Shanghai Municipality Scenes

7. Shanghai Yu Gardens

The Nine Bend Bridge in the Yu Gardens was a haven of peace in the frenetic metropolis. It is probably one of the most visited places in Shanghai. Built in the mid-sixteenth century by a high-ranking official from Sichuan, Pan Yuntuan, in honor of his old father, Pan En. It originally covered 12 acres. The fortunes of the Pan family declined and the garden changed hands several times until it was acquired in 1760 by Shanghai merchants, who restored it on a smaller scale and added the West Garden. A major restoration took place in 1956.