Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Yu Gardens in Shanghai
by Laura Vicens
Feb 28, 2025
Yu Garden is most famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty garden beauty. Exploring Yu Garden at night offers a different flavor, with a strong classical cultural atmosphere that makes me feel like I've traveled back to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The streets filled with ancient charm and lanterns create an enchanting scene.
1. **Garden Architecture Aesthetics**:
→ **Nine Zigzag Bridge**: Red railings and wood carvings paired with the Huxin Pavilion, the best photo spot is at the northeast corner stone steps;
→ **Jade Exquisite**: One of the three famous stones in Jiangnan, it has all the four characteristics of transparency, wrinkles, thinness, and perforation. The light and shadow through the stone holes are stunning.
2. **Snack Street Raid**:
→ **Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop**: The xiaolongbao has thin skin and plenty of juice. Dining on the second floor is more expensive than takeaway on the first floor but there's no queue;
→ **Ningbo Tangyuan Shop**: Black sesame tangyuan are freshly made and cooked, paired with rice wine and osmanthus fragrance.
3. **Cultural Experience**:
→ **Yu Garden Stamp Museum**: Houses old Shanghai postcards, you can send postcards with a Yu Garden exclusive postmark;
→ Snack Street's "Crab Roe Soup Dumplings" average 35 yuan, the second shop inside is 5 yuan cheaper than the entrance.
**⚠️ Real Complaints and Avoidance Tips**
1. **Crowded Hell**: During peak season, the Nine Zigzag Bridge requires a 30+ minute queue. It's recommended to rush in at 7:30 when it opens;
2. **Hidden Costs**: The "calligrapher's inscription" inside the garden is initially said to be free, but they push for a framing fee of 200+ yuan;
3. **Souvenir Scams**: Silk scarves, paper cuttings, etc., are overpriced. Similar items are 30% cheaper outside the Old City God Temple;
4. **Hard-to-Find Restrooms**: Mainly located near Sansui Hall and Dianchun Hall, poorly marked, you need to ask for directions.
**🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations**
- **Must-Eat Old Brands**:
→ "Green Wave Pavilion": Clinton Set (Osmanthus Rice Cake + Eyebrow Pastry), average 150 yuan per person;
→ "Da Hu Chun": Pan-fried buns with fully risen dough, crispy bottom (8 yuan/4 pieces).
- **Hidden Late-Night Snacks**:
→ Fangbang Middle Road "Grandma's Fried Turnip Cake": Crispy outside, soft inside, cash only (5 yuan each);
→ Guangqi Road "Jiajia Soup Dumplings": Open until 22:00, crab roe and pork soup dumplings are a must-try.
📍Address: 87 Yuyuan Road
Post by 小土豆行旅 | Feb 11, 2025























