Yu Garden is a famous classical garden located in Shanghai and also one of the must-see attractions during Shanghai tour. Built in 1577 of Ming Dynasty, with the history of over 400 years, the garden enjoys a high fame among visitors. Covering an area of 20 000 square meters, Yu Garden can be divided into four parts, the Eastern Area, the Western Area, The Central Area and Internal Garden. Although not large, it combines several different elements and create a charming scenery including delicate pavilions and corridors, well-placed rocks, lotus ponds, bridges, etc.

Highlights in Yu Garden
Great Rockery: Great Rockery is the first scene of Yu Garden. While entering the garden, visitors will see this 14 meters high rockery. It is the oldest and largest rockery in the area of south Yangtze River. From the top of the Great Rockery, visitors can have a bird's eye view of the whole garden.

Sansui Hall: Sansui Hall is the main construction in Yu Garden which was built in 1760. 9 meters high featuring 5 halls, it was originally used to entertain guests. In Qing Dynasty, here became the place to hold ceremonies of government.

Exquisite Jade Rock: Exquisite Jade Rock is the treasure of Yu Garden. 3.3 meters high with totally 72 holes, this grotesque rock is one of the three famous rocks in the southern region of the Yangtze River (the rest are Duanyun Feng in Suzhou and Zhouyun Feng in Hangzhou). Why this rock is regarded as the treasure of the garden? What's the characteristics? If you pour water from the top of the rock, the water will flow out from every hole, which shows the unbelievable scenery. While similarly, if you burn a joss stick at the bottom of the rock, the smoke will magically rise from every hole. Because of such unique and impressive view, the Exquisite Jade Rock becomes one of the top scenic spots in Yu Garden.

Besides the unique buildings in the garden, rich activities are also an important part. Every year there hold Flower Shows such as plum flower show in January, orchid show in late April and chrysanthemum show in September. From January 1st to January 18th of lunar calendar of China, there hold beautiful Lantern Show. Occasionally, there hold Painting and Calligraphy Exhibitions.

With profound history and charming scenery, Shanghai Yu Garden welcomes tourists from all over the world.