Yan Zhou
Quick Jump – Save Your Time
I've been guiding tourists through Shanghai for over eight years. Every week, someone tells me they wasted twenty minutes walking in circles because they used the wrong exit. Let me save you that headache.
Yu Garden metro station (Line 10) is the direct gateway to the historic Yu Garden, City God Temple, and the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar. But here's the catch—only Exit 1 gets you there without detours. Most maps show multiple exits, but Exit 2 and 3 dump you into a confusing maze of side streets.
I always tell my clients: “Aim for Exit 1, turn left after the escalator, and you'll see the garden wall in three minutes.”
Why Yu Garden Metro Station Is Your Best Bet
Taxis can get stuck in the narrow lanes around the old city, especially during Chinese holidays. The metro is faster, cheaper, and drops you right at the doorstep. Plus, the station itself is clean, well-signed in English, and equipped with elevators for strollers or wheelchairs.
One thing the official guides don't stress: the station connects directly to Line 10, which also serves major spots like Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. So you can seamlessly chain your sightseeing.
Line & Exit – Don't Pick the Wrong One
Which metro line serves Yu Garden?
Only Shanghai Metro Line 10. The station name is Yu Garden Station (豫园站). Interchange with Line 14 (the newest line) at Yuyuan Station is possible, but that station serves a different area—don't mix them up!
Which exit to use?
| Exit | Destination | Walking Time to Main Entrance | Chinese Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit 1 (Recommended) | Yu Garden main entrance, City God Temple | 3–5 minutes | 1号出口 |
| Exit 2 | Fu You Road (leads to bazaar back entrance) | 10 minutes with twists | 2号出口 |
| Exit 3 | Jiajiao Road (residential area) | 15 minutes, easy to get lost | 3号出口 |
My advice: Ignore Exit 2 and 3. Only Exit 1 has clear English signage pointing to the garden. I've tested all three—Exit 1 is the no-brainer.
Walking Time & Direction Tips
From Exit 1 to the garden ticket booth: 3 minutes flat if you walk at a normal pace. After you exit the turnstiles, follow the “Yu Garden →” sign to the left. You'll emerge onto a pedestrian plaza. Keep walking straight past a small Starbucks—the garden's main gate is on your right.
If you see a crowd queuing for steamed buns at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, you're on the right path. That shop is literally next to the garden entrance.
Avoid the scam near Exit 1
Every day, touts approach tourists near the exit offering “cheap guided tours” for ¥50. They'll take you to a fake tea ceremony and pressure you to buy overpriced leaves. I've had clients lose ¥300 that way. Just wave them off and walk straight to the ticket window.
Ticket Prices & Bookings – What They Don't Tell You
| Category | Off-Peak (Nov–Apr) | Peak (May–Oct & Holidays) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (full garden) | ¥30 | ¥40 | Includes inner garden and rockery |
| Child (6–18) | ¥15 | ¥20 | Children under 6 free |
| Senior (60+ with passport) | ¥15 | ¥20 | Must show foreign passport for discount |
| Evening lantern show (special events) | ¥50–80 | Not applicable | Only during Chinese New Year period |
Important: You must buy tickets at the on-site ticket office. Online booking for foreigners is a nightmare—the WeChat mini-program is entirely in Chinese and often rejects international credit cards. I always tell my groups: bring cash (RMB) or have Alipay/WeChat Pay with a foreign card linked. Visa and Mastercard are not accepted at the window.
Opening hours: 9:00–16:30 (last entry). The garden closes at 17:00. If you arrive after 15:30, they'll still let you in, but you'll only have an hour. Go in the morning if you want to linger.
Best Time to Visit – Avoid the Crowds
Most tour groups hit Yu Garden between 10:00 and 14:00. I've seen lines stretch 100 meters outside the ticket office on a Saturday. Here's my schedule:
- Weekday morning (8:30–9:00): Arrive at metro station, grab a coffee, be at the gate by 9:00. You'll have the inner garden nearly to yourself for the first hour.
- Weekday afternoon (15:00–16:00): Another sweet spot. The light is golden for photos, and the crowds thin out as tour buses leave.
- Avoid Chinese public holidays (especially National Day Oct 1–7, and Spring Festival). It becomes a human river. If you must go, arrive by 8:30.
Frequently Asked Questions
I hope this guide saves you time and trouble. Yu Garden is a gem—just approach it with the right plan. If you get lost, ask any metro staff; they're trained to help, even if their English is basic. Show them this: “豫园怎么走?” (How to get to Yu Garden?) and they'll point the way.
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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