Yu Garden Shanghai Guide 豫园上海: Best Time to Visit, Night Lights, Food & Photo Spots
Yu Garden (豫园) where "Yu" in Chinese means pleasing, is a beautfully preserved classical Chinese garden located in Shanghai's Huangpu Disrict. Built over 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, this compact garden may not be large in size, but it perfectly embodies the elegance, balance, and artistry of traditional Chinese garden design.
Within its walls, you will find classic elements such as ornate pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, and intricately carved bridges, all thoughtfully arranged to create a sense of harmony and tranquility.
Visitor Information:
Admission ticket required
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Shopping and Street Food at Yuyuan Bazaar
Right next to Yu Garden lies the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, a bustling shopping and food haven where old Shanghai beauty meets modern tourism. Here, you’ll find everything from local snacks and silk products to antiques, handicrafts, artworks, and jewelry. Prices range from luxury items to more affordable souvenirs, making it suitable for every budget.
Must-Try Snacks at Chen Da Cheng (沈大成)
A visit to Yu Garden wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Chen Da Cheng, one of Shanghai’s most famous traditional snack brands.
Top picks include:
Qing Tuan (青团)
Soft, green glutinous rice balls made with mugwort, lightly sweet and deeply nostalgic. A true Shanghai classic.
Sweet Osmanthus Tiao Tou Gao (桂花条头糕)
A soft, chewy rice cake filled with red bean paste and infused with fragrant osmanthus, representing traditional Shanghai dessert flavors.
Glutinous Rice Balls in Sweet Fermented Rice Wine (现烤双酿团)
A must-try item featuring double fillings inside the rice balls, delivering a rich and contrasting taste with every bite.
Palmier Pastry (现烤蝴蝶酥)
Also known as butterfly pastry, this Shanghai favorite is freshly baked, buttery, flaky, and perfectly crunchy.
Chen Da Cheng's Famous Shanghai Traditional Snacks
Butterfly pastry
Spectacular Night Views: Nine Bend Bridge & Golden Lights
The iconic Nine Bend Bridge (九曲桥) is a popular photo spot both day and night, but it truly comes alive after sunset. As night falls, colorful lights illuminate the bridge while soft mist rises from the pond, creating a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere.
The surrounding Yu Garden Bazaar is bathed in warm golden lights, highlighting the grand traditional architecture. Walking through the narrow alleys lined with glowing lanterns feels like stepping into a Chinese fairytale. Every corner is photo-worthy, and the beauty of this place is truly beyond words, its something best experienced in person.
Yu Garden Christmas & Winter Light Shows
During the winter festive season, Yu Garden features stunning night illuminations accompanied by music.
Light & music shows start at 6:30 PM
Each show lasts 3 minutes
Repeats every 30 minutes until 10:00 PM daily
Best Photo & Video Spots
疑晖路 – A street lined with striking red rooftops
Nine Bend Bridge Square (九曲桥广场) – Featuring the zigzag bridge and atmospheric mist
Central Mall (中心广场 – 华宝楼) – A grand focal point of the bazaar
Tips for Visiting Yu Garden
Go at Dusk
Arrive before sunset to enjoy both daytime serenity and nighttime magic. Watching the area transition from natural light to glowing golden lights offers two completely different but equally beautiful experiences.
Check for Festivals
One of the biggest annual highlights is the Yu Garden Lantern Festival, usually held early in the year. During this period, the area transforms with elaborate lantern installations and themed displays.
How to get to Yu Garden Shanghai
By Bus:
1. Take bus 64, 736, 805, 920, 911, or 930 and get off at Xinbeimen Station, and then walk along Anren Street to reach the garden.
2. Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, or 3 to get there.
By Metro:
Take Metro Line 10 (Purple) and get off at Yuyuan Station. Leave from Exit 1.
By Didi 滴滴出行:
Open your Alipay app and choose Didi Travel, choose 豫园商城 as your detination.
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