It is said that Yuyuan Garden was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is located in the Puxi (west to Huangpu River) of Shanghai, a few blocks south of the Bund. Yuyuan Garden covers an area of about two hectares. It is not that big as in your first anticipation, but it contains all the Chinese garden elements inside the little space. Ponds, trees, flowers, rocks, houses and bridges make the garden a place full of wild nature interests. In the garden, century-old furnitures, calligraphy, paintings, carvings, inscriptions, clay sculptures and couplets are all well-preserved.
The Exquisite Jade Rock is one of the most attractive beauties. It is a 5-ton, porous, beautifully-shaped, grotesque rock, which is said to have been carried from Taihu (Tai Lake) in Wuxi, Jiangsu. The rock is characterized by its wrinkled appearance, slender shape, translucent nature and numerous holes eroded by water. An interesting legend goes that the rock was found some 1000 years ago, and it was originally one of Song Emperor Huizong's private collection before it found its way into Yu Garden.
The surrounding Yuyuan Market area provides good shopping opportunities, where traditional Chinese products and gold and jewels are on sale. It is one of China’s most famous commercial regions. Don’t miss it!