Historical Significance
Built in 1559 by Ming official Pan Yunduan to honor his father, Yu Garden ("Garden of Happiness") spans 2 hectares in Shanghai's Old City. Recognized as a national treasure in 1982, it exemplifies Jiangnan-style landscaping with:
- Grand Rockery: 12m-high Huangshi stone formation by master designer Zhang Nanyang, the only surviving work of its kind from the Ming era.
- Jade Rock: A 3.3m porous limestone peak, one of China's "Three Famous Rocks," prized for its "wrinkled, leaky, slender, and translucent" qualities.
- Dianchun Hall: 1853 revolutionary base of the Small Swords Society, featuring rare Qing-era battle murals.
Architectural Highlights
- Sansui Hall: The entrance hall with Ming-era rosewood furniture, symbolizing harvest and longevity through its corn-ear motifs.
- Huxinting Teahouse: A 1784 teahouse on zigzag bridges, visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton.
- Inner Garden: Qing Dynasty (1709) retreat with moon gates and dragon walls, restored in 1956.
Cultural Fusion
- Opera Heritage: Hosted Kunqu performances since the 1570s; its 19th-century stage remains China's best-preserved.
- Art Hub: Birthplace of Shanghai School painting, where artists like Wu Changshuo created masterpieces.
Modern Experience (2025 Updates)
- Light Shows: Nighttime projections on ancient architecture (Fri-Sun, free with ¥40 day ticket).
- Yuyuan Bazaar: Adjacent food street serving Nanxiang xiaolongbao since 1900.
Visitor Tips
- Hours: 8:30-16:30 (closed Mon); avoid weekends when crowds exceed 50,000 daily.
- Access: Metro Line 10 (Yuyuan Station); wheelchair routes marked.
Global Recognition
Featured in 2024 China-France diplomatic events and ranked among Shanghai's top 3 cultural sites by Lonely Planet.
