Yu Yuan Garden was built during the Ming Dynasty and finished in 1577. Divided into six general areas and laid out in the Suzhou style it is a complete classical Ming Dynasty garden in urban Shanghai and therefore a must-see. This is also the reason why the garden overflows with visitors especially on weekends and even though really beautiful, is no longer the pastoral haven it once was.

The gardens Ming Dynasty pavilions, elaborate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds are all encircled by a dragon wall. Although the area is only 5 acres it appears quite expansive, with room for 30 pavilions.