A visit to Yu Garden and Market in Shanghai, China

Yu Garden is located in Shanghai's Huangpu District in the Old City. You can reach it via metro to Yuyuann Garden Station, although we mainly travelled around Shanghai using a taxi as we found it much more convenient and often cheaper for us as a family of four. The gardens are open during the daytime, closed on Mondays, and there is a small entrance fee.

Yu Garden was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, starting in 1559, by Pan Yunduan to act as a comfort for his father in his old age. The name itself 'Yu Yuan' means 'pleasing and satisfying to one's parents'. The gardens cover five acres and occupy a peaceful spot next to the busy Yuyuan Bazaar shopping area just outside.

The gardens are a bit of a maze, especially when it's busy which I think it probably is most of the time. Although people were respectful, there were large crowds which made navigating some of the narrow paths a bit difficult at times. But there were quieter areas too, where you could stop for a few minutes to watch fish and turtles in the water.

The garden is divided into six general areas which are separated walls and connected by corridors. It's definitely worth taking a quick photo of the map at the entrance to make sure that you don't miss anything!

I loved the traditional architecture and the beautiful greenery everywhere. You could just stand and stare, taking it all in and finding something new in each view. It's a lovely, traditional place to visit in the heart of the busy and chaotic city of Shanghai.

Just outside Yu Garden you will find the very busy Yuyuan Bazaar with lots of shops filled with both traditional crafts and more modern offerings. It's a great place to pick up those tourist gifts and souvenirs - if you don't mind being approached every time you show an interest in anything! I would have bought more if I had been left alone to browse. The shops are also definitely a place to haggle, which I'm terrible at! 

It's worth stopping for a look around this area too, just because it's such a unique and interesting shopping experience and such a contrast to the gardens! Both are definitely somewhere to add to your list if you are planning a visit to Shanghai.