Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden is the most lush, lavish and magnificent Chinese garden that is situated in the middle of the Old City area, very near to The Bund in Shanghai whose history dates back to the time period of 1559. This classical area is considered to be a source of great temptation for the visitors and people gather here in large numbers. Its fascinating halls, pavilions, rockeries, cloisters and ponds are some of the major attractions that force people to grab cheap flights to Shanghai and visit this astounding place.

It was created in a long span of approximately 20 years by Pan Yunduan for the tranquillity and pleasure of his father in old age that was regarded as a well-known figure of the Ming Dynasty. In the coming years the garden went through many phases; it was bought by some wealthy merchants in 1760 and they spent almost 20 more years in the reconstruction of various structures.

The garden was completely damaged during the 19^th century war and the present garden is the outcome of the continuous restoration plan that started in 1956 and it was finally inaugurated in 1961. It owns almost 40 numerous buildings, ponds, ancient trees, sculptures and bridges and every step in the garden provides you a unique scenic view.

The garden comprises an area of about 20,000 square metres and is categorized with six different regions. Once you pop into the garden the first amazing thing that you will notice is the Grand Rockery which is the largest and the oldest one in Yangtze River area and has the length of about 14 metres whose top point provides the bird’s eye view of the whole place. It is built with huangshi stone and features various cliffs, peaks, gorges and winding grottos. The area also houses the Sansui Hall that was constructed in 1760 and is being utilized as a venue for many ceremonies.

Moving further you will have an eagle eye on the Heralding Spring Hall (Dianchun) that was constructed in 1820 and consists of Hexu Hall, Ancient Well Pavilion, Relic Hall and a stage for acting and singing purposes. The organization of Small Swords Society also has its roots here.

The western and eastern gardens are joined to form an Inner-Garden that displays many ponds, rockeries, towers, beautified flower walls and pavilions. Strolling the areas of Wanhua and Yule, you will be delighted to observe the corridors, pavilions, courtyards and streams. The Wanhua chamber is the land of bamboo trees. Besides, a very old tree of maidenhair which is 70 feet tall and was planted some 400 years ago is also located here.

The most alluring treasure and astonishing feature of the garden is the Jade Rock which is 10.8 feet high and contains 72 holes. The magic related to this rock is that if a stick is burned under it, all the holes will produce the smoke and the same happens if you put water. That’s why the site is truly bewitching and is admired a lot by the people.Apart from all such charming places of the garden, there is much more in this dazzling area. So plan a visit for the stunning Yuyuan garden of Shanghai.