Why Visit Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a classical Ming-dynasty garden tucked in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. Built more than 400 years ago as a private garden for the Pan family, it is one of Shanghai's most beloved landmarks — a quiet world of rockeries, koi ponds, zigzag bridges and carved pavilions hidden behind busy streets. It pairs perfectly with the nearby Bund or City God Temple for a day in old Shanghai.
With a private guide, our Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple tour brings the garden's story to life, and the Shanghai Classic Full-Day Tour combines it with the Bund, Shanghai Tower and more.
Yu Garden Facts
- Name: Yu Garden (Yu Yuan, "Garden of Peace and Comfort")
- Area: about 20,000 square metres (5 acres)
- Age: more than 400 years (built in the Ming Dynasty)
- Time to allow: 1–2 hours
Practical Information
Opening Hours
8:30 am – 5:30 pm, March to October; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, November to February. The garden is closed every Monday (except national holidays).
Entrance Fee
40 yuan (April–June & September–November); 30 yuan (July–August & December–March).
Getting There
Take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan station; it's a few blocks south of the Bund, in the centre of the Old City. Taxis are convenient from anywhere in central Shanghai.
What to See
The Six Scenic Areas
The garden is made up of six scenic areas: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden. Each blends decorative halls, pavilions, ponds and rockwork.
The Exquisite Jade Rock
A famous 5-ton porous rock, said to be prized for its odd, beautiful shape — a highlight of the garden's rockery tradition.
The Great Rockery
Built with thousands of tons of stone and rising about 14 metres, it's one of the most impressive artificial mountains in a Chinese classic garden.
The Nine-Turn Bridge & Teahouse
Cross the Jiǔ Qū Bridge — the number nine is considered auspicious — to reach the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, Shanghai's oldest teahouse and a lovely spot for a rest.
Yuyuan Bazaar
Right beside the garden, the bazaar's winding lanes are packed with restaurants, tea houses and souvenir shops. Sample local snacks such as yangchun noodles, soup dumplings and fried buns, or shop for silk, lanterns and handicrafts on Yuyuan Old Street.
Best Time to Visit
Spring is the loveliest time, when the garden is green with fresh leaves and blossoms. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. During Chinese New Year, the garden is decorated with dragon-and-phoenix lanterns for a festive atmosphere.
See It With a Local Guide
English signage inside the garden is limited, and a guide helps you appreciate the design and history behind each element. Join our private Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple tour or pair it with the city highlights on the Classic Full-Day Tour.