Just a short walk from the incredibly busy and bustling bazaar is Yu Garden, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of old Shanghai.
After the noise and crowds of the bazaar, stepping into the garden felt like entering another world. Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden, with rock formations, ponds, ancient wooden buildings, winding paths and some wonderful architectural details. It dates back more than 400 years and is one of Shanghai’s best-known historic attractions.
The dragon that you can't miss
One of the most striking features of the garden was the huge dragon winding its way along the top of a wall. It was imposing, beautiful and slightly weird-looking at the same time!
It certainly caught everyone’s attention. Actually, you couldn’t miss it. If you did, you must have been walking around with your head down instead of looking at your surroundings!
Another feature I particularly liked was the use of open windows in the garden walls. Looking through them was almost like looking through a picture frame, with another part of the garden perfectly framed on the other side.
There were several of these around the garden and I thought they added so much character.
Fascinated by the floor tiles
I must say I couldn’t resist taking photographs of the old floor tiles. I couldn’t believe we were walking over tiles that had survived for hundreds of years.
There were different patterns and symbols worked into the pathways. Our guide explained that they had meanings, but unfortunately I can’t remember what they were! I just remember finding them fascinating.
Yu Garden really did feel like an oasis of tranquillity. For a while, I felt I had escaped the madness of the bazaar next door and stepped into a much calmer world.
Of course, I eventually had to return to the crowds!
With the help of our guide, I managed to buy some very nice Chinese green tea in the bazaar. I bought several different varieties for friends and family — but mostly for me!
If you are visiting Shanghai and find yourself in the Old City, Yu Garden is well worth a visit especially if you need a little escape from the bustle outside.
Have you visited Yu Garden, or another traditional Chinese garden? What did you enjoy most about it?
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