Yu Garden

Shanghai, China

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Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden oasis tucked into the heart of Shanghai’s Old City, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Bund. Built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a tranquil retreat for his aging father, the garden’s name—Yu—means “peace” and “contentment,” which perfectly captures its spirit.

Though it spans just two hectares, Yu Garden is a masterclass in traditional Jiangnan garden design. It’s a world of winding corridors, koi-filled ponds, zigzag bridges, and pavilions with poetic names like Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. The garden’s crown jewel is the Exquisite Jade Rock, a 3.3-meter-tall limestone boulder riddled with 72 holes.

Legend has it that if you pour water over the top, it flows out every opening—a mesmerizing sight. The garden is divided into six scenic areas, each separated by “dragon walls” with undulating ridges and whimsical dragon heads. These spaces unfold like chapters in a story, blending architecture, nature, and symbolism into a living work of art.

Just outside the garden lies the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can sample Shanghai’s famous Nanxiang soup dumplings or browse for silk, jade, and antiques.