Quyuan Garden
A classical Chinese garden and bustling bazaar offering a glimpse into old Shanghai's charm, culture, and cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Quyuan Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classical Chinese garden and bustling bazaar offering a glimpse into old Shanghai's charm, culture, and cuisine.
"The bazaar is a vibrant spectacle, and the garden offers a peaceful escape, though crowds can be intense."
Explore the Bazaar First
The surrounding bazaar is free and offers a lively experience. Save the ticketed garden for later if crowds are a concern. :shopping_bags:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the large park. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yu Garden Bazaar
Surrounding Yu Garden
A bustling marketplace filled with shops, restaurants, and vibrant street life. Perfect for souvenirs and local snacks.
Tranquil Garden Paths
Yu Garden
Wander through serene pathways, admire traditional architecture, and find peaceful spots to relax.
Traditional Chinese Architecture
Yu Garden
Marvel at the intricate details of ancient pavilions, rockeries, and ponds that showcase classic Chinese garden design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Yu Garden's Crowds
Beyond the Garden Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Bazaar First
The surrounding bazaar is free and offers a lively experience. Save the ticketed garden for later if crowds are a concern. :shopping_bags:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the large park. :athletic_shoe:
Confused about Yu Garden
Capture the Lanterns
If visiting during a festival, the illuminated lanterns are a stunning sight. :camerawithflash:
Enjoy the Serenity
Despite crowds, find quiet corners to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. :lotus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Bazaar First
The surrounding bazaar is free and offers a lively experience. Save the ticketed garden for later if crowds are a concern. :shopping_bags:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the large park. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Lanterns
If visiting during a festival, the illuminated lanterns are a stunning sight. :camerawithflash:
Enjoy the Serenity
Despite crowds, find quiet corners to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. :lotus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Yu Garden to be a beautiful and peaceful escape, particularly enjoying the traditional architecture and serene atmosphere. The surrounding bazaar is a major draw for its vibrant street life, shopping, and diverse food options. However, many note that the garden can become extremely crowded, detracting from the tranquility.
"I stopped by here to take a few pictures. The park is so big that my legs are sore."
Chiêu Phụng Trương
"It's a beautiful place, and there are many chairs beside the trail. It's a very enjoyable place to sit there."
QQ (Hank)
"Too crowded"
Long Lê Hải
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yu Garden is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Yuyuan Garden Station (Lines 10 and 14). From there, it's a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Yu Garden is located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City, making it convenient to visit other historical sites and the Bund.
From Pudong International Airport (PVG), you can take the Maglev train to Longyang Road Station and then transfer to the metro, or take a direct metro line (Line 2) with a transfer. Taxis are also an option but can be more expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the Yu Garden itself. However, the surrounding Yu Garden Bazaar area is free to enter and explore.
Yu Garden typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes its entrance for new visitors around 4:30 PM, with the grounds closing shortly after. The bazaar operates for longer hours. Always check the latest official hours before your visit.
Ticket prices for Yu Garden can vary, especially during peak seasons or festivals. It's advisable to check the official website or reliable travel platforms for current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to save time and guarantee entry.
No, the Yu Garden Bazaar, which surrounds the actual garden, is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yu Garden features classical Chinese landscaping with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and winding paths. The surrounding bazaar offers shopping, dining, and street performances.
While children might enjoy the open spaces and the bustling bazaar, the garden itself is more for quiet appreciation. The bazaar's lively atmosphere and street food can be more engaging for younger visitors.
You can spend anywhere from 1-2 hours exploring the garden itself, and an additional 2-3 hours (or more) enjoying the shops and food in the surrounding bazaar.
Yes, there are many benches and seating areas along the trails within Yu Garden, offering opportunities to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Yu Garden offers beautiful shots of traditional architecture, serene water features, and intricate landscaping. The bazaar provides vibrant street photography opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Yu Garden Bazaar is famous for its street food. You can find vendors selling a variety of local snacks and delicacies throughout the market area.
Look for Nanxiang steamed buns (xiaolongbao), scallion pancakes, and various sweet treats. The bazaar is a culinary adventure!
Yes, the Yu Garden Bazaar is packed with restaurants offering traditional Shanghainese cuisine and other Chinese dishes.
Food prices in the bazaar can range from affordable street snacks to mid-range restaurant meals. It's possible to eat well on a budget.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the actual Yu Garden is beautiful, its quiet, contemplative nature might not hold the attention of younger children for long. However, the open spaces and the unique architecture can still be appreciated. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of ground to cover in both the garden and the bazaar.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals. While the garden requires a ticket, it's generally reasonably priced, offering a significant cultural experience for the cost. Look for free entertainment in the bazaar, such as street performers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yu Garden Bazaar Experience
Beyond shopping, the bazaar is a renowned hub for Shanghai street food. You'll find vendors offering everything from the famous Nanxiang steamed buns (xiaolongbao) to sweet pastries and savory snacks. It's a culinary adventure where you can sample a wide array of local flavors.
Many visitors find the bazaar more engaging than the garden itself due to its energy and variety. It's a great spot for people-watching and capturing the essence of traditional Shanghai life.
Exploring the Classical Yu Garden
Visitors often praise the garden for its beauty and the sense of peace it offers, despite its popularity. It's a place to appreciate traditional Chinese landscaping and architecture, offering a stark contrast to the bustling bazaar outside. Look for the Nine-Zigzag Bridge and the Grand Rockery for iconic photo opportunities.
While the garden is smaller than some other Chinese gardens, its detailed craftsmanship and historical context make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in classical Chinese aesthetics. Remember that entry requires a separate ticket, and it can get crowded, so timing your visit is key.
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