Yu Garden

Introduction 

A completely restored classical Chinese Garden located on number 137, Anren Street in Huangpu District near the Old City God Temple, Yu garden occupies an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and is ranked as one of the must-see destinations in Shanghai. It was inaugurated 400 years during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and was owned by Pan Yunduan, a government official. Pan built this garden for his parents as a place for relaxing in their old age and gave it the name Yu which is a Chinese name that means satisfying and pleasing. Pan hired expert horticulturists to design the layout of the garden making it the most famous and the biggest garden of his time. However, the garden really cost him a fortune to the extent of making him bankrupt.

It has more than 40 scenic spots and are divided into six sections by five walls. The six scenic spots include the Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, the Lotus Pool, Grand Rockery, the Hall of Jade Magnificence, the Hall of Heralding Spring and the Inner Garden. The garden was later inherited by Zhang Zhaolin, who was Pan’s granddaughter's husband and was then passed down to different owners. 

Between 1760 and 1780, the garden was face-lifted by a group of merchants and the West Garden was eventually opened to the public. The gardens went through damage for a couple of times during the 19th century. However in 1842, the garden succumbed damage due to the First Opium War when the British army used the Huxinting Teahouse, during the Taiping Rebellion, the Small Swords Society used Dianchun Hall as its headquarters. Between 1956 and 1961, the garden was repaired by the Shanghai government and was later opened to the public in 1961. 

Things to do and see on a layover 

Exquisite Jade Rock and Carvings

This exquisite jade rock is the true treasure of Yu Garden and is amongst three other famous rocks in south China. The jade rock measures 3.3 meters in height and weighs 5 tonnes. It is shaped beautifully and has spikes and is porous with 72 holes. It is a very unique rock and has interesting characteristics that fascinate tourists. For instance, when water is poured from the top of the rock it will flow out from every single hole creating the most flattering view and also when a joss stick is burnt from below the rock, smoke magically flows out through all the holes. 

In addition to the big rocks, there are also small brick carvings and clay sculptures that are very interesting to look at.

Yuhua Hall

Yuhua Hall is located in front of the exquisite Jade Rock to appreciate the existence of the magical rock. The furniture inside the hall was made during the Ming Dynasty using top-grade rosewood and displays the most natural and graceful looks. 

Flower Show

Every year there are flower shows such as the orchid show is held in April, plum flower show held in January and chrysanthemum show held in September. The shows are organized by private individuals. 

Great Rockery

In the garden, there is a great rock that is known as the Great Rockery built with thousands of tons of rocks standing at 14 meters high and is the oldest and largest rock in the southern region of the Yangtze River. From the top of the rock, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the garden.

Lantern Show

This Lantern Show is held every New Year from first January to eighteenth of every lunar calendar. 

Sansui Hall

Sansui Hall was named from the book of the history of Han Dynasty which means propitious and lucky. It was constructed at a height of 9 meters with five rooms this hall is the most accommodating area in the garden that was used initially used as an entertainment area for events and ceremonies. 

Cuixiu Hall

Located at the foot of the Great Rockery near Cuixiu Hall, this elegant and quiet hall is surrounded by the most magical flowers and old trees. Visitors can also walk through curio shops in the hall.

Wanhua Chamber

This delicate building is enclosed by spring bamboo surrounded by cloisters. Right in front of the chamber are two old trees. One of which is believed to have been planted by Pan and has over the years grown to 21 meters high.

Nine Bend Bridge

This Nine Bend Bridge is zigzag in shape and is also part of the Yu Garden. When night falls, the area around the bridge glows under colorful lights creating a very attractive scene. During the Chinese New Year, lantern exhibitions are held here and they attract great crowds. Locals believe that walking across the bridge brings people good luck in that the number nine symbolizes auspiciousness.

Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition

There are paintings and calligraphy exhibitions sometimes held in the garden where famous artists display their work, inscriptions and couplets. 

Food and Shopping

Outside of the garden, visitors can also taste numerous Shanghai snacks like Nanxiang steamed buns, chop rice cakes and crispy fried cakes that are really juicy and soft. On the bazaar, visitors can shop for souvenirs like jewelry, antiques, decorations, arts, handicrafts, lanterns, silk, crafts and many more products.