Yu Yuan- The Garden of Happiness (544 views)

Release date:2010-06-24 11:53:35

Yu Yuan has a prominent place among other tourist spots in Shanghai. It is a classical garden that was built in 1577 during Ming Dynasty. It is the history of the Yu Yuan that is most touching. Built by an administrative officer named Pan Yunduan, Yu Yuan was a private garden initially, meant for his parents to spend their old age in peace and happiness. Yu in Chinese means ‘happiness’ and this garden was designed and landscaped to offer the same. A few unpleasant events that Yu Yuan had to face in course of time caused several renovations. At first garden was maintained by Pan’s family but by the decline of his family, it started to dilapidate. Later Yu Yuan fell into the hands of few rich merchants who restored the beauty of the garden only to get destroyed in Opium war in 19th century. It took five years to refurbish Yu Yuan and later it was opened to public in 1961. Yu Yuan is an excellent example for the typical ancient Chinese architecture style.

Besides the beautiful landscape of trees and rockeries there are magnificent pavilions, halls etc to enchant its visitors. The main structures are designed and built near one or the other attraction. For example; Cuixiu Hall is situated near rockery, from where you can enjoy the beauty of both rockeries and greenery that is speckled with bright flowers. Surrounding Yule Pavilion there are small pavilions, streams, courtyards etc… Cloisters and bamboos serve a beautiful backdrop to Wanhua Chamber. Two old trees mark the entrance to the chamber. Sansui Hall with five halls built in 1760 is the biggest structure in the garden. Sansui in Chinese means ‘lucky’. Earlier Sansui Hall served as a guest house and later a place to entertain celebrities and educated people. Dianchun Hall that consists of Relic Hall, Performance Stage, Ancient Well Pavilion and Hexu Hall, once housed Xiaodao Hui, a revolutionary group during Qing Dynasty. Their coins and bulletins are displayed in the Relic Hall.

The most important attraction in the Yu Yuan is the Exquisite Jade Rock. This five ton rock brought from Taihu in Jiangsu Province is said to be from the private collection of the Emperor Huizong. The Exquisite Jade Rock is porous and translucent in nature. Its special features attract people from all over the country. Pan Yunduan built Yuhua Hall in such a way that he can watch Exquisite Jade Rock from the hall. The carpentry and other furnishings in the hall are of rosewood and can be dated back to Ming Dynasty. Yet another rockery in the garden is the Great Rockery that gives you a bird’s eye view of the garden. The Inner Garden with pavilions, zigzag bridges, ornamental ponds, trees etc gives an other-worldly experience. When you follow narrow lanes in Yu Yuan you can see Town God Temple that was built in 15th century. You can find many curio shops throughout the alley where you can buy souvenirs, paintings etc and also get the taste of local food.

Yu Yuan that proudly stands as the symbol of a son’s unwavering affection towards his parents is an excellent place to take your family for a walking tour. For those who are interested in Chinese art, architecture and history this garden has plenty to offer. A trip to Yu Yuan where the Chinese classic architecture, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures are displayed is truly enlightening.

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