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Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)

Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)豫园

Yu Garden is Shanghai's most celebrated classical garden, begun in the Ming Jiajing era by Pan Yunduan, governor of Sichuan, to please his parents. Across roughly 2 hectares its pavilions, rockeries and ponds are arranged with great finesse, earning it the title "crown of Jiangnan gardens" and the status of a masterpiece of the Jiangnan garden art.

Shanghai · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)

Quick Answer

Is Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden) worth visiting?

A classical Ming garden in Shanghai first built in 1559 and counted among Jiangnan's four great gardens, covering about 2 hectares; tickets 30-40 yuan, open 8:30-17:30.

Quick facts

TicketCNY 40 peak season, CNY 30 off season
Hours 8:30-17:30 (off season); 8:30-18:00 (peak season)
Recommended duration1-2 hours
Best time to visitSpring (April-May) and autumn (September-November)
How to get thereMetro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden station, then a 10-minute walk; buses 11, 26, 64 and more
English signageYes
Wheelchair accessiblePartial
AreaAbout 2 hectares
BuiltMing Jiajing era (1559)
StatusOne of Jiangnan's four great gardens
StyleMing-era Jiangnan garden
Signature sightsSansui Hall, Yangshan Hall, rockeries
Around itCity God Temple shopping district

What to expect

Yu Garden sits beside the City God Temple, and together they form a bustling commercial quarter. The surrounding Yuyuan Shopping Mall packs in time-honored brands and new names alike; after the garden, sample Shanghai snacks and pick up souvenirs. Come early in the morning to beat the crowds.

How to get there

Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden station, Exit 3, then about a 10-minute walk along Fuyou Road

Best photo spots

  • The main gate of Yu Garden
  • The rockery and Sansui Hall
  • The garden view from Yangshan Hall
  • Yuyuan Shopping Mall at night

Tips

  • Go in the morning to avoid peak crowds
  • Peak-season footfall is heavy — buy tickets ahead
  • The teahouse inside is a good place to rest your feet
  • Snack stalls surround the garden — save some appetite

Scams to avoid

  • Watch for wildly overpriced snacks nearby
  • Decline offers of an "insider entrance"

Frequently asked questions

How do Yu Garden and the City God Temple relate?

They are adjacent — Yu Garden is the classical garden, the City God Temple is a temple and shopping district. See them together.

How long does a visit take?

About 1-2 hours.

Can I eat inside the garden?

Not inside, but the surrounding streets are packed with snack shops.

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