Beautiful Ming Dynasty Buildings at the Yuyuan Gardens 豫园
The Yuyuan Gardens are one of the most visited places in Shanghai. It is a Ming dynasty era garden which was built by the family of a Ming dynasty official. Much of the design of the gardens are typical Ming dynasty style. However, these are no longer the original structures, the place was destroyed several times by wars but thankfully restored to its former grandeur. Although it is no longer the relaxing place it used to be, it is still a pretty sight as Chinese gardens tend to be.
Small Lake at the Yuyuan Gardens 豫园
However, this place wasn’t as enjoyable as it could have been. Not surprisingly, hordes of local and foreign tourists come to this place. It is not that surprising since the Yuyuan Gardens are very accessible, so accessible that I managed to find my way here by accident. The main pond in the garden has a bridge which allows visitors to cross the pond, this bridge it quite pretty as it was built zigzagging across the lake. This too has been overrun by tourists. Not a pretty sight. You can probably wait the whole day for a good shot and still not get it. Anyway, I just feel relieved that I didn’t intentionally come here looking for a wonderful place to relax.
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