Yu Yuan Garden, also known as the Garden of Happiness, is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the Old City, near a lively shopping street, this garden enchants visitors with its perfect harmony of architecture, nature, and philosophy. Its winding paths, ponds filled with carp, stone bridges, and graceful pavilions create a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. Founded in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, a high-ranking official of the Ming dynasty, the garden was designed as a gift for his parents.
We’ve prepared a complete guide to help you visit the Garden of Happiness in Shanghai. You’ll find everything you need to know about how to get there, ticket prices and where to buy them, what to see inside, and the best times to plan your visit.
Practical Information
- The entrance fee for Yu Yuan Garden varies depending on the season. For example, during the high season (from April to June and from September to November), the ticket price is 40 yuan, while during the rest of the year it’s 30 yuan.
- 🎟️ Buy tickets for the Garden of Happiness
- 🗺️ Book a private tour of Yu Yuan Garden with a guide
- Opening hours: The garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
- Address: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, Sìpáilóu, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000
How to Get to Yu Yuan Garden
Yu Yuan Garden, also known as the Garden of Happiness, is located near the old Nanshi district, surrounded by traditional Chinese buildings and charming shopping alleys. You can get there by bus, metro, or taxi.
By Bus
If you choose to take the bus, get off at the Xinbeimen stop. The garden can be reached via the following routes: 11, 26, 66, 126, 715, 926, 929, 969, 64, 736, 805, 920, 911, and 930.
Then walk along Anren Street – the garden is just a few minutes away on foot.
By Tourist Bus
If you’ve purchased a ticket for the Shanghai sightseeing bus (Line 1), you can also get off at Yu Yuan Garden. After your visit, you can hop on the next bus to continue exploring other attractions around the city. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours and can be purchased online.
By Metro
You can also reach Yu Yuan Garden via Metro Line 10. Get off at Yuyuan Station, then take Exit 1 or 7 – the garden is only a five-minute walk away.
With a Guided Tour
If you don’t have much time to explore Shanghai but still want to see as much as possible, the most convenient option is to book a private tour. In many itineraries, the Garden of Happiness is just one of the stops included. One of the main advantages is that transportation is provided, so you won’t need to worry about organizing logistics yourself. You can check the detailed itinerary, prices, and make your reservation online.
What to See in Yu Yuan Garden
The Garden of Happiness (Yu Yuan) was created in the mid-16th century by Pan Yunduan, a high-ranking official of the Ming dynasty. He wanted to offer his parents a peaceful and harmonious place to rest and enjoy their later years.
Throughout its history, the garden has experienced periods of decline and restoration. Today, it is regarded as one of the finest examples of classical Chinese gardens.
Yu Yuan Garden is divided into several sections featuring ornamental rocks, ponds, and traditional pavilions.
The Great Rock
Right at the entrance, visitors are greeted by an impressive rock formation known as the Great Rock. This monumental stone composition is considered a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden art. Standing 14 meters high, it is one of the oldest artificial rock structures in the southern region of the Yangtze River. From its summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire garden, where architecture, water, and greenery blend in perfect harmony.
The Cuixiu Pavilion
At the foot of the rock lies the Cuixiu Pavilion, a peaceful spot surrounded by ancient trees and colorful flowerbeds. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to appreciate the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture.
The Sansui Pavilion
This is one of the most important structures in the Garden of Happiness (Yu Yuan) in Shanghai. Its name, “Sansui” (三穗), can be translated as “The Three Abundances.” Built in 1760, long after the garden’s original creation, this pavilion was used for official receptions, ceremonies, and festive gatherings. The interior of the Sansui Pavilion is decorated with antique furniture, calligraphy, and refined ornamental details. From its windows, visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of other areas of the garden.
The Wanhua Chamber
Also known as the “Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers,” the Wanhua Chamber is one of the most elegant pavilions in the Garden of Happiness. Beyond its architectural beauty, visitors will notice the ancient trees planted in front of its entrance – one of them is over 400 years old.
The Inner Garden
Yu Yuan Garden is one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist attractions. Despite the large number of visitors it receives each day, there is still a place of calm and serenity — the Inner Garden.
This part of the garden features numerous ponds, each home to colorful koi carp. Visitors can admire traditional Chinese pavilions with curved roofs, intricate carvings, and decorative windows, as well as winding bridges and corridors connecting the different sections of the garden. To truly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this area, plan to spend about half an hour exploring it.
How to visit Yu Yuan Garden: recommended itinerary
If you prefer not to book a guided tour that includes the Garden of Happiness and other interesting places in Shanghai, you can easily explore it on your own. Below is a suggested route that will help you make the most of your visit. By following this path, you’ll be able to see the garden’s main highlights. The walk takes about two hours.
Garden entrance – Sansui Pavilion – Wanhua Chamber – Dianchun Pavilion – Huijing Pavilion – Yuhua Pavilion – Inner Garden – Garden exit – Nine-Turn Bridge – Huxinting Pavilion – Yuyuan Market.
Nearby attractions
To make the most of your day, combine your visit to the garden with a walk along the Bund, the famous riverside promenade located just fifteen minutes away on foot. You can also visit one of Shanghai’s most popular temples, the City God Temple, which is located nearby.
One of the most well-known spots around the Garden of Happiness is the Nine-Turn Bridge. It is part of the garden complex but lies outside the ticketed area. This zigzag-shaped bridge is a great place for photos, and getting a shot without other visitors in the background is quite a stroke of luck. In the evening, the bridge is beautifully illuminated. Crossing it will lead you to another landmark, the Huxinting Teahouse, where you should definitely enjoy a cup of tea.
Hotels near the Garden of Happiness
If you’d like to stay close to the Garden of Happiness in Shanghai, you’ll find a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and comfort levels. For a five-star experience, the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel is well worth considering. It’s an excellent choice for those who want both comfort and proximity to the city’s main attractions.
There are also good, more affordable options such as the Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel. Located between Yu Yuan Garden and the Bund, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city center on foot.
