Oasis in the City - Yuyuan Gardens Shanghai

The famous classical Chinese garden, Yu or Yuyuan Gardens, provides an oasis in the middle of old Shanghai and worth a visit. Its relatively small scale (5 acres) means a visitor can leisurely take in the property in a couple of hours.

I visited early Sunday morning - with my flight back to the USA scheduled to depart around 3pm, I arrived just as the visitor gates opened. This allowed me to spend a few hours exploring the grounds. In the early hours, the gardens are less crowded which I prefer. The grounds provide a calm respite from the bustling streets and the outdoor shopping mall (Yuyuan Tourist Mart) that surrounds this tourist attraction. Yes, the gardens rate highly on the list of top things to do in Shanghai, second only to a visit to The Bund, so it will be crowded.

Some of the photos I took while taking in the various rooms, structures and areas.


I didn't find much in terms of actively blooming plants - the blue hydrangea being the exception.


Where one can enjoy the serenity of the garden while being sheltered from the bright sun.


The Dragon Protects the garden entrance


The long bridge to the pavilion


The turtle sunbathing by the koi pond

This last photo shows the same bridge to the pavilion, but from a different perspective where you can see more visitors in the garden. As the day progresses, the crowds grow.


I have seen night photos of the illuminated pavilions and that would be a nice time to visit too.