Created as a place of sanctuary over 400 years ago, Yu Yuan Gardens still provide a soothing retreat from the bustling streets of the Old Town.
Literally translated as ‘Garden of Peace and Comfort’, Yu Yuan Garden was created as a place of calm and respite for the elderly parents of a sixteenth century government official. With its rivers, gardens and classical Chinese architecture, the garden represents a haven of calm reflection in the hubbub of the Old Town. It is hard to imagine that the busy streets and raucous vendor’s cries of Shanghai’s Bazaar are just a few minutes away on the other side of the protective Dragon wall.
Yu Yuan Garden is also historically significant. The British Army used the Huxinting Teahouse as a temporary base during the First Opium War in 1842. Later, the Small Swords Society operated from the Dianchun Hall during the Taiping Rebellion and untold damage was caused to much of the architecture. It was restored to its former glory during the second half of the twentieth century and is now open to the public once again for a small admission fee.
Set aside a couple of hours to get away from it all and explore the numerous nooks and crannies of this beautiful urban retreat. Paths lead you round a slowly winding spiral past palm trees, pools and elaborate pavilions, ending in the quiet sanctuary of the Inner Garden.
Stop for a glimpse of the famed Exquisite Jade Rock, a spectacular 5-ton chunk of precious stone. A short climb to the top of the Great Rockery will be rewarded with spectacular views of the glittering koi ponds and soothing green canopy of trees ancient and modern.
The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Flowers is surrounded by gorgeous greenery, including a young spring bamboo grove and a flourishing 400-year old Maidenhair tree. Believed to have been planted by the garden’s creator Pan Yunduan, it now stretches to more than 21 metres in height.
The entire garden is dotted with beautiful figurines carved in stone, wood and metal. Much of its beauty is in the tiny details, like the vase-shaped door you spot on a pavilion, which will make you feel like the garden is letting you in on an intimate secret.
The Yu Yuan Garden is 30 minutes on foot from downtown Shanghai and serviced by numerous buses and trains. It is in the centre of a busy shopping district, so expect to be approached by touts and vendors as you approach.
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