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Quick Guide
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
💲 Cost: ¥40 (Apr-Jun & Sep-Nov), ¥30 (other months)
⏱️ Time Needed: 1-2 hours
🎟️ Tickets Required?: Yes - advance booking recommended
🌟 Best Time: Early morning weekdays, evening for photos
🚶♂️ Best Entrance: Main entrance north of Huxin Pavilion
🗺️ Location: Huangpu District, Old City area
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly: Yes, plus NeoBio playground nearby
We visited Yu Garden area on a stormy Shanghai evening, and despite the heavy rain, it was still packed with visitors — which gives you an idea of just how popular this 400-year-old classical garden really is.
Yu Garden is actually incredibly busy, commercial tourist attraction.
Don't come here expecting a leisurely stroll - but do come for the stunning Ming Dynasty architecture and authentic glimpse into traditional Chinese garden design.
Table of Contents
- Essential Information
- Ticket Options & Tours
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get There
- What to See
- Suggested Routes
- Where to Stay Nearby
- Tips for Visiting
- FAQs
Essential Information
Opening Hours
- Daily: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Last Entry: 4:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (except national holidays)
🌟 Pro Tip: The garden is beautifully lit up in the evening, so consider returning to the surrounding area after dark for photos even if you can't enter the garden itself.
Entrance Fees
- Peak Season (Apr-Jun & Sep-Nov): ¥40
- Low Season (Dec-Mar & Jul-Aug): ¥30
- Children: Free (under 130cm or under 6 years)
- Seniors: Half price (over 60)
- Students: Half price (ages 6-18)
Contact & Location
- Address: No. 137 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- Area: 20,000 square meters (5 acres)
- Nearest Metro: Yuyuan Station (Line 10), Exit 1
- What Makes It Special: Only classical Chinese garden in downtown Shanghai
Ticket Options & Tours
Best Way to Buy Tickets
- Online in Advance (Recommended)
- Platforms: Trip.com, Klook
- Benefits: Skip potential queues, guaranteed entry
- Note: Tickets released 14 days in advance
- 🎟️ Skip the queue - book now
- At the Gate
- Pros: No advance planning needed
- Cons: Risk of crowds, especially weekends
- Payment: Cash or mobile payment accepted
Guided Tours
- Small Group Tours: Often combined with nearby City God Temple
- Private Tours: Can be arranged through major tour operators
- 🎫 Book guided tour
Looking for a unique truely Chinese experience? Consider booking a photoshoot in Yu Garden with hanfu dress up!
Combination Options
Many visitors combine Yu Garden with:
- The Bund walk (highly recommended - we did this route!)
- City God Temple
- Shanghai Museum
- Nanjing Road shopping
Personal Experience: We combined our visit with a walk along The Bund, which made for a perfect contrast between modern and traditional Shanghai. The stormy weather actually forced us to take shelter at a cozy eatery opposite Gucheng Park, which turned out to be a highlight!
Best Time to Visit
When to Avoid Crowds
- Quietest Times: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM)
- Busiest Times: Weekends, Chinese holidays, afternoons
- Weather Impact: Even rainy evenings draw crowds - imagine sunny weekends!
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (Mar-May): Perfect weather, flowering plants
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid, but lower entrance fee
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Ideal weather, gorgeous colors
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer crowds, bare trees but peaceful atmosphere
Photography Tips
- Best Light: Early morning or late afternoon
- Evening Magic: The surrounding bazaar lights up beautifully after dark
- Rainy Day Bonus: Wet stone and reflections create dramatic photos
Time Needed
- Quick Visit: 45 minutes (main highlights only)
- Standard Visit: 1-2 hours (recommended)
- Photography Visit: 2-3 hours (if you want detailed shots)
How to Get There
By Metro (Recommended)
- Line 10: Yuyuan Station, Exit 1
- Walk: 3-5 minutes to main entrance
By Bus
- Routes: 64, 736, 805, 920, 911, 930
- Stop: Xinbeimen Station
- Walk: Along Anren Street to garden entrance
From Popular Areas
- From The Bund: 15-minute walk (perfect combination!)
- From Nanjing Road: 20-minute walk or metro
- From Shanghai Station: 45 minutes by metro
💡 Our Route: We walked from The Bund to Yu Garden, which I highly recommend. It's an easy 15-minute stroll through changing neighborhoods that really shows Shanghai's layers.
What to See
Must-See Highlights
1. Great Rockery (大假山)
- Location: Immediate right after entrance
- Significance: Largest and oldest rockery south of Yangtze River
- Height: 14 meters (50 feet)
- Why Visit: Climb to top for bird's eye view of entire garden
- Photo Tip: Best shots from Yangshan Hall platform
2. Exquisite Jade Rock (玉玲珑)
- Location: Central garden area, Jade Magnificence Hall
- Significance: One of three most famous rocks in southern China
- Special Feature: 72 holes that create "smoke fountain" effect
- Weight: 3 tons of rare Taihu stone
- Don't Miss: Traditional rosewood furniture in viewing hall
3. Sansui Hall (三穗堂)
- Height: 9 meters with five connected halls
- Historical Use: Guest entertainment, scholarly ceremonies
- Architecture: Most spacious structure in garden
- Current Use: Cultural exhibitions and art displays
4. Nine Bend Bridge (九曲桥)
- Location: Outside paid area (free to visit!)
- Design: Zigzag pattern to confuse evil spirits
- Best Time: Evening when lights illuminate the water
- Bonus: Famous Nanxiang dumpling restaurant at bridge end
5. Wanhua Chamber (万花楼)
- Surrounded By: Decorative corridors and bamboo groves
- Ancient Tree: 400-year-old ginkgo, 21 meters tall
- Planted By: Original garden owner Pan Yunduan
- Season Bonus: Spectacular golden color in autumn
Suggested Routes
1-Hour Express Route
- Main Entrance → Great Rockery (15 min)
- Sansui Hall → Central Ponds (15 min)
- Exquisite Jade Rock → Yuhua Hall (20 min)
- Quick Stroll → Exit via Nine Bend Bridge (10 min)
2-Hour Complete Experience
Start: Main entrance Route: Great Rockery → Cuixiu Hall → Sansui Hall → Central Garden → Wanhua Chamber → Jade Rock area → Inner Garden → Dragon Walls → Nine Bend Bridge End: Yuyuan Bazaar for snacks and shopping
Where to Stay Nearby
Perfect for early morning visits or combining with Bund exploration
Luxury Options
- The Peninsula Shanghai
- Distance: 20-minute walk to Yu Garden
- Best for: Luxury travelers wanting central location
- 🏨 Check rates
Mid-Range Options
- Huangpu District Hotels
- Distance: 5-15 minute walk
- Best for: Easy access to both Yu Garden and The Bund
- 🏨 Browse hotels
Tips for Visiting
Before You Go
- Book Online: Tickets sell out during peak times
- Check Weather: Garden is mostly outdoor (we learned this the hard way!)
- Bring Patience: Expect crowds, especially weekends
What to Bring
- Comfortable Shoes: Lots of walking on traditional stone paths
- Umbrella: Weather can change quickly (speaking from experience!)
- Camera: Incredible photo opportunities throughout
- Cash: Some vendors only accept cash
Family Travel Tips
- NeoBio Playground: Located right by Yu Garden - perfect for a 2-hour kid break!
- Better without stroller: While paths are walkable with stroller, it is much easier to get through the crowds without it
Money-Saving Tips
- Visit Off-Season: Lower entrance fee Dec-Mar & Jul-Aug
- Free Nine Bend Bridge: Beautiful photos without garden entry fee
- Bring Snacks: Food inside is expensive and touristy
- Combine Activities: Walk from Bund to save on transport
Photography Tips
- Best Spots: Top of Great Rockery, Nine Bend Bridge, Jade Rock viewing hall
- Lighting: Early morning soft light ideal for pavilions
- Evening Return: Surrounding area beautifully lit after dark
- Restrictions: Photography allowed throughout garden
Cultural Etiquette
- Respect Quiet Areas: Some pavilions are meant for contemplation
- Don't Touch: Ancient furniture and rock formations are fragile
- Follow Paths: Stay on designated walkways
- Group Photos: Be mindful of other visitors trying to enjoy peaceful moments
FAQs
Q: Is Yu Garden worth visiting if I only have one day in Shanghai? A: It's worth a stop, especially if you're walking from The Bund, but skip the entrance if you are short on time, and just walk around the neighbourhood. The garden gives you a taste of traditional China right in the city center.
Q: How crowded does Yu Garden get? A: Very crowded, especially weekends and holidays. We visited during a rainstorm and it was still packed! Early weekday mornings are your best bet for smaller crowds.
Q: Can I visit Yu Garden with a stroller or wheelchair? A: Main paths accommodate strollers, but some traditional garden areas have steps and narrow passages. Wheelchair access is limited due to historical architecture.
Q: What's the difference between Yu Garden and the surrounding bazaar? A: Yu Garden requires paid entry and is the actual historical garden. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is free and includes shops, restaurants, and the Nine Bend Bridge.
Q: Are there English explanations in the garden? A: Yes, major attractions have English signage, and audio guides are available. However, a basic understanding of Chinese garden principles enhances the experience.
Q: What should I expect food-wise in the area? A: Tourist prices but authentic Shanghai specialties. The famous Nanxiang dumpling restaurant is at the Nine Bend Bridge. For better value, venture slightly away from the immediate garden area.
Ready to Visit Yu Garden?
🎟️ Skip the lines - book tickets now [Your affiliate link here]
🎫 Book a guided Shanghai tour
🏨 Find nearby hotels
🚕 Book airport transfer
What to Do Next in Shanghai
After Yu Garden, these nearby attractions pair perfectly:
- The Bund: 15-minute walk for stunning skyline views
- City God Temple: Adjacent to Yu Garden
- Shanghai Museum: 20 minutes by metro
- Nanjing Road: 20-minute walk for shopping
Family Bonus: Don't forget about NeoBio Playground right next to Yu Garden - perfect for kids who need a break from sightseeing!
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Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
