Yu Garden Shanghai (豫园): Complete Visitor Guide
Updated: Sep 2
Yu Garden (豫园 / Yuyuan Garden) is one of the most famous places to visit in Shanghai, combining a traditional Ming Dynasty garden with the much busier Yuyuan Bazaar surrounding it.
We visited during our Shanghai trip and I think it’s worth understanding that Yu Garden and the surrounding bazaar are actually two different experiences.
The garden itself is the historic paid attraction, while the surrounding area is free to explore and packed with traditional architecture, shops, restaurants, snacks and the famous Nine-Turn Bridge (九曲桥).
If this is your first trip to Shanghai, I’d definitely include it.
Why Visit Yu Garden?
Yu Garden (豫园, Yuyuan Garden) is one of Shanghai’s most famous attractions — a classic Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It’s surrounded by Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively area filled with shops, food stalls, and cultural souvenirs.
We loved it not just for the traditional architecture and gardens, but also for the modern mix of shops and eateries you’ll find right outside.
Essential Visitor Info
📍 Address: No. 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区安仁街218号)
🚇 Nearest Metro: Yu Garden Station (豫园站), Line 10 — Exit 6 brings you right to the food stalls area.
🕒 Opening Hours:
Garden: 8:30am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Yuyuan Bazaar (shops): Usually 10:00am – 10:00pm
🎫 Ticket Price: Around RMB 40 for the Garden (Bazaar is free to explore)
What We Found Inside & Around Yu Garden
Beyond the historical garden, you’ll find plenty of modern shops and local experiences. Some highlights from our trip:
Pete’s Coffee (Premium Coffee) – Great place to take a break if you need a high-quality brew.
Popmart – Famous for collectible blind boxes; fun souvenir to bring home.
三元梅園 (San Yuan Mei Yuan) – Traditional dessert shop with classic Chinese sweets.
Exit 6 Food Stalls – Don’t miss this! Local street food like dumplings, skewers, and snacks. Affordable and delicious.
💡 Tip: It gets very crowded on weekends. Go early in the morning or late afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
Things to Do in Yu Garden
Wander through classic pavilions, ponds, and rockeries in the main garden.
Shop for souvenirs, tea, silk, and trinkets in the bazaar.
Try local street snacks right outside Exit 6.
Capture the famous zigzag bridge (九曲桥) with its tea house — one of Shanghai’s most Instagrammable spots.
Yu Garden vs Yuyuan Bazaar — What's the Difference?
Yu Garden is the actual historical Chinese garden and requires a ticket.
Yuyuan Bazaar is the commercial area surrounding the garden. It's free to enter and includes restaurants, souvenir shops, traditional-style buildings, the Nine-Turn Bridge and plenty of food.
You can visit the bazaar without buying a Yu Garden ticket.
Personally, we only visited the bazaar and it's already super pretty, and a lovely place to walk around. You can definitely visit the garden if you want to take it to the next step and experience traditional feeling of China.
That distinction is useful because people constantly see pictures of “Yu Garden” that are actually the bazaar.
Nine-Turn Bridge 九曲桥
The Nine-Turn Bridge (九曲桥) is one of the most iconic photo spots around Yu Garden. Its zig-zag shape crosses the pond in front of the traditional buildings of Yuyuan Bazaar, creating one of the classic Shanghai views people associate with the area.
It can get very crowded, so I’d visit earlier in the day if you want cleaner photos. In the evening, the surrounding buildings light up and the whole area feels completely different.
When I came the last time, we even managed to catch a special free performance here, with traditional Chinese dancers.
Yu Garden Shanghai FAQ
Is Yu Garden free?
The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is free, but the historic garden itself requires a ticket.
How much is Yu Garden Shanghai?
The official adult ticket is currently RMB40 during peak season and RMB30 during off-season. (Official site)
Is Yu Garden closed on Monday?
Yes, the garden is normally closed on Mondays except national public holidays.
What metro station is closest to Yu Garden?
Yu Garden Station (豫园站), served by Lines 10 and 14.
How long should I spend at Yu Garden?
Around 2–3 hours if you want to see both the garden and surrounding bazaar.
Is Yu Garden worth visiting at night?
The actual garden closes earlier, but the surrounding Yuyuan area is particularly attractive after dark when the buildings are illuminated.
Plan Your Trip with Our Shanghai Guides
📱 Best eSIM for China → (worked perfectly in Shanghai)
Final Thoughts
Yu Garden is a must-visit in Shanghai — blending heritage and modern culture in one place. Whether you’re here for history, shopping, or street food, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
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