The Ancient Charm and Modern Flavor of Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden, a classic garden located in the heart of Shanghai, is one of the city’s landmarks. Stepping into Yuyuan Garden feels like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with every pavilion, tower, rockery, and pond exuding a sense of history.
Yuyuan Garden was built during the Ming Dynasty as a private garden and later opened to the public during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It once served as a gathering place for literati and scholars, as well as a bustling hub for merchants. The name “Yuyuan” is derived from the phrase “yuyue laoqin,” meaning to bring joy and comfort to the elderly in their twilight years.
One of the iconic buildings within Yuyuan Garden is Dianchun Hall, which was constructed during the Qing Dynasty as a private club for wealthy merchants in Shanghai. Inside Dianchun Hall, exquisite rosewood furniture, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings are displayed, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy merchants. The rockery and pond in front of the hall, with its clear and sparkling water and fish swimming freely, add a touch of vitality to the entire Dianchun Hall.
Apart from Dianchun Hall, Yuyuan Garden boasts numerous other attractions worth seeing. For instance, the Jade Dragon Stone within the garden is a colossal rock standing about 3 meters tall, renowned as the “Crown of Yuyuan” due to its peculiar shape. Legend has it that this stone is a celestial rock that fell from the heavens, imbued with magical powers.
Furthermore, Yuyuan Garden also features famous attractions such as the Nine-Bend Bridge and the Mid-Lake Pavilion. The Nine-Bend Bridge winds and twists, making one feel as if they are wandering through a painting as they walk across it. The Mid-Lake Pavilion, standing tall at the center of the lake, is the highest point in the garden. From its peak, one can gaze out and take in the breathtaking panorama of the entire Yuyuan Garden.
Today, Yuyuan Garden has become a popular destination for leisure and entertainment for both Shanghai residents and tourists. Every weekend or holiday, it is always bustling with activity. Visitors can enjoy flower viewing, tea tasting, and listening to traditional music, immersing themselves in the charm of the classical garden and the weight of history.
Yuyuan Garden is not just a garden; it is a microcosm of Shanghai’s historical and cultural heritage. Here, you can experience the profound historical background and unique cultural charm of Shanghai. If you are visiting Shanghai, take some time to visit Yuyuan Garden, and I believe you will be deeply captivated by this classical garden.
