Yuyuan is located in the northeastern part of the old city of Shanghai, adjacent to Fuyou Road in the north, Anren Street in the east, Laochenghuang Temple and Yuyuan Shopping Mall in the southwest. It is the only surviving Ming Dynasty garden in the old city. The pavilions, rocks, mountains, and shimmering lakes in the garden are known as the "exquisite beauty of Jiangnan". Yuyuan was originally a private garden owned by the Pan family during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty.
The park was named Gujiazhai Park, originally restricted to French immigrants, hence it is commonly known as "French Park". In recent years, a large number of flowers and trees have been added, with a total of 140 species and more than 10,000 plants, including a large number of Chinese parasol trees, which account for the highest proportion among parks in the city. There are also precious trees such as Ginkgo biloba, catalpa, and maple.
The Shanghai Grand View Garden is a large-scale ancient garden architectural complex designed based on the description of the Chinese Qing Dynasty classic novel "Dream of the Red Chamber". The garden, planned and designed by Liang Yousong, the Shanghai Garden Bureau, is formed by the "Familial Villa" stone archway, stone lanterns, Qinfang Lake, Tiren Mude, winding paths, palace gates, "Illusory Realm of Taixu" carved walls, wooden archways, etc., forming the central axis of the entire garden. On the west side, there are Yihong Courtyard, Longcui Temple, Lixiang Courtyard, and Stone Boats. On the east side, there are Xiaoxiang Hall, Hongwu Courtyard, Liaofeng Pavilion, and Daoxiang Village, and more than 20 other architectural attractions.
Jing'an Park is a people-oriented modern park with distinctive landscape features. The park combines leisure, fitness, entertainment, and sightseeing. Jing'an Park has received numerous honors, such as "Double Excellence Park" and "Seven Nos" civilized park. The 32 hundred-year-old trees on the central avenue, the gingko square at the north gate, and the historical and cultural space in the east are all attractions in the park.
Rarely can you find such a green park in the downtown area of Shanghai. It is not a small park either. There are quite a lot of people here and it is bustling. There is a beautiful artificial lake inside, and many couples take their wedding photos here. It has basically become a popular location for wedding photos in Shanghai.
Apart from the delicious food, don't miss a visit to Guyi Garden when in Nanxiang. This Ming dynasty garden, with over 450 years of history, showcases winter plum, spring peach, summer lotus (known as the "gentleman among flowers"), and autumn osmanthus. It also features green bamboo (the garden is named after bamboo) and various flowers and plants from around the world, including the bicolored flower from Mexico.
