Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is located in Anren Jie, Shanghai.  It's a famous Jiangnan(which means the south of the Yangtze River) classical garden. A government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan finished it in 1577. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.

Yuyuan Garden had been through many changes during its existence of 400 years. As the decline of Pan’s family during the late Ming Dynasty, it became very dilapidated. In 1760, some rich merchants bought it and spent more than 20 years reconstructing the buildings. During the Opium War of the 19th century, it was severely damaged. After five years of the restoration project which began in 1956, the garden was finally open to the public in September 1961.

Yuyuan Garden occupies an area of 20,000 square meters (about five acres). However, the small size is not representative of the attractions of the garden. You can find unique characteristics easily in many places such as pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. There are six main scenic areas here: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. There are several scenic spots in each area within its borders.

You will encounter a rockery which is called the Great Rockery upon entering the garden. With a height of 14 meters (about 50 feet), it is the largest as well as the oldest rockery in the southern region of the Yangtze River. You will see the whole view of the garden on the top of the Great Rockery. And at the foot of the rockery, Cuixiu hall lies there. It is a quiet and elegant place surrounded by old trees and beautiful flowers. Visitors will find curio shops in Cuixiu Hall.