Yuyuan Gardens

Located in the old city of Shanghai, Yuyuan Gardens were commissioned by Pan Yunduan of Ming Dynasty for his aged parents’ retirement. Built in 1577, the ‘Happiness Garden’ sprawls across 20,000 sq m. The garden is divided into six main areas that include Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. The highlight of Yuyuan Gardens is the exquisite Jade Rock weighing 5 ton, located across from the Yuhua Hall. The 10 ft high rock contains 72 holes, which magically allow water to flow from all the holes no matter where you pour it from. The Great Rockery is another interesting feature of the garden. Take a stroll around the garden and admire the decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, carvings and sculptures, ponds, pagodas, archways and impressive rockeries. The 400 years old scenic gardens are a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plan visiting the garden during the weekday as over the weekend it gets pretty crowded. Yuyuan Bazaar located next to the garden is a great way to end the trip and sample some local snacks.