Yu Garden (Yu Yuan) - Shanghai, China

Yu Garden is located in the northeast section of Shanghai's Old City. The garden was first constructed in the mid-sixteenth century, but construction was postponed for close to twenty years. The garden was built by the Pan family as a comfort for an aging father who served as a minister for the twelfth emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The extensive gardens were the most elaborate in Shanghai. The cost of maintaining the gardens created financial troubles for the family. War and neglect took a toll on the gardens as centuries have passed since their creation. In 1982, the site was created as a national monument by the government. Care is now overseen by the government, offset by minor admission fees charged to visitors.

Situated on five acres, the sprawling gardens are situated in six sections. The sections include Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Hujing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. The gardens are a complex maze of walkways, portals, ponds, bridges and ornate structures. It is peaceful to walk the grounds and absorb the rich cultural roots. This place is the only place where my wife and I became separated during our trip to China. It's a bit disconcerting to lose your better half in a five acre garden. She was with another small group from our larger tour group that zigged when they should have zagged. It took us about two hours to navigate the entire garden at a relaxing pace. This included narrative regarding the different sections provided by our guide.

The gardens are open from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm. The cost of admission is 40 RMB in peak season (March through October) and 30 RMB during the off season. Just over six dollars or four and half dollars, respectively.

Walking through Yu Garden was a peaceful contrast the bustle of the Yuyuan Market adjacent to the garden. The market is a beehive of activity. Probably because of the admission fee, there is less traffic in the garden. I often found myself virtually alone in the garden. It was pleasant. And it offered quite a few opportunities to take photos without capturing a crowd of people in the picture.

Hopefully, through pictures and a bit of narration, I have helped transport you to the relative peace and tranquility of Yu Garden. Looking through these photos again, I can hear the rippling water and see the wind gently moving the trees. The birds are chirping on this cool but pleasant morning. Enjoy.

All photos in this post are my own. They may be reproduced with prior permission.