Yuyuan Garden: A Classical Gem in Shanghai

Shanghai Travellao huang2025-2-771

Introduction

Located in the northeastern part of Shanghai’s Yuyuan Tourist and Commercial Area, Yuyuan Garden is a renowned Jiangnan-style classical garden, adjacent to Shanghai Chenghuang Temple and Yuyuan Bazaar. It is an iconic historical and cultural site, recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council in 1982.

Yuyuan Garden was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (Jiajing and Wanli periods), with a history of over 450 years. The garden was commissioned by Pan Yunduan, a former governor of Sichuan, as a retreat for his father to enjoy his later years. Starting in 1559, Pan meticulously designed and constructed the garden over two decades, transforming his family’s vegetable fields into an exquisite retreat featuring rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and bamboo groves.

The name “Yu” (豫) means peace and prosperity, symbolizing filial piety and well-being. Originally spanning over 70 acres, the garden was designed by the famous Ming Dynasty landscape architect Zhang Nanyang, who personally oversaw its construction. The graceful and elegant scenery, with its intricate layout, exemplifies the artistic style of Ming and Qing Dynasty Jiangnan gardens.

Today, Yuyuan Garden covers two hectares (20,000 square meters), featuring majestic pavilions, rugged rock formations, lush greenery, and a serene ambiance. It showcases a harmonious blend of architectural artistry and natural beauty, embodying the concept of “grandeur within small spaces.”

Notable historic sites within the garden include Cangshu Lou (Cangshu Pavilion), the birthplace of Shanghai-style calligraphy and painting, and Dianchun Hall, which once served as the command center of the Small Swords Society Uprising. Over the centuries, Yuyuan Garden has earned praises such as “the most exquisite garden in Southeast China” and “the finest Jiangnan garden”.

Having hosted numerous world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities, Yuyuan Garden remains one of Shanghai’s most cherished cultural landmarks.

Operating Hours

Jan 1 – Jan 27: Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Jan 28: Closed
Jan 29 – Jan 31: 09:00 – 15:30
Feb 1 – Feb 2: Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Monday)
Feb 3: 09:00 – 16:30
Feb 4 – Dec 31: Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Mondays)

Ticket Discounts

Students:
- Minors aged 6 – 18 (with valid ID/passport).
- Full-time undergraduate students and below (excluding adult education and graduate students, with valid student ID).
- Half-price tickets available.
Seniors (60+): Half-price tickets with valid ID.
Children:
- Free entry for children 1.3m (inclusive) and below or 6 years old (inclusive) and below (must be accompanied by an adult; one adult may bring up to three children; not applicable for group tours).
Persons with Disabilities: Free admission with valid ID.
Military Personnel:
- Active-duty soldiers, disabled veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and families of military personnel who died in service or due to illness.
- Free admission with valid ID.
Firefighters & Police Officers:
- Includes active-duty firefighters, firefighting academy students, and on-duty police officers.
- Free admission with valid ID.