Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden a haven of peace and comfort was a labor of love for Pan Yunduan. He created this stunning garden for his parents. It took eighteen years to complete. Each pavilion hall and courtyard bears a name inspired by poetry. The family’s financial struggles led to the garden’s restoration by wealthy merchants over time.
Few know that Yu Garden served as a secret hideout. The Small Sword Society a rebel group plotted a rebellion in Nanjing aiming to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. Their efforts ultimately failed. Explore the garden’s main building the San Sui Hall. Its name meaning Three Tassels Hall comes from a literary quotation Three ears of grain on the beam. During the Qing Dynasty it hosted celebrations and the reading of imperial edicts.
Wander through Yu Garden and admire the Yang Shan Hall. Its horizontal boards are inscribed with lofty ridges and towering mountains here. The hall overlooks a pond and rockery. Its delicate eaves and numerous palace lanterns create a magical atmosphere especially at night. The Huge Rockery a masterpiece by Ming Dynasty architect Zhang Nanyang is a sight to behold. Composed of 2000 tons of rare yellow stones from Zhejiang Province each rock was meticulously fused using rice glue and limestone. Once the tallest structure in Shanghai it offered panoramic views of the Huangpu River.
Don’t miss the Wan Hua Tower meaning Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers. It stands on the former site of the Hua Shen Goddess of Flower Tower from the Ming Dynasty. Spot the 400-year-old Ginkgo Biloba tree a testament to the garden’s enduring presence. Admire the intricate embroidery and dragon walls. The dragon wall in the third region is especially impressive. It features a small toad under the dragon’s chin. In Chinese mythology the dragon represents auspicious power and luck while the toad symbolizes longevity.
Seek out the He Xu Hall named for warm sunshine. Its windows flood the space with light. The hall faces the rockery and pond creating a refreshing summer and warm winter ambience. The hall’s furniture crafted from banyan roots displays exquisite craftsmanship. Explore the Yu Hua Hall originally Pan Yunduan’s study. His love for exquisite jade stones inspired its construction. Beyond this hall lies the Inner Garden built in 1709.
Marvel at the Han Bi Tower or Nanmu Carving Tower. Its name is from a poetic line The woods have already become red when the water just turns green. Crafted from fine nanmu wood from Burma it features carvings of over 100 flowers and 40 illustrations from The Romance of the West Chamber. Finally discover the Jing Guan Hall once home to a private bank. The hall’s name translates to a quiet observation of the scene around gives one a sense of contentment. It provides a tranquil space for reflection. Conclude your journey at the Guan Tao Tower a three-story structure. It once offered breathtaking views of the Huangpu River. Yu Garden a place where history poetry and nature intertwine.