Yu Garden

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, and a Patriotism Education Base.

Located in the northeastern part of Shanghai’s Old City, Yu Garden is bordered by Fuyou Road to the north, Anren Street to the east, and the Old City God Temple of Shanghai to the southwest. It is a renowned classical garden of the Jiangnan style, a world-famous historic attraction and tourist destination, and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Originally a private garden built during the Ming Dynasty in the Jiajing and Wanli years, Yu Garden has a history of over 400 years. Its owner, Pan Yunduan, once served as the Sichuan Provincial Administration Commissioner. His father, Pan En, styled Ziren and also known as Lijiang, held the positions of Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate and Minister of Justice. The Pan family was one of the leading clans in Shanghai at the time. In the 32nd year of the Jiajing era (1553), the nine-li-long Shanghai city wall was completed, gradually bringing an end to the threats posed by Japanese pirates along the southeastern coast. After more than two decades of frequent threats to life and property, the people of Shanghai finally found some stability, and the social economy began to recover and prosper. Scholars and officials started building gardens to cultivate their sentiments and enjoy the moonlit nights.

Cuixiu Hall is tucked away on the northern foot of the Grand Rockery, facing a steep cliff and backed by a high wall. Ancient trees and blooming flowers create a serene and elegant environment. Sitting quietly inside the hall and opening the window allows you to take in a close view of the Grand Rockery.

After Pan En retired due to old age, Pan Yunduan built the garden for his father’s peaceful retirement. Starting in the Jiajing jiwei year (1559), he transformed several vegetable plots west of the family residence, Shichuntang, by gathering stones, digging ponds, constructing pavilions, and planting bamboo. After more than 20 years of dedicated work, Yu Garden was completed. The name “Yu” conveys meanings of “peace” and “tranquility,” and naming it “Yu Garden” expressed the desire to “bring joy to his beloved parents.”

Wanhuɑ Tower was originally the site of the Ming Dynasty Flower Goddess Pavilion. Exquisitely carved and beautifully designed, its lower level features four clay sculptures in the shapes of plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum in the corner windows, symbolizing blooming flowers throughout all seasons.

At that time, Yu Garden covered over 70 acres and was designed by Zhang Nanyang, a master garden designer of the Ming Dynasty, who also personally participated in its construction. Ancient scholars praised Yu Garden as “the most exquisite and beautiful in the southeast” and the “crown of famous gardens in the southeast.”

In his later years, Pan Yunduan experienced a decline in family fortune. In 1601 (the 29th year of the Wanli era), Pan Yunduan passed away, and the Pan family gradually declined, unable to afford the substantial expenses required for garden maintenance and management. In the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden came into the possession of Zhang Zhaolin. From then until 1760 (the 25th year of the Qianlong era in the Qing Dynasty), to prevent this scenic landmark from being lost, local wealthy merchants and gentry pooled funds to purchase Yu Garden. They spent over 20 years rebuilding pavilions, adding rockeries, and restoring the garden. Since there was already an East Garden (today’s Inner Garden) to the east of the City God Temple, and Yu Garden was slightly further west, it was renamed West Garden.

In 1842 (the 22nd year of the Daoguang era in the Qing Dynasty), the First Opium War broke out, foreign invaders entered Shanghai, and British troops occupied Yu Garden and caused extensive damage. In the third year of the Xianfeng era (1853), the Small Swords Society in Shanghai responded to the Taiping Rebellion and launched an uprising in the city. After the uprising failed, Qing soldiers burned, killed, and looted the city, and Yu Garden suffered severe damage. Buildings such as Dianchun Hall, Xiangxue Hall, Guihua Hall, and Deyue Tower were all burned to the ground.

In 1860 (the 10th year of the Xianfeng era), the Taiping Army advanced toward Shanghai. The Qing government, in collusion with British and French invading forces, used the City God Temple and Yu Garden as quarters for foreign troops. Stones were dug up and ponds filled in to build Western-style barracks, completely altering the original appearance of the garden.

After the early years of the Guangxu era in the Qing Dynasty (1875), the entire garden was divided among over 20 commercial industries in Shanghai, including soybean, rice, and cotton trading, which converted sections into guildhalls. By the eve of liberation, Yu Garden’s pavilions were dilapidated, rockeries collapsed, ponds dried up, trees withered, and the original garden scenery gradually disappeared.

Starting in 1956, large-scale renovations were carried out on Yu Garden. The project took five years and the garden reopened to the public in September 1961.

In 1959, Yu Garden was listed as a Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

In 1961, Yu Garden opened to the public.

In February 1982, Yu Garden was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council.

The Cloud-Piercing Dragon Wall is located west of Dianchun Hall. Its dragon head is made of clay sculpture, and its body is covered with roof tiles resembling scales. The dragon head looks majestic, while the body winds elegantly. The entire dragon appears ready to soar through the clouds. There are several other dragon walls in the garden: a reclining dragon behind the Grand Rockery, a pair of dragons playing with a pearl west of Hexuyang Hall, and a sleeping dragon in front of the “Keyiuguan” (A Place to Admire) in the Inner Garden—each with its own unique features.

The name Dianchun Hall comes from the line in Su Shi’s poem, “Emerald dots spring’s beauty.” The entire structure is tall and imposing. Behind the hall is a waterside pavilion called “Feifeiyue,” which was once the northern headquarters of the Small Swords Society of Shanghai (1853–1855). Today, the hall displays relevant cultural relics and historical materials.

The entire theater stage is built against the mountain and near the water, commonly known as the “Singing Stage.” The four stone pillars around the stage feature couplets depicting the scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Southeast of Dianchun Hall is the Baoyun Rockery, surrounded by lake stones and crisscrossed by streams and caves. Viewed from afar, the rocks resemble white clouds in the sky. The hill is topped with a two-story pavilion; the upper floor, named Kuaɪlou (Swift Tower), offers views of the Grand Rockery and the full panorama of Yu Garden, inspiring a sense of openness—thus its name. The lower floor, called Yanshuang Pavilion, is exquisitely decorated with carved beams and painted eaves. South of Kuaɪlou and down the slope are Jingyi Pavilion and Tingli Pavilion, enclosed by floral-patterned walls, forming a small courtyard.

Hexuyang Hall — “Hexu” means warm and gentle sunlight. This hall faces the lake rockery, surrounded by windows on all sides, ensuring ample light and a comfortable climate year-round. The furniture displayed in the hall is crafted from banyan tree roots, featuring delicate craftsmanship and unique designs.

Beside Liushang Pavilion is a three-arched plank bridge built over the water. To the west of the bridge lies the Huanyun Rockery, formed from lake stones and backed by Deyue Tower to the north and adjacent to a clear spring to the west. The winding caves within the rockery lead to the summit, with springs emerging inside. Stream water flows from the cave, showcasing the beauty of nature. The reflections of the rockery in the water blend seamlessly with the colorful clouds. A gentle breeze seems to wash the clouds in the water and tint the rockery with hues of the sky, hence the name “Huanyun” (Washing Clouds).

Huijing Tower is located at the center of Yu Garden, surrounded by water on three sides. Lush trees and pleasant scenery make it a place where beautiful views converge.

Jiushi Pavilion — This elegant and refined pavilion features a moon-viewing terrace that partially spans the pond. Leaning on the railing here, you can sip tea, admire fish, and enjoy wine while listening to the snow.

The “Treasure of Yu Garden,” one of the Three Wonders of Jiangnan, is the “Genyue Legacy Stone” from the time of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, with a history of about 1,000 years. This rock embodies the qualities of being “slender, translucent, wrinkled, and porous.” Legend says, “If you place an incense burner under the stone, smoke will emerge from every hole; if you pour water on top, springs will flow from each opening.”

Jiyu Corridor connects Huijing Tower in the north to Hanbi Tower in the south. Named after the “Jiyu Peak” stone nearby, the corridor stretches over 100 meters, making it the longest waterside corridor in classical gardens of the Jiangnan region. Winding and twisting, as you stroll along, you’re greeted by emerald-green ancient trees, red fish swimming in the pond, and pavilions shimmering with light—a scene full of poetic charm.

Tingtao Pavilion is located east of the Jiyu Corridor. This two-story building faces south and is named for its proximity to the Huangpu River, where the sound of waves can be faintly heard. The southern part has a lower open-fronted porch and an upper elegant room. On its roof stands a single-legged crane statue, facing south across the pond toward Hanbi Tower. The northern section of Tingtao Pavilion houses a two-story exhibition hall that regularly hosts small and medium-sized calligraphy, painting, and cultural relic exhibitions—making it another highlight of your Yu Garden visit.

Jingguan, also known as Qingshuе Hall, was once the General Guildhall of the Qing Dynasty’s Money Industry. Spacious, deep, and grand, it is the main building of the Inner Garden. Facing the rockery, it takes its name from the ancient saying, “Observe quietly, and all things in nature reveal their innate harmony”—perfect for sitting calmly in the hall and admiring the forest of uniquely shaped rocks opposite.

Address: No. 218, Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Type: Garden/Historical Building

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 021-63282465

Official Website: http://www.yugarden.com.cn/

Opening Hours:

Garden Entry: 8:30–16:45, garden closes at 17:15.

Ticket Information:

1. Peak Season (April 1 – June 30, September 1 – November 30): 40 RMB per adult.

2. Off-Peak Season (July 1 – August 31, December 1 – March 31): 30 RMB per adult.

3. Each adult with a valid ticket may bring one child under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.3 meters in height (inclusive) for free (not applicable for groups).

4. Seniors aged 60 and above (inclusive), full-time undergraduate college students and below, as well as primary and secondary school students, can enjoy half-price admission upon presenting a valid student ID.

5. Retired cadres (with honor certificate), active-duty military personnel, retired military cadres, and people with disabilities may receive free entry after registering and verifying valid credentials at the ticket office.

Transportation

Yu Garden is located in downtown Huangpu District and is accessible by subway or bus.

1. Take Subway Line 10 and get off at Yu Garden Station.

2. Take bus lines 11, 26, 64, 71, 145, 581, 715, 730, 736, 801, 926, 929, 932, 969, 980, Fangchuan Line, etc., and get off at Yu Garden Station.

Pan Yunduan (1526–1601), styled Chong’an, was a native of Shanghai. His father, Pan En, styled Ziren and also known as Lijiang, served as Left Censor-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Surveillance Commission and Minister of Justice. Pan Yunduan passed the imperial examination in 1562 during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing reign and held positions such as Principal Clerk of the Ministry of Justice and Right Regional Commissioner of Sichuan. He resigned from office and returned to his hometown in 1577. He was skilled in poetry and prose, knowledgeable in gardening, fond of opera, and an avid collector of antiques. His surviving work, "Records of Life at Yuhua Hall" written after the age of 61, documents the purchase of ancient books and artifacts, including prices. For example, “On December 13, 1587 (1587年1月……)” More details about Pan Yunduan++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level