Yu'er Garden

Introducing Yu'er Garden

Yu'er Garden, located on the north side of the middle section of Yu'er Road in Dali Ancient Town, covers an area of ​​28 mu. Originally the Dali Agricultural and Forestry Experimental Station in the late Qing Dynasty, it was designated "Zhidan Park" during the Anti-Japanese War and, after liberation, became a fruit tree nursery for the forestry department. In March 1995, the site was restored as "Zhidan Park" and renamed "Yu'er Garden."

Yu'er Garden embodies the essence of Bai architecture, featuring a gatehouse with swooping eaves and angles, an elegant and delicate three-sided screen wall, and a wall with painted skirts. The garden's main structure is composed of Bai flower beds of various shapes inlaid with stone, planted with Dali's famous flowers and exotic plants. Interspersed with areas for the elderly, teahouses, pavilions, stone archways, and ponds, the garden embodies the rich charm of a traditional garden in Dali's ancient city.

Dali is renowned for its marble and its prevalent worship of primitive stone. Therefore, stone is the primary element in the garden's decorations, including attractions such as the Great Stone Temple, the Beauty Stone, the Stone Ox, and the Stone Horse Well. The garden features stone walls, stone paving, and stone lamp holders. The entire garden embodies a unique, natural aesthetic. The garden features seven flower and tree areas, including camellia, cherry blossoms, peonies, azaleas, plum blossoms, roses, and a bamboo garden. Calligraphers and painters were invited to create inscriptions and paintings, adorning the garden with poems, couplets, and elegant verses.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude plateau has a monsoon climate; the best time for tourism is from April to August every year. Yu'er Garden, as my country's fruit tree nursery base, is full of flowers during this period, exuding fragrance and boundless spring scenery, making it very suitable for outings and sightseeing.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Dashi Temple, Beauty Stone, Stone Ox, Stone Horse Well and other scenic spots;

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Yu'er Garden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yu'er Garden, also known as "The Garden of Jade Lotus," is a classical Chinese garden with rich historical and cultural significance. It was originally built during the Ming dynasty and showcases the beauty of traditional garden design, featuring pavilions, ponds, and rockeries that symbolize harmony and tranquility.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Yu'er Garden is located in the heart of Dali, Yunnan. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus from the city center. If you're staying in Dali Old Town, it’s a short walk to the garden.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the garden is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Yu'er Garden is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There are no online ticketing options available.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required for tickets. You can buy them on the day of your visit at the garden entrance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes about 1-2 hours to fully explore Yu'er Garden, depending on your pace. If you want to take time to relax and appreciate the scenery, you may want to spend a little longer.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see areas include the main pond with lotus flowers, the winding stone paths, the traditional pavilions, and the rockeries that are designed to represent natural landscapes. Don’t miss the koi fish pond, which adds to the peaceful ambiance.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available, but they are usually in Mandarin. Audio guides are not available at the moment, so it’s recommended to go with a local guide if you want detailed historical and cultural insights.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the central pond with its lotus flowers, the view from the traditional pavilions overlooking the garden, and the rockeries with their intricate stone formations. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance and walk towards the central pond. From there, explore the winding paths that lead to the various pavilions and rockeries. Take your time to sit in the pavilions, enjoy the tranquility, and admire the natural beauty around you.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows available at Yu'er Garden. However, the garden offers a peaceful atmosphere during the day, with a serene environment perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The garden can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially on weekdays when fewer tourists are around.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities including public restrooms and water fountains inside the garden. However, food and beverage options are limited within the garden itself. There are nearby shops and restaurants outside the garden for refreshments.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yu'er Garden is relatively accessible for elderly and children, with paved walkways and benches for resting. However, the terrain may be slightly challenging for visitors with mobility issues due to some steps and uneven paths.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted at the entrance, but mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted. Credit cards are not typically accepted inside the garden.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants inside Yu'er Garden, but you can find a variety of local eateries and cafes around Dali Old Town, just a short walk away. These offer local Yunnan cuisine and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in nearby restaurants, especially in Dali Old Town. Many of the local restaurants cater to these dietary needs.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Yu'er Garden, including budget guesthouses and boutique hotels in Dali Old Town. For a more luxurious stay, you can find resorts that offer beautiful views of the mountains and lakes around the city.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas, and Xizhou Ancient Town. All of these are within a short drive and can easily be combined in a day trip from Yu'er Garden.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near Yu'er Garden and in Dali Old Town where you can buy local handicrafts such as tie-dye fabrics, Yunnan tea, ethnic jewelry, and traditional wooden carvings.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Yu'er Garden, you can take a taxi or public bus to other attractions around Dali. You can also hire a bicycle or scooter to explore Dali Old Town and the nearby sights at your own pace.