The Huxin Pavilion sits at the center of a zigzagging bridge in the middle of a pond, identifiable by its traditional wooden eaves and red-painted pillars. Constructed in seventeen eighty-four, it functioned originally as a teahouse for…
Yuyuan Classical Garden Art
This self-guided walk guides you through the intricate design of Shanghai's historic Ming Dynasty garden to decode the Taoist philosophy and symbolism behind its rockeries, dragon walls, and quiet ponds.
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1. Huxin Pavilion
2. Jiuqu Bridge
The Jiuqu Bridge zigzags across the surface of the Yuyuan Garden pond in nine distinct segments. Builders constructed this path to deter evil spirits, which are said to travel only in straight lines. During the Ming dynasty, wealthy…
3. Sansui Hall
The Sansui Hall stands out with its heavy, dark timber frame and the distinct, upward-curving eaves of a traditional Jiangnan-style residence. Originally built during the Ming dynasty, it served as a private villa for a wealthy official…
4. Huge Rockery
The Huge Rockery in the Yuyuan Garden rises three stories high, constructed entirely from rare yellow stone. Zhang Nanyang, a master gardener from the Ming Dynasty, spent three years stacking these boulders to mimic the craggy peaks of…
5. Dianchuntang
Dianchuntang features a wide, traditional Chinese roofline and a darkened wooden gate that stands out against the surrounding urban sprawl of Huangpu District. It served as the headquarters for the Small Sword Society during their…
6. Yuhua Hall
Yuhua Hall is a modest, single-story brick structure tucked into the grounds of the Yuyuan Garden. It serves as a study, distinguished by its narrow, elegant profile and the dark, weathered wooden pillars that support its overhanging…