Here is a photo of Yu Yuan Gardens and Bazaar in Shanghai, which I took when I visited Shanghai in 2010 on a personal holiday and spent nine days exploring this fantastic Chinese metropolis.

One of the many interesting places I found was the Yu Yuen Gardens (豫园), where traditional Chinese architecture was still maintained after hundreds of years. It is also known as Yu Gardens and is located in the centre of the old city of Shanghai. The place is fantastic, and I still cannot believe how many people were there when I visited.

Yu Yuan Gardens Bazaar in Shanghai

The gardens were opened to the public in 1961, and they date back to 1559 when Pan Yunduan built them to please his father during the Ming Dynasty. Yuyuan Garden, also translated as Garden of Contentment, occupies a two-hectare area split into a shopping and bazaar district and beautiful traditional landscaping.

If you like tourist spots, this is one of Shanghai’s most famous places. You should expect thousands of tourists here, and 99.9% of them are local tourists.

The famous Xiao Long Bao is in Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai.

There are some famous food places here, and you must line up for at least 20 minutes to try the famous Soup Dumplings (Xiao long bao). You can also get lovely souvenirs here, but take note: It would be much better if you went with someone who spoke Mandarin to get the best price.

One interesting item to buy here is the Chairman Mao Red Handbook. They sell originals and copies, so please ask before purchasing. The picture above shows one of the many traditional Chinese buildings here, and most of them are either shops or restaurants.

Photos of Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar in Shanghai

A Starbucks is seen in one of the traditional buildings at Yu Garden.

Some of the interesting architectural features of the old part of Yu Yuan are.

At the Yuyuan Bazaar, thousands of visitors pass by.

The traditional architecture is seen on the buildings here.

Conclusion

Overall, I had a fantastic time here, and one of the most memorable places I visited for food was no other than the unique and yet strange Kung Fu fast food outlet in Shanghai. I think a visit here would justify the overall theme for any first-timer visitor to Shanghai.

I find Shanghai a great place to explore on foot and walk around; you will encounter many interesting places. Those wanting to visit the Yu Yuan Gardens Bazaar in Shanghai can use the metro and stop at the Yuyuan Garden Station.