Yu Garden

A classical Chinese garden dating to the Ming dynasty, surrounded by traditional shops and the famous Huxinting Teahouse.

History & Background

Built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by Pan Yunduan, a government official, Yu Garden (Yuyuan) was created as a private retreat for his parents. The 2-hectare classical Chinese garden features pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and the iconic Huxinting Teahouse. Despite damage during the Opium Wars, it was restored and remains one of China's finest classical gardens.

What to See & Do

Huxinting Teahouse on zigzag bridge over the central pond
Grand Rockery, a 14m artificial mountain
Hall of Spring with intricate wood carvings
Inner Garden with its miniature landscape
Surrounding bazaar with traditional crafts and snacks

Visitor Tips

Visit early morning to avoid crowds
Try the xiaolongbao at the Huxinting Teahouse
Allow time for the surrounding bazaar
Photography best in the inner garden
Combine with the nearby City God Temple

Visit Yu Garden with QTour

Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.

QTour builds private itineraries around Yu Garden with a dedicated English-speaking guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide arranges entrance tickets, skips the queues where possible and explains the history in your language — no fixed group schedule and no shopping stops. Every booking follows our one-booking-one-team policy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours and ticket price for Yu Garden?

8:45 AM - 5:45 PM (Apr-Oct), 8:45 AM - 5:15 PM (Nov-Mar) CNY 40 (Apr-Oct), CNY 30 (Nov-Mar) Suggested visiting time is 2-3 hours. The best season to visit is Spring for blossoms, autumn for comfortable weather.

What should I see at Yu Garden?

Huxinting Teahouse on zigzag bridge over the central pond; Grand Rockery, a 14m artificial mountain; Hall of Spring with intricate wood carvings; Inner Garden with its miniature landscape; Surrounding bazaar with traditional crafts and snacks

What are the visitor tips for Yu Garden?

Visit early morning to avoid crowds; Try the xiaolongbao at the Huxinting Teahouse; Allow time for the surrounding bazaar; Photography best in the inner garden; Combine with the nearby City God Temple

Where is Yu Garden?

Yu Garden is in Shanghai, China. QTour includes it in private itineraries with an English-speaking guide and a private vehicle.