you are interested in history, photography, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, Yu Garden is an absolute must-visit.
We had a wonderful trip to Yu Garden. We went on a Sunday, so it was busier than if we’d been able to go on a weekday, but we booked our tickets in advance on trip.com and arrived 15 before opening to get in line. We were grateful we went early and got inside before the larger tour groups arrived. It took about 1 hour to explore the garden, which was lovely. It did get busy quickly, full of others all trying to get the perfect photos. A definite must for any visit to Shanghai. When we finished, we were able to explore the old streets. It was still early and restaurants and shops were just starting to open, so we found our timing to be perfect.
Beautiful gardens and houses. The stories of the Chinese high society living in these gardens are fascinating. However, it was packed with tourists that you could barely move or enjoy it.