Yu Yuan Gardens, a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie south of the Bund, is a combination of interesting architecture, history, shopping center, and museum. It was constructed in the period of Emperor Jiajing's rein of Ming dynasty from 1559 and completed in 1577 with a history of more than 400 years. Yuyuan Garden had undergone many changes and is now the only fully restored classical Chinese garden in Shanghai. The Yuyuan Garden today is the result of a five year restoration project which began in 1956. It was open to the public in September, 1961.

   

The main scenic spots in the Yuyuan Gardens are the Urban Mountain Forest, Hualin Charming Valley, Spring Famous Historical Site, the Most Enjoyable Water-Stone Site, Treasure in the Universe and Garden within Gardens.

In the Hualin Charming Valley are waterside pavilion, winding corridors, Yihang, Floral Tower and other scenic sites.The Most Enchanting Water stone site is situated at the eastern part famous for its ponds and artificial hills. The Treasure in the Universe consists of ingenuous and exquisite Jade Stone, Accumulated Water Veranda, Jade Hall, Dragon Winding Bridge and other building. Upon entering the garden, you will encounter a rockery, which is called the Great Rockery. With a height of 14 meters (about 50 feet), it is the largest as well as the oldest rockery in the southern region of the Yangtze River. On the top of the rockery, you can get a bird's eye view of the garden.