Catalpa Garden

Introducing Catalpa Garden

Ziyuan, originally named Yiyuan, was built by Zhou Jinran during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. During the Qianlong era, it was the residence of Qiao Guanglie, and the area was known as "Qiaojiagang" (now Qiaojia Road). The back garden was passed to the Yu family, who renamed it Jieyuan. The wealthy Yu family boasted a collection of hundreds of thousands of volumes, renowned for their scholarly heritage. Yu Songnian funded the publication of the renowned Yijiatang Collection, which earned the garden its nickname Yijiatang.

Born into a poor family, Wang Yiting became an apprentice at 13 and studied foreign languages ​​at the Guangfang Dialect School. He also learned painting from Ren Bonian, ultimately achieving great success. In 1907, Wang Yiting purchased the ancestral home and part of the garden of the Yu family's Yijiatang for a considerable sum. The garden, which contained an ancient catalpa tree, was renamed Catalpa Garden, and the name was inscribed on the gate by his fellow painter Wu Changshuo. Wang Yiting and Wu Changshuo were hailed as the "Twin Peaks of Shanghai" in the painting world of the late Qing and early Republican eras.

After the August 13th Incident, the Japanese invaders, attempting to exploit Wang Yiting's fame, sent spies to find him and demonstrate their unerring skills with live ammunition. Faced with life-threatening situations, Wang Yiting upheld his national integrity and refused to be an accomplice to the enemy. Wang Yiting subsequently sought refuge elsewhere. The Japanese and puppet forces invaded Ziyuan and committed atrocities. Upon hearing the news, Wang Yiting resolutely left Shanghai and traveled to Hong Kong. He fell ill en route and remained in Hong Kong. He returned to Shanghai in 1938 and died.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate; Ziyuan, once known as the same garden as Yuyuan, has disappeared, but the villas of Ziyuan are still there. The exquisite wooden shutters and marble carved balconies, behind the layers of paint, tell of its former glory, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Catalpa Garden Ruins

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Catalpa Garden

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

Catalpa Garden is known for its lush greenery and traditional Chinese landscaping. It is a serene oasis in the middle of bustling Shanghai, showcasing various plant species, historical landscaping elements, and offering a peaceful retreat. The garden is an excellent example of classical Chinese horticulture.

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

The garden is located in the Minhang District of Shanghai. You can reach it by Metro Line 5 and get off at Xinzhuang Station, then take a short taxi ride. Buses also pass nearby, and walking is an option for those staying nearby.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.

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

The entrance fee is typically ¥10-¥20, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance unless there is a special event.

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

Advance booking is not required. However, for special events or peak seasons, it is advisable to book at least 1-2 days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes around 1-2 hours to fully explore the garden, depending on how much time you spend photographing or relaxing by the ponds.

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

• The central pond surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers.
• The variety of plant species, including the famous Catalpa trees.
• The traditional Chinese garden design elements such as bridges, walkways, and pagodas.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically provided, but visitors can often hire private guides for English-speaking tours.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The main pond and surrounding trees provide excellent photo opportunities.
• The central pagoda area offers a great vantage point of the garden layout.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start by walking along the main path that leads to the pond, passing through various plant displays.
• Take a leisurely stroll around the garden, stopping at the pagodas and bridges for photos.
• Finish by relaxing near the water features or on one of the benches in the shaded areas.

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

Night visits and light shows are not available, but the garden is beautifully lit during the evenings. Special tours may be available during the festival seasons, so it is worth checking in advance.

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

The garden can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. It is least crowded in the mornings on weekdays, especially in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.

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

There are public toilets available, along with several shaded rest areas. There are no major food or shopping outlets inside, but local snacks and drinks can be purchased near the entrance.

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

The garden is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved paths and benches. However, it may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to the traditional garden design.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards are accepted. Cash is not commonly required for most transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local Chinese restaurants and tea houses near the garden entrance.
• There are small cafes offering refreshments and snacks nearby.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants. Halal food is more limited, but you can find a few restaurants offering halal dishes in the area.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Shanghai Marriott Hotel in Xujiahui is nearby.
• Budget accommodations like Ibis Shanghai Minhang offer good options within a short distance.

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

• Shanghai Botanical Garden is nearby and makes a great addition to the trip.
• The Xujiahui area is also close, offering shopping malls, dining, and cultural landmarks.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no dedicated souvenir shops inside the garden, but you can find typical Shanghai-themed souvenirs like silk, tea sets, and traditional Chinese arts and crafts in nearby markets.

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

Metro Line 5 from Xinzhuang Station is the most convenient. Taxis and buses are also readily available for continuing the journey to other attractions in Shanghai.