Steeped in history, Yuyuan is an area that encompasses Shanghai's Old City and offers travellers
a chance to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. A great place to see such popular
Shanghai tourist attractions as Yuyuan Garden, this area is home to traditional temples, buildings
and markets which take one on a journey back in time.
A lush and tranquil haven amidst the bustling city, Yuyuan Garden dates back to the ancient
Ming Dynasty. Designed by a government officer named Pan Yunduan for his parents, these idyllic
gardens which span an area of around five acres are home to traditionally built pavilions and halls
and are divided into six main sections. Attractions within its confines include the Wall of Cloud
Piercing Dragon, Spring Transforming Hall, the Exquisite Jade Rock and the Grand Rockery.
Travellers exploring Yuyuan can also visit such religious monuments as the famous City God
Temple which is shared by the Jinshan God, Huo Guang and Shanghai city’s God, Qin Yubo. One can
also visit Chenxiang Pavilion with its Buddhist statues made out of Chinese eaglewood, the Nine
Turn Bridge and the “Pavilion in Lake Centre” Tea House which is Shanghai’s oldest existing tea
house.
Museums in the area include the Tonghanchun Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the
Museum of Jiangnan Silk, while those wanting to get a feel of the local atmosphere can visit Yuyuan
Market set amidst traditional buildings and where one can sample some local dishes.
Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai is conveniently located just a short walk away from
Shuicheng Road Station which offers easy access to such attractions as Yuyuan Garden.