Okay, I'm ready for the Chinese title.
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Alright, I should really mention this properly! The Yu Garden is indeed well-known, but the experience when you actually visit... Well, just say it's mixed!
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People! People! People!
- Oh my goodness, it's like the drums and gongs are ringing loud, fireworks exploding and red flags waving, as the place is filled with so many people! I originally thought to experience the elegance and tranquility of a traditional Chinese garden, but then most of the time was spent looking at the backs of other visitors or being pushed forward by the crowd. And don't even dream of taking a photo without any passersby!
- Explanation for foreign friends: Yu Garden is a very famous ancient private garden located in central Shanghai, with more than 400 years old. It's much like a backyard of a wealthy family in ancient times. Since it’s so famous, there are always plenty of tourists, especially during holidays.
- Oh my goodness, it's like the drums and gongs are ringing loud, fireworks exploding and red flags waving, as the place is filled with so many people! I originally thought to experience the elegance and tranquility of a traditional Chinese garden, but then most of the time was spent looking at the backs of other visitors or being pushed forward by the crowd. And don't even dream of taking a photo without any passersby!
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Tinge of commercialism
- The connected area both outside and inside the garden is saturated with shops, selling all sorts of souvenirs and snacks. They’re not necessarily bad things, but to some extent they overshadow the quiet ambience of the original park. More like entering a typical tourist product street rather than a historical garden.
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Higher expectations, possibly higher disappointment...
- Maybe I had a better impression of it beforehand, imagining slowly strolling around and soaking in all the views, feeling calm and tranquil. But in reality, that experience may be somewhat hard to find.
To be fair, the architecture and design of the Yu Garden itself are worth watching, with those intricate winding passages, delicate carvings, and fish in the ponds. If there were fewer crowds, it would actually look quite beautiful watching it peacefully.
️ Attention! Tips for those headed to visit (please take heed!)-
Crowded alerts!
- Problem: There will be a lot of people, making you doubt life, especially during weekends and Chinese public holidays. You can barely move forward and appreciate the scenery properly.
- How?
- Try choosing a day during weekdays, and get there as soon as it opens or just before closing time to have "relatively" less crowds.
- Avoid China’s peak holiday seasons if possible, such as October National Day Holiday and Spring Festival, when more crowds are expected!
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Watch your wallets and phones!
- Problem: Thieves might be 'clocking-in' where there's high foot traffic.
- How?
- Wear slung backpacks across your chest or put your valuables in zipped inner pockets. Don't casually leave your phone in your back pocket.
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'Souvenirs' and mementos, shop around to avoid regrets
- Problem: The items for sale in places of interest may be slightly higher in price than those outside, with quality potentially varying greatly.
- How?
- Take your time to look around, rather than rushing into purchases. The price for goods elsewhere could be cheaper, such as from small goods shops or non-tourist areas. Try the delicacies at the Yuyuan Commercial Street, but expect them to cost more than in normal places.
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Adjust your mindset, enjoy the ambiance!
- Problem: If you're expecting a quiet garden where you could meditate and ponder life, you might feel a bit let down.
- How?
- Just treat it like a place to experience the bustling streets of the old urban area in Shanghai! Immersing yourself in the unique hustle-bustle atmosphere is good too. Stroll among those ancient buildings, take photos and try food. That’s also a type of experience.
Just some personal rants and advice here, I wonder how you guys perceive the Yu Garden! Please feel free to share your thoughts! #ShanghaiYuGarden
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People from Shanghai haven't been going there for a while now. This year, they're all flocking to Nanxiang Ancient Town.
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The lanterns are still up over there. They're lit at night, and it's free to visit.
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Question: Will I still need a down jacket if I visit Shanghai in mid-March?
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You should probably pack a light one (a fleece jacket would also work). The weather around mid-March can be tricky – warm one day, surprisingly cold the next. It's hard to say for sure.
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Friendly tip: go in the evening.
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They're likely referring to the Yuyuan Garden proper, which isn't open at night.
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Honestly, it's pretty average, but there aren't many places like it left in Shanghai. It's mostly geared towards tourists/foreigners. If you want to see truly great gardens, you should go to Suzhou.
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The nearby attractions in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region are still worth checking out.
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I went yesterday. It was raining, so I sat in a pavilion listening to some music for a while. It was actually quite a nice experience.
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Nice, and the photos are well taken too.
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To really get the best feel and views of Yuyuan Garden, you need to go to the second floor.
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Nice shots!
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To be honest, Yuyuan Garden managed this way isn't very enjoyable. You're better off finding a small teahouse nearby, enjoying some tea, and taking a few photos there. The garden itself is just too crowded.
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Excuse me, is the teahouse located outside the main scenic area?
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The real beauty of Shanghai isn't found in the downtown area.
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Where is this?