When in Shanghai you will probably plan a visit to the Old Town and even if it somewhat a tourist trap I think you should, just be prepared that it’s packed with tourists which makes it practically impossible to get a feel for old time Shanghai. However there is one strong reason to go here and that is the Yuyuan Garden, a tranquil paradise in the middle of Old Town Shanghai.

The garden was built by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty named Pan Yunduan and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Coming from the crowded streets it was a relief to enter the quiet garden and it was easy to imagine that the feeling would have been the same for the Yunduan family around 400 years ago. This garden is definitely worth a visit!

All photos by Selected Travel