The Three Famous Gardens of Shanghai During the Ming Dynasty - Yu Garden

Yu Garden ~ "Tread across the Nine-Curve Bridge and Experience the Long-Lasted Shanghai Culture of the Wanli Period"

Yu Garden, a designated 4A historical scenic spot, was first built during the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 459 years. It's also the only Jiangnan garden located in the heart of Shanghai, and the garden has witnessed many historical events. Let me tell you all about it!

🎒Origin:
It was built in 1559 by Ming Dynasty official Pan Yunduan, hoping to bring joy to his then-elderly father. The characters "Yu" and "Yu" (delight) were homophones, hence the name "Yu Garden."

📚History:
After the Pan family's decline, they could no longer afford to maintain the garden. During the Qing Dynasty, it became a public space and academy. It was not until the First Opium War and the Taiping Rebellion, when the British invaded, that the garden's landscape was virtually untouched. The "Dianchun Hall" within the garden was once the meeting place of the then-famous "Small Knife Society" civic organization. It has been restored and remains in pristine condition, and the entire garden reopened to the public in 1961.

✨Must-See Highlights:
~Dianchun Hall~
Originally the headquarters and meeting place for the "Small Knife Society Uprising."

~Yulinglong~

Recognized as one of the "Three Famous Stones of Jiangnan," it is also Yu Garden's "Treasure of Stones" and a must-see and photo opportunity!

~Nine Dragon Pond~

The pond gets its name from the stone dragon head and ripples within it, forming a complete dragon body. However, capturing the entire dragon requires exceptional luck and excellent angles! Come see if you're lucky enough! ❗️

~Big Rockery~
This is the oldest and largest Huangshi rockery in the Jiangnan region. Come and take some photos here~

🧠Funny Facts:
~The Small Knife Society Uprising~
This was a secret organization formed by a grassroots group during the Qianlong period. It got its name from the small knives each of its members carried. It was an offshoot of the Heaven and Earth Society, but had nothing to do with the anti-Qing and restoration movement. After the outbreak of the Opium War, Western powers carved out land in coastal areas, forming "leaseholds." This expansion of these leaseholds clashed with the Small Sword Society, and the "Dianchun Hall" within the garden served as the site of the Small Sword Society's uprising.

~Three Famous Gardens of Shanghai During the Ming Dynasty~
➡️Yu Garden
➡️Luxiang Garden
➡️Rishe Garden

📍Address: 114 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

🚴Transportation:
Metro Line 10, Yu Garden Station, then a short walk.

🎟️Average Cost: (Reservations must be made with real names)
1. Peak Season (April 1st to June 30th, September 1st to November 30th): Adult ticket price is RMB 40.
2. Off-Season (July 1st to August 31st, December 1st to March 31st): Adult ticket price is RMB 30.

💞Recommended for:
1. History enthusiasts
2. Those interested in historical sites and architecture
3. The nearby shopping district is also perfect for those who enjoy shopping or groceries.

🗓️Itinerary:
Yuyuan Old Street - Yuyuan Garden - Shanghai City God Temple

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