Yu Garden

Yu Garden — a Ming Dynasty oasis in the heart of old Shanghai

Qianyi L.
By Qianyi L.·Updated May 2026·10 min read
Yu Garden pavilions and rock formations, Shanghai, China
Time needed
2-3 hours
Rating
AA

Overview

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is a classical Chinese garden built between 1559 and 1577 during the Ming Dynasty. Hidden within the labyrinthine lanes of Shanghai's Old City, the 2-hectare garden is a masterpiece of traditional garden design — ornate pavilions, dragon-topped walls, rock mountains, ponds, and winding covered galleries that create a complex sequence of intimate spaces. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is a lively commercial district of traditional architecture, teahouses, and street food.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings for fewest crowds.

Getting there

Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden station. The bazaar and garden are in the Old City district of Huangpu.

Nearby

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