The Yu Yuan Gardens and the Old Town

The Old Town is the most "traditional Chinese" part of town. And this is where you find the Yu Yuan Gardens, an example of traditional Ming garden design, built over 400 years ago by a government officer, Pan Yunduan, for his parents' enjoyment in their old age.

The basic four elements of a traditional Chinese garden are

rocks
water
plants and
architecture

And here at the Yu Yuan Gardens, all four elements are carefully interwoven, creating a strikingly beautiful space which is a delight for a morning or afternoon stroll as you wander through courtyards and fish ponds...

...Bridges and rock gardens... moon gates and pavilions, all of which have been painstakingly restored.

It's a little oasis right in the middle of the city...

Surrounding the gardens is the Yu Yuan Bazaar, one of the many Shanghai market areas full of shops, restaurants, tea houses, housed in relatively newer "old style looking" buildings.

The shops and stalls are full of all sorts of trinkets. This is a very "touristy spot", there's even Starbucks to enjoy an iced latte... But it is a good time for all as the kids enjoy haggling with the vendors, Grandma hits paydirt at the jade shops, Grandpa heads straight to the dumpling stalls and you are certainly likely to find all sorts of souvenirs, paper cuttings, book marks and the like to bring home.

In the evening, the Gardens and Bazaar area are beautifully illuminated, all the buildings are covered with lights.

Up and About The Old Town

Explore the backstreets of the Old Town for a glimpse of traditional Chinese life, the old Shanghai, the incense-laden temples, overhanging laundry, narrow lanes, traditional medicine shops...

Just a short walk from the YuYuan Gardens you find the City God Temple with its beautifully carved ceilings, a Taoist temple quite frequented by followers who come to pay respects to the diverse deities.

The area surrounding the temple is also a good place for souvenir and trinket shopping or to grab a quick snack.

Particularly during important holidays like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, this area is a wonderful spot to soak in the revelry of the festivities as the place will be covered with lanterns, lights and auspicious decorations.

Tips for visiting the Yu Yuan Gardens and the Old Town

Getting there: Take Metro Line 10 (Lila) Station Yuyuan Garden
During peak times it gets crowded, the gardens were not built to accomodate the influx of visitors it receives every day. Go early or in the late afternoon.
Book your ticket in advance, enjoy the garden at your own pace. Buy Yu Yuan Gardens Admission Ticket US$4.15.