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Yu GardenPhoto: Ray in Manila · BY 2.0

Yu Garden

168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai$
Book TicketsDirectionsBooking links · they don’t affect the Locals Score

Yu Garden (豫园, Yùyuán) is a masterpiece of classical Jiangnan garden design built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, set in Shanghai's historic Old City. Its pavilions, dragon walls, rockeries, and koi ponds offer a rare pocket of traditional China — surrounded by the free-to-explore Yuyuan Bazaar and the iconic zigzag bridge.

Key facts

Hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–16:30
Price$
Phone—
Website—
Nearest transitMetro Line 10 (also Line 14) — Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站); Exit 1 or Exit 6 depending on destination within the precinct, ~6–10 min walk to garden gate
Time needed1.5–2 hours for the garden alone; 3+ hours if combining with the Yuyuan Bazaar and surrounding streets
Best time to goWeekday mornings right at 09:00 opening for fewest crowds and softest light
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Locals Score

  • Value6.5
  • Freshness5.9
  • Crowd level4.0
  • Authenticity7.0
  • Accessibility7.0
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Frequently asked questions

How do I buy tickets — can I book online in advance?
Tickets can be booked in advance via the official WeChat Mini Program (Chinese only, requires a valid ID or passport number) or purchased on-site at the ticket office. International visitors often use third-party platforms such as Trip.com or Klook for English-language pre-booking with QR-code entry.
How crowded does Yu Garden get, and when should I visit to avoid crowds?
Yu Garden is one of Shanghai's busiest attractions and can be extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during the annual Lantern Festival (held around Chinese New Year). Early weekday mornings right at the 09:00 opening offer the smallest crowds and the best light for photography.
What are the main highlights inside Yu Garden not to miss?
The garden's six zones — Sansui Hall, Wanhua Hall, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden — each have distinct character. Standout features include the Dragon Wall (an undulating boundary wall topped with ceramic dragons), the Exquisite Jade Rock (玉玲珑), classical rockeries, and the restored Huxinting Teahouse visible from the zigzag bridge just outside.
Is there a night experience at Yu Garden?
Yes. A paid night tour called 豫享山林 runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May through October (18:30–21:50, last entry 21:00), and Friday through Sunday from November through April (18:00–21:20, last entry 20:30). The illuminated exterior rooflines and bridge can be viewed for free without a night-tour ticket on ordinary evenings.
How much does a Yu Garden ticket cost?
Adult admission is ¥40 (approximately $5–6 USD). Seniors over 60, students, and children between 1.3 m and 18 years old pay ¥20 (half price). Children under 1.3 m or aged 6 and under enter free.
What are Yu Garden's opening hours and which days is it closed?
Yu Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–16:30, with last admission at 16:00. It is closed every Monday except on national public holidays, when it remains open.
How do I get to Yu Garden by metro?
Take Shanghai Metro Line 10 or Line 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站). Exit 1 leads toward the garden entrance with a roughly 10-minute walk; Exit 6 deposits you directly near the bazaar food stalls. The station name is sometimes romanised as 'Yuyuan' on signage.
What is the difference between Yu Garden and the Yuyuan Bazaar?
Yu Garden is the historic walled classical garden requiring a paid ticket (¥40). The Yuyuan Bazaar is the sprawling commercial precinct surrounding it — free to enter — packed with traditional-style architecture, restaurants, snack stalls, and souvenir shops. Many of Shanghai's most-photographed views (the zigzag bridge, Huxinting Teahouse) are in the free bazaar zone.

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