Built by a dutiful son for his retired parents, the Yuyuan is a 400 year old classical Chinese garden in the midst of the urban jungle that is modern Shanghai. Located in the heart of the old town in Puxi, not far from the bund, it is high on every tourist itinerary.
Not surprisingly therefore – unless you get there right after it opens – it is far from the “garden of Peace and Happiness” that it’s name suggests. It is beautiful nevertheless and incorporates all the aspects of Chinese landscape design and is well worth a wander.
A must do – according to most guidebooks and travel forums – just as you exit the garden, is to sample the iconic soup filled steamed dumplings at Nan Xiang Xialongbao Mantou. Not the best we had in Shanghai (certainly not half as good as the ones from Ding Tai Fung or the pan fried ones from Yangs fry) but we didn’t know that at the time. So we lined up for a box, behind all those people.
The Urge To Wander 
The photos are pretty. But those fish, those fish …why did they pack themselves so tight in that big pond? 😉
Wow, that wall is really something!
Impressive dragon isn’t he? Thanks Anne.
400-year-old garden… Hmmm… Most people can’t keep a potted plant alive for more than a season! That’s what so intrigues me about Chinese and Japanese (and I suppose all of Asia) world view. I wonder if people the world over won’t come to the western habit of throw-away stuff? Something is lost in Westerners, I think. Maybe that’s why psychologists and the drug companies thrive here… We abandon our roots so easily. 😉
I don’t know George. To me it seems like we are losing all our heritage and culture in the race to catch up with the developed world. There are exceptions of course, and China is learning its lessons, but here at least heritage buildings are being demolished without a thought. Citizens have had to stage massive protests to save some old buildings here in Chennai. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could retain all that is good in both worlds?
Wow that looks Awesome… I could Live there, Lol
DJ-
I could too…imagine a private garden like that!
Totally
DJ-
My wife and youngest are currently holidaying in Shanghai – they’ve visited some of these sites, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts Eric. So how did they like Shanghai?
I would definitely find peace and happiness if I were in that garden. Thanks for the journey!
Thank YOU for reading and commenting 🙂
beautiful garden and I love the Koi pond… 🙂
Thanks Arvee
Yu Yuan is such a nice place. I think the dragon has more teeth than the last time I saw him! The photo of the fish is my favorite though. Thanks for the post.
Thank you. We went in 2009. The dragon was probably prettied up before the Olympics 🙂
nice pavilion balcony for tea time!
Would be lovely wouldn’t it? Thanks Frizztext
Hi Madhu, I nominate you for an award. I know, your blog is loaded with readers… It just my very tiny way to thank you for all you effort of making such an impeccable blog– truly is the “greatest of all callings”.
Oh Amy, I appreciate your kindness. Thank you so much.
Reblogged this on Mysterious Japan.
Honoured Ledia! Thank you.
You are very welcome! Your post was too beautiful not to share with my followers as well, Madhu.
So how were the steamed dumplings? – good post Madhu.
Not the greatest Lynne. HAd better elsewhere. Thank you
It was a beautiful post. I specially liked the story behind this garden. A son made it for his retired parents, what a inspiring story. Like this post a lot.
Thank you Arindam
It looks beautiful! I would have to be there very early to beat the crowds!
You would Gilly. I have heard it is awfully crowded later in the day. Thanks for stopping by.
This is one of the most exciting posts that I have read. Your photos are terrific!
Oh thank you so much Sartenada 🙂
Lovely photos…I love these types of parks. So peaceful (minus the tourists). I do love dumplings so I may skip this line and hold out for the better ones.
Calling the Yuyuan peaceful might be a stretch TBM 🙂 And yes the dumpling place was highly overrated.
An impressive park… well shame about peace and tranquility…. I don’t think that I would stand in such a long line for any soup… not even for an icecream 😉
We did it one other time in Paris, for Felafel sandwiches at ‘L As du Felafel’ and it was so worth it!
Felafel sandwiches you say? :). Je vais l’essayer 🙂
What a stunning park…so much to like. i really loved the dragon and those fish…wow
Thanks Jo. In China most places are a sensory overload 🙂
This is a beautiful post, so interesting. It’s after midnight and suddenly the thought of the soup filled dumplings has me feeling so hungry I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep!
Apologies for causing those hunger pangs Elisa 🙂
Ha, those little goldfish crackers just did not do the trick!
😉
Hi,
Looks like an incredible place to wander around, it does look beautiful, and certainly has a lot of offer as well. Very nice. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this Mags. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Your photos are stunning and you are traveling the world! I am so envious! We are currently traveling through the US so I will live vicariously through you until we branch out to other continents, which we will surely do as we are nomads at heart.
I haven’t traveled to the US, so I guess that makes us even 🙂 Delighted to have you aboard on my virtual journeys! Look forward to seeing you around.
Beautiful photos, Madhu, you managed to convey the peace and happiness despite the bustling crowds, I bet it’s lovely first thing in the morning! The carvings are spectacular!
Thanks Ailsa. You do set tough challenges 🙂
Lovely photos! I’ve never seen so many koi in one place before!
Me neither 🙂 Thanks Fergiemoto
Interesting to look at these photos.
Thanks Colline 🙂
I love all that intricate carvings and the dragon… Spectacular. 😉
Me too. That carved window is one of the few original pieces in the garden.
Beautiful photographs and such a sweet story. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Glad you liked it Kate. Just hopped over to your blog and discovered some of your awesome photos! Will surely return to check out more. Thanks for the visit and comment.
Those fish don’t have much room to move!
They do actually, the pond was quite large. This was the frenzy during feed time 🙂 Appreciate your dropping by Debra
Wow, I’ve never seen so many koi in one place. Great post, Madhu!
It was feeding time and they were thrashing about in a frenzy! Thanks Ruth
The garden is so beautiful presented through your lens! Ding Tai Fung is unbeatable…
Thanks Amy. Realised I had misspelled the name when I read your comment. Duly corrected 🙂
Not easy to get great photos in a crowded place, but you suceeded, Madhu. Another place I’d love to go.
Oh yes, requires more patience than I have 🙂 Thanks Jo
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for the follow
My pleasure Boomi. Look forward to reading your posts
A park worth visiting indeed – great shots… 😉
Thank you Ledrakenoir 🙂
Lovely gardens – your beautiful photos reminded me of our trip to Portland last year when we visited the Chinese gardens there – I wonder if this garden was inspiration for that one or if the one in Portland was just very typical. Reassuring, that thought.
Typical most probably. I believe Chinese gardens adhere to certain rules with regard to representing the elements of nature, and framing of views and their reflections in water bodies. I suppose that would make them all similar to some extent. Appreciate your sharing your thoughts Carol.
Hi Madhu, this is a great post. I especially like the photo of the koi pond. As always, I love the storytelling too.
Thank you Naomi
Luckily there’s a Ding Tai Fung only 30 minutes drive from me now! And not as much a lineup! 😉 I just love the snapshots of the architectural details!
Lucky you! We don’t get anything remotely like those dumplings here 😦
What a beautiful park you chose for this theme. I love the hexagonal window and the dragon along the top of the wall. I can imagine the park before it was opened to the public…even more beautiful.
Thank you Angeline. The original must have been gorgeous!
Love the “Cloud Piercing Dragon”,
Me too 🙂 Love those long Chinese names, that suggest dramatic, magical action!
Loved your photographs of peace and happiness garden. Can see how it got it’s name.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you Francine 🙂
You paint a very inviting travel piece with your photos and comments. It’s a place I’d love to travel to some day.
Appreciate your visit and comment Judy. Just hoped over to your blog and found it really interesting 🙂 Shall be returning to read more.
Thank you. I signed up to receive e-mails when you post a new blog. Love what you’re doing.
A bit more than just a garden I would say.. beautiful pictures and post. 😉
5 acres is all 🙂 Thanks Gerry
I remember the crowds when I was there – fortunately it was drizzling so that thinned them out a bit! Back when I was a child I promised my mother I would build her a log cabin… every now and again she’ll jokingly remind me of what I said. Great shots as always, Madhu!
That was sweet of you James. She must have been so pleased! Wishing you enough prosperity to be able to build her a mansion 🙂 Thanks for the visit.
I love your header picture of the Koi, as well as all your other beautiful photos of Yu Yuan Garden. I’m really feeling to urge to work in China after one more year in Oman!
Thank you 🙂 I would have thought you would want to work in Turkey. But I can see why China might be better for work.
I would LOVE to live in Turkey, but the pay there is so low and until I am debt-free, I honestly can’t afford to work there! I actually had an offer last year from Turkey but the pay was half what I made in Korea, plus no flight reimbursement and no accommodation!! It’s really such a shame!! 😦
Wonderful garden, nice and interesting photos, Madhu!
Thanks Bente 🙂
So many Koi ! I love that carved window, Madhu. What a beautiful garden of peace and happiness. Lovely present for Pan Yuduan’s father. I wonder if he lived long enough to enjoy it once it was finished.
I wonder too! That carved window is one of few original pieces in the garden. That is why it is protected behind glass. Thanks for the visit AD
Shanghai… I’m so envious! Lovely photos too, especially the header shot. I wonder when they were opened up to the public and whether my grandparents and father ever visited these gardens!
Thanks Kat. I was thinking of you when I posted this 🙂 The garden was opened to the public in 1961. Was your dad still in China then?
No, no. They left in 1938 when he was 9! So I guess the answer is no, they wouldn’t have seen it. Maybe I will one day.
THe fish! Wow!
Yeah 🙂 Would have been perfect for the ‘Close” challenge!