Yu Garden Map
Source from China odyssey tours
How to Get to Yu Garden
Source from Wikipedia
- Bus routes: 980, 930, 736, 24, 11, etc.
- Subway: Take Line 10 to Yuyuan Station and it's within walking distance.
- Warm reminder: There is no dedicated parking lot in Yu Garden. You can take public transportation or choose the social paid parking lots around the scenic area as appropriate.
What to See in Yu Garden
Yu Garden | The Giant Rockery
Right at the entrance, you can't miss this massive rock mountain! It's the first thing that'll catch your eye - and trust me, it's worth taking your time here. The best view? Stand by the little pond at the base and look up. You'll feel tiny next to this 12-meter giant, and if you come early morning, the light creates amazing shadows through all its twisting paths and windows. Locals love telling how the garden's designer spent forever getting each rock placed just right - talk about dedication!
Yu Garden | The Famous Jade Rock
This is the garden's rock star (pun intended!). It's this huge, weirdly beautiful stone with 72 holes running through it. The story goes that it was meant for an emperor in Beijing, but somehow "got lost" and ended up here instead - sneaky! On rainy days, water trickles through the holes making the coolest natural music. You'll find it surrounded by old pavilions and a peaceful pond - definitely worth a stop for photos.
Yu Garden | Dragon Walls & Winding Bridges
Ever wondered why Chinese gardens have those zigzag bridges? They're meant to slow you down and make you notice everything around you. Smart, right? Cross the bridge near the dragon wall - it's covered in bits of old porcelain that sparkle in the sunlight. This spot is especially pretty in late afternoon when the light hits just right.
Where to Eat Near Yu Garden
Inside Yu Garden & Bazaar
Let's start with the famous Nanxiang Xiaolongbao - you'll spot it by the long line snaking around the building. Their soup dumplings are the real deal, and while the first-floor takeout window is cheaper, I'd splurge on the second-floor dining room for a more relaxed experience. Pro tip: go before 11am or after 2pm to dodge the worst queues.
The century-old Mid-Lake Pavilion Tea House is stunning - those classic upturned eaves floating above the pond! While it's a bit pricey, the dim sum and lake views are worth it at least once. Grab a window seat if you can.
Around the Bazaar
Just outside the bazaar's east gate, there's this tiny hole-in-the-wall place making fresh shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns). They're crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and cost next to nothing. Watch out - they're piping hot!
For a local feast, head to Old Shanghai Restaurant on Fuyou Road. Their hongshao rou (braised pork belly) and eight treasures rice pudding are exactly what your Shanghainese grandma would make - if you had one!
Quick Bites & Street Food
The bazaar's food street is tourist central but still fun. Must-tries:
- Cong you bing (scallion pancakes) - look for the stall with the elderly couple making them fresh
- Black sesame soup from the shop with red lanterns
- Those giant sugar-coated strawberries on sticks - totally touristy but delicious
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