Yuyuan Garden was originally built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan, a native of Shanghai who made his fortune as a governor in Sichuan. He constructed the garden to “delight his elderly parents.” In 1784, during the 49th year of the Qianlong era in the Qing Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden was sold to the City God Temple and became known as its “West Garden.” The garden features several charming elements, including the Huxin Pavilion and the Nine-Bend Bridge. Today, Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple have merged to become one of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, showcasing a harmonious blend of historical and cultural significance.
Travel Information about the Area
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
- Yuyuan Garden: 40 RMB during peak season, 30 RMB during off-season.
- City God Temple: 10 RMB.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:20 PM).
Best Time to Visit
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Experience traditional folk activities at the City God Temple.
- Spring: Enjoy the blooming flowers and the vibrant garden scenery.
Location and Transportation
- Address: No. 168, Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai.
- Transportation: Take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Distinctiveness: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden is one of China’s “Four Great Cultural Markets,” alongside Beijing’s Panjiayuan and Liulichang, and Nanjing’s Confucius Temple. It is the only remaining Ming Dynasty garden in the old city of Shanghai, renowned for its exquisite beauty with its varied pavilions, rugged rock formations, and picturesque lake views. It is often praised as having “the finest scenery in Jiangnan.”
Upon entering the garden through the south gate, visitors are greeted by winding bridges, flowing streams, and weeping willows. The essence of Yuyuan is captured in the “Jade Linglong” stone, which is finely textured and perforated. It is said that if a bit of incense is placed inside the stone, smoke will emerge from its numerous holes. Behind Jade Linglong stands the Yuhua Tower, a classic scholar’s study showcasing Ming Dynasty rosewood desks and various furniture pieces.
Moving past the Yue Tower, you will find a serene pond with the “Furong Pavilion” standing gracefully. On the opposite side of the pond, the “Nine Lions Pavilion” overlooks the water. Crossing a small bridge and passing through the Huijing Pavilion leads to the Dianchun Hall, where you can see intricately carved windows and doors depicting theatrical figures. The garden also features a theater stage, the Yule Pavilion, the Yangshan Hall, and the Sansu Hall, each offering its own unique charm and historical significance.
Related Details:
- Today, Yuyuan Garden typically refers not only to the garden itself, including its famous Nine-Bend Bridge and the Mid-Lake Pavilion, but also to the bustling streets surrounding it. These lively streets are filled with shops and vendors, enhancing the overall experience of visiting Yuyuan.
- Inside Yuyuan Garden, you’ll find some of Shanghai’s most famous local snacks and specialty restaurants. Additionally, the shopping area features a self-service dining area called the “Snack Plaza.” Here, you can enjoy a variety of regional snacks from across China, freshly prepared and sold at very affordable prices.
City God Temple
Exiting Yuyuan Garden and walking a few minutes through the bustling streets will lead you to the City God Temple. As the saying goes, “If you haven’t visited the City God Temple, you haven’t truly experienced Shanghai.” This reflects the temple’s significant role and influence in the city.
The temple features grand buildings with emerald tiles and vermillion eaves. It includes nine main halls: Huo Guang Hall, Jiazi Hall, Wealth God Hall, Cihang Hall, City God Hall, Goddess Hall, Parents’ Hall, Guansheng Temple, and Wenchang Hall, covering a total area of approximately 2,000 square meters.
Inside the main hall, the statue of General Huo Guang is prominently displayed. Yuanchen Hall is a popular spot where many seek blessings for the year. Continuing inward, you will find the Wealth God Hall, and further into the temple, the City God Hall, which displays furnishings reminiscent of a Ming Dynasty county office.
After visiting the City God Temple, you can head east along Fangbang Middle Road. Crossing the Four-Panel Bridge will lead you to Shanghai Old Street. The street is divided into eastern and western sections by Guanxi Street. The eastern segment retains the traditional architectural style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic era, featuring lattice windows, wooden panels, ornate eaves, and distinctive horse-head walls, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Related Details:
- Yuyuan Garden City God Temple Festival Activities: The City God Temple at Yuyuan Garden hosts a variety of large-scale festivals, including the New Year Folk Lantern Festival, Spring Folk Temple Fair, Autumn Folk Performance Exhibition, and other events such as the Yuyuan Food Festival, Silk Festival, Ginseng Festival, Tea Culture Festival, Wine Culture Festival, Fan Culture Festival, Calligraphy and Painting Arts Festival, Folk Art Festival, and Tourism Food Festival.
- Spring Temple Fair: The Spring Temple Fair at Yuyuan Garden is an ancient tradition, featuring numerous food stalls, department stalls, and street performers. The fair creates a bustling market centered around the Nine-Bend Bridge. Each year, the Yuyuan Garden City God Temple Tourist Area also hosts a Chrysanthemum and Crab Festival.
- Night Views of the City God Temple: The night views of the City God Temple are also spectacular. If you have time, it’s worth visiting to see them. To capture the night scene of the City God Temple, set your camera to night mode, turn on the flash, adjust the aperture, and extend the exposure time. Using a tripod and shutter release cable is highly recommended for the best results.
Visitor Guide for the Area
Accommodation Options
There are numerous hotels of varying prices available around Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, offering convenience and safety. As this is a major international city, prices can be relatively high. Alternatively, you can stay near the old street, just a 5-minute walk from the scenic area. Some nearby options include:
- Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel (Address: No. 159, Henan South Road, Huangpu District)
- Ji Hotel (Address: No. 33, Henan South Road)
- Orange Crystal Hotel (Address: No. 399, Renmin Road)
- Ibis Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel (Address: No. 85, Zhujin Road, Huangpu District)
Food Options
In the Old City God Temple area, you’ll find a rich variety of local Shanghai snacks, including:
- Crab Shell Yellow (蟹壳黄): Named for its round, yellow appearance resembling a crab shell. This pastry is deliciously sweet and savory, with a crispy and fragrant crust. The best version is from Wu Wan Bakery (吴宛饼家) at the corner of Shimen No. 1 Road and Weihai Road in Shanghai.
- Pork Ribs and Rice Cake (排骨年糕): An economical and flavorful snack with over 50 years of history. Notable places include “Shuguang Restaurant” (曙光饮食店) and “Xian De Lai” (鲜得来) dim sum shop in Shanghai.
- Pan-Fried Pork Buns (鸡肉生煎馒头): These buns are full and plump, with a golden sesame topping and green onions. They are soft on top and crispy on the bottom, with a juicy filling. The best are from Wang Jia Sha Dim Sum Shop (王家沙点心店) in Shanghai.
- Marinated Snails (糟田螺): This dish is brown-gray in color, with tender meat and a rich, savory sauce. Renowned for its distinctive flavor, it’s a specialty at both Wu Wei Zhai (五味斋) and Xian De Lai (鲜得来) dim sum shops.
- Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (南翔小笼包): Famous for its thin skin, generous filling, rich broth, and fresh taste. The filling can vary with the seasons, with shrimp added in early summer and crab meat and roe in autumn. The Xiaolongbao at Yuyuan Garden (豫园) is one of its well-known specialties.
- Seafood Onion Oil Noodles (开洋葱油面): These noodles are vibrant in color, smooth and refreshing to eat, with a strong shrimp flavor and aromatic onions.
- Vegetarian Buns (素菜包): A specialty at Spring Breeze Songyue Lou (春风松月楼) in Yuyuan Garden. The bun’s white, soft dough encases a bright green filling, making it both visually appealing and deliciously fresh.
- Deep-Fried Buns (油汆馒头): A signature dish from the century-old Shen Da Cheng Dim Sum Shop (沈大成) in Shanghai. These small, golden, and crispy buns are filled with tender meat and are juicy when bitten into, with a rich flavor that’s not greasy.
- Sweet Bean Paste Balls (擂沙圆): A famous treat from Qiao Jia Zha Dim Sum Shop (乔家栅) in Shanghai. These sweet rice balls are flavorful, with a strong red bean aroma, and are soft and chewy, making them a convenient snack.