Yu Gardens

In the midst of Old Shanghai sits an oasis of quiet and calm. The Yu Yuan Garden. The Garden was built in 1557 for a high ranking official of the Ming Dynasty. It was damaged several times throughout it's life including during the Opium Wars in the 19th century and during World War II. The Shanghai government restored the garden in the 1950's and it is a jewel for tourism today.

Yu Garden is considered the most lavish of all gardens in southern China. It is easy to see why. It covers about 5 acres which actually makes it smallish in size. What it lacks in size it makes up for in its beauty. The furnishings are from the Ming Dynasty and there are some pieces in woods I have not seen before from this period.

Traveling throughout the grounds and halls you pass through many doorways and along the long double sided zig-zag corridor. Each side is finished differently and there are windows connecting the two sides.

The ponds and pavilions are exquisite and so calming. Even with crowds of people around you feel a sense of peace when standing there.

As you may have observed, I am continually fascinated by roofs. To most of us a roof is simply protection for our homes. There may be some architectural or material interest, but it is still basically a required element. In Asia a roof is quite often a work of art. The lines and sculptures and painting are all part of this most practical work of art. The roof lines at Yu Garden were especially interesting.

One of the most revered elements in the garden is the Jade Rock. It stands about ten feet tall and has many holes throughout. One interesting fact is that if you light a joss stick (incense) and hold it at the bottom, the smoke will float out through all of the holes. Similarly, if you pour water over the top of the stone, it will flow out through each of the holes in the stone.

Along with the jade stone there is another feature of this garden that I found both unique and mesmerizing. It is the Dragon Wall. A large part of the garden is surrounded by this elaborate wall. At first you think that it is simply a wall with a very decorative curved top. It is not until you come to one of the dragon heads that you realize the remainder of the wall is the undulating bodies of the dragons. I could hardly tear my eyes from it.

There is a tea house within the grounds that gives interested visitors a free class on medicinal teas. Even Ken was intrigued (he has never been a tea drinker) and decided to buy some. Now if it only will help us loose weight!


There is a stage for performances during a wedding and another area for large performances.

Despite being taken back in time with the beauty of the Yu Garden, one only need look up to realize that old and new can live is great harmony.

It is a part of Shanghai I truly love.