Looking for a moment of peace from the busy Shanghai city? We were, too. And then we landed in the Yu Garden—finding just that moment of tranquility. The Yuyuan Garden is believed to have been built over 400 years ago, some time during the Ming Dynasty. Its beautiful scenery (and exquisite layout) have made it a highlight in Shanghai. If you’re planning to visit, keep reading!
Yu Garden—Address and Transportation
Shanghai Yu Garden is located at 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, in Shanghai, China. It’s super close to the Old City God Temple, so that’s a bonus! Plus, the iconic Bund is nearby.
To get there…
- Hop on the Metro Line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Station. (If you take Exit 1, you’ll just be a leisurely 10-minute walk away)
- If you want to use the bus instead, take routes 11, 26, 64, 66, or 306. All of these stop near the garden.
- You always have the option to take a taxi, which is approximately a 20-minute ride away from Central Shanghai.
Key Details
Opening Hours
Yu Garden is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday. However, they don’t allow admissions 30 minutes before the closing time—so you want to be in there before 4:00 pm.
How to Buy Tickets
If you’re visiting during peak season, we always recommend booking online (through an online platform, such as GetYourGuide) ahead of time. You can also buy tickets at the entrance.
Ticket Costs
These vary according to the time of the year. If you’re visiting during peak season (which would be April—June and September—November), admission will be 40 RMB. For other (off-peak) months, you can find tickets for 30 RMB.
The good part? It’s free for children under 1.3 meters of height and 7 years of age. And senior citizens over 60 have to pay half the price. Students may also get discounts. Let’s just say, be sure to bring your ID along 😉
Yu Garden—What to See?
The Grand Rockery
You will find this great rockery as you enter Shanghai Yu Garden. It goes up to 14 meters (almost 50 feet) high and is made from weathered rocks brought from Taihu Lake. Climb to the top for a beautiful garden view.
Cuixiu Hall
This sits at the foot of the Great Rockery. You can expect a peaceful retreat here; think ancient trees and blooms. The curio shops are great for picking up a souvenir.
Sansui Hall
The most commodious structure in the garden! This building was once used for entertaining. Today, you can see it as a stunning structure going 9 meters (almost 30 feet) high, with five halls. You don’t want to miss the carved beams and elegant lattice windows!
Yuhua Hall
This is a rather small hall—but beautifully decorated. It easily makes for just the perfect spot to glimpse into the garden’s architectural elegance. We’re talking antique furniture and Cloisonne artwork.
Other attractions in Yu Garden include the Inner Garden (a smaller and less crowded part of the garden with rockeries and ponds) and the Jade Rock (an unusual rock with over 70 holes).
Also, the Yuyuan Bazaar is right next to Yu Garden, in case you’re craving a snack—or two 😉
Travel Tips
- If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. (And, of course, not during weekends or holidays).
- Plan a stay for around 45 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- You’re going to be walking over plenty of uneven stone paths, so make sure you come in comfy shoes with a good grip.
- At the entrance, you’ll find a photo of the map. Capture a picture of this so you can easily navigate the garden’s layout.
