Yu Garden, Shanghai- 2/19/2023

Yu Garden also known as Yuyuan (in Chinese) is a classical garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Yu Garden was originally owned by a government officer named Pan Yuyuan and the garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. It took Pan nearly 30 years to finish and it also consumed most all the family fortune. At the time the garden was completed it was the largest and the most prestigious of its era in Shanghai.

 There us a small admission fee to get in  Yu Garden.

Upon entering the garden you will see an area called the Great Rockery.

A small courtyard in the Great rockery.

A Koi pond in the center

This area is very relaxing and soothing.

Walkway in between a section of the garden.

Intricate stone work.

Small cave in the Great Rockery.

A 39 ft. high formation made of 2,000 tons of rare yellow stones brought all the way from Wukang in Zhejian province. Each rock you see here was fused to the other using a combination of rice glue and limestone to create a formation that essentially evokes a mini landscape of cliffs, winding path an gorges that was designed by Zhang Nanyang, a famous garden artist.

Before being titled the Grand Rockery, the pavilion perched on top was known as “The Pavilion for Viewing.” At one time, it was the tallest structure in Shanghai, with a clear view of the Huangpu River. Today, the city’s many high rises dwarf it in comparison

Cherry blossom over a Koi pond.

Inside view of one of the pavilion in the Great Rockery.

We are now headed to another section of the garden.

A Pavilion with a huge rock in font.

Entrance of the Pavilion

Another pond in the garden

Panoramic view of the area.

Yu Garden is a soothing place where the artful play of yin and yang in water and stone create a welcome sense of serenity.

So many Koi fish coming to the shore and trying to get food from people

 I could stay here at this pond for ever as it is so picturesque!

A small garden on top of rocks.

We are headed to another section of the garden.

The scenery is so harmonious and serene.

Cherry blossoms in the area.

A huge pavilion in the background.

Weeping trees surrounding the Pavilion

Another gorgeous area to take pictures.

Resting area with great views.

Small alley way leading to different area of the garden.

Bonsai in blooms.

Simply gorgeous!

They have a lot of bonsais on display.

More rockery...

Last pavilion close to the exit.

We are now leaving the garden.

NEXT....Mercato by Jean Georges