Throughout its long history the Yuyuan Garden has changed hands many times. Pan Yunduan had the magnificent 5 acre garden built in 1577 for his parents. But as the years went by the Pan family fell on hard times and the garden into disrepair. It was eventually sold to some merchants in 1760. They renovated it over the next two decades, and restored it to its former glory. Then, during the Opium Wars the garden was severely damaged. In 1956 the government began a five year restoration project after which the garden was opened to the public.

Though Yuyuan Ggarden is small compared to other gardens built in the same period it does not lack for beauty and splendor. Some of its trees are original to the park’s initial construction, in other words more than 400 years old. It also has a number of beautiful old buildings. The Great Rockery stands immediately before the entrance. From the top, you can see the entire garden. Sansui Hall was built in 1760. Thirty feet high, it’s a collection of five smaller halls, perfectly designed for entertaining. Dianchun Hall is known for its stage and its architecture, and because it was once the headquarters of Xiaodao Hui, a revolutionary group that revolted against the Qing dynasty. Some of the coins and literature they produced during their war against the Qing dynasty are on display there today. Finally, Yuhua Hall stands opposite to the most magnificent feature of the garden, the Jade Rock. In fact, the hall was built on that spot so you could sit and look at the rock. As you’d expect then, Yuhua Hall has some excellent and very comfortable furniture.

The Jade Rock is a 3.3 meter high Rock with 72 holes in it. The sheer size of the rock is awe-inspiring. If smoke is released from the bottom of the rock, it comes out of all 72 holes at once, a sight to behold. Similarly, if water is poured over the upper part of the rock it flows down through all 72 holes in a lovely waterfall.

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