Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in
China and is
national heritage listed. It was built in 1559 and extended in
1577. Each section of the garden is separated by curved white walls
crowned with the head and body of a dragon. It's named after the
original owner.
Yu Garden is decorated with rocks. One of the rocks is said to
have been the property of Emperor Hui Zong (AD1082--AD1135) in the
Song Dynasty. Rock buildings, such as the Grand Rockery and the
Hall of Mildness, are the sites you shouldn't miss. Beside Yu
Garden the Bridge of Nine Turnings zigzagging across an ornamental
lake leads to Shanghai's most famous tea house. Bill Clinton,
Gerhard Schroeder and the Queen of Great Britain have been guests
there.
The famous Nanxiang restaurant is near the entrance of Yu
Garden, selling various types of delicious steamed dumplings. The
tasty food attracts a swarm of locals and tourists. The Temple of
the City God, Shanghai Old Street and Chenxiangge Nunnery are also
near Yu Garden and all these sites represent typical Shanghai.
Don't miss the shops lining the streets selling handicrafts, teas,
silk clothes, calligraphy, jade decorations and china. Picking up
one or two pieces as gifts for family, relatives and friends is
definitely a good idea – even if at inflated prices.
Address: No. 218, Anren Road
Tel: 8621-6328-2465 (Only Chinese service)
Tickets: 30 yuan; 10 yuan for children under
140cm tall and elderly aged over 70.
Hours: 8am - 5:30pm
To get there: Bus No.11, 66, 126, 926
Location of Yu Garden
(Shanghai Daily July 16, 2007)
