Yuyuan is Shanghai’s cultural soul, blending a 16th-century classical garden (Yuyuan Garden), the bustling City God Temple, and labyrinthine alleyways with traditional snacks. Cobblestone paths and Ming-Qing architecture make it a must-visit for first-timers. Most Hills homes are a 10-minute walk from Yuyuan Station.
1.Where to Eat
1.1Shanghai Local Cuisine & Time-Honored Eateries
绿波廊酒楼 Lübolang Restaurant
Presidential-visit spot; Crab roe dumplings & "Eyebrow" pastries. A historic gem in Shanghai, has been serving traditional Chinese cuisine for over a century. Its elegant ambiance and exquisite dishes, such as the signature braised pork, make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
-Address: 115 Yuyuan Rd
-Price: 100-150RMB
南翔馒头店（九曲桥总店） Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Nanxiang Mantou Store is a must-visit for food lovers seeking authentic Shanghai flavors. Famous for its delicate xiaolongbao, this humble eatery has been perfecting the art of steamed buns since 1900, offering a taste of history in every bite.
-Address: 85 Yuyuan Rd
-Price: 50-80RMB
1.2Must-Eat Street Food
松月楼 Songyue Lou Vegetarian
With a wide variety of dishes ranging from succulent seafood to hearty vegetarian dishes, Song Yue Lou Restaurant caters to all diners' tastes. There are also speciality buddhist veggie buns & flower-shaped. The cosy atmosphere and friendly service make it the ideal place for a relaxing meal with family and friends. cakes
-Address: 99 Jiuxiaochang Rd
-Price: 20-40RMB
上海德兴馆 Shanghai De Xing Guan
Founded in 1878, the birthplace of "Benbang Cuisine", frequented by Shanghai elites like Du Yuesheng. Braised Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Roe: Glossy, melt-in-mouth texture with umami explosion.
- Address: 471 Guangdong Road, Huangpu District (Near Fujian Middle Road)
-Price：100-150RMB
2. Must-Visit Spots
2.1Gardens & History
豫园 Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden is a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, featuring elegant pavilions, ponds, and rock formations. It offers a serene retreat amidst Shanghai’s bustling cityscape. The garden is also home to historic teahouses and traditional architecture, making it a must-visit for culture and history lovers.
-Address: 218 Anren St
-Ticket: ¥40
城隍庙City God Temple
The City God Temple is a historic Taoist temple, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, and remains an important cultural and religious site. Surrounding the temple is a lively marketplace filled with street food stalls, souvenir shops, and local handicrafts. Visitors can sample Shanghai delicacies like soup dumplings while exploring the rich history and traditions of the area.
-Address: 249 Fangbang Middle Rd
-Free
2.2Instagram Hotspots
九曲桥 Nine-Turn Bridge
The Nine-Turn Bridge is one of Yuyuan Garden’s most iconic landmarks, known for its distinctive zigzag design. The bridge’s sharp angles were traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, but today, they create the perfect setting for stunning photos. With the historic tea house at its center and shimmering pond reflections, it’s a prime spot for capturing the charm of old Shanghai. Visit in the evening to see the lanterns light up, adding a magical glow to your shots.
-Address：Yuyuan Bazaar
-Free
天裕楼 Tianyu Building
Tianyu Building offers a unique vantage point where old meets new. From the stairwells on the 3rd and 4th floors, you can capture Yuyuan’s traditional rooftops perfectly framed with Lujiazui’s modern skyline. This hidden gem is ideal for stunning contrast shots of historic Shanghai and its futuristic skyline in one frame. Visit during sunset for the best lighting!
3.Shopping Guide
3.1Traditional Souvenirs
上海老饭店食品店 Shanghai Old Restaurant Food Store
Shanghai Old Restaurant Food Store is a great place to take home the flavors of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Known for its classic local snacks like savory pork mooncakes and crispy sesame pastries, it preserves the taste of old Shanghai.
-Address：556 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District
-Price：50-150RMB
上海梨膏糖商店 Shanghai Pear Syrup Candy Store
A traditional shop specializing in Shanghai’s famous pear syrup candy, known for its soothing effect on the throat and rich herbal flavors. A perfect local treat or gift.
-Address: 98 Yuyuan Rd
-Price: 20-50RMB
3.2Cultural & Creative Boutiques
三生有信文创店 Sansheng Youxin Cultural Shop
A stationery lover’s paradise: Seal your Shanghai memories with a wax-stamped letter to your future self.Vintage letter paper & wax seals with custom name engraving, blending tradition into modern rituals.Signature Products: 24 Solar Terms stationery sets, Yuyuan-themed wax stamps.
-Address: No.35, Gate 1, Yuyuan Shopping Centre, Fuyou Rd.
-Price: 50-150RMB
豫园文创·江南百景图 Yuyuan Cultural & Creative: Jiangnan Scenes
Yuyuan Cultural & Creative: Jiangnan Scenes. A must-visit for fans of traditional Chinese aesthetics, this shop brings the world of Jiangnan Hundred Scenes to life with unique cultural and creative products. Discover souvenirs inspired by Shanghai’s rich history and Jiangnan-style artistry.
-Address: 25 Wenchang Rd
-Price: 50-150RMB
Local Hacks
1.Avoid crowds by visiting before 10am on weekdays.
2.Secret view: Yuyuan Bazaar’s 2nd-floor terrace overlooks the bridge.
3.Take Metro Line 10/14; Parking is a nightmare.
Yuyuan isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a living time capsule where Ming Dynasty whispers meet modern Shanghai’s buzz. Whether you’re sipping tea in a 400-year-old pavilion, bargaining for jade trinkets, or nibbling soup dumplings hot from bamboo steamers, every corner here tells a story. Use this guide to dodge the midday crowds, find hidden gems like rooftop photo spots, and taste flavors that even locals queue for.
And hey, if you’re crashing at one of Hills’ nearby homes, you’re just a short stroll away from catching Yuyuan’s magical lantern-lit nights. Ready to time-travel with your tastebuds? Grab your camera, stretch your chopstick skills, and let Yuyuan surprise you—one ancient alleyway at a time.