Yu Yuan Gardens Yu yuan is a 400 year old classical garden that dates back to the Ming dynasty. It is a place of peace and bliss, a center of quiet in the big bustling cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Yu yuan was the labor of love by a filial son, Pan Yun duan who spent 20 years and all of his savings to create an immaculate garden in order to please his parents in their twilight years. Hence it was called Yu yuan which in Chinese means ³peace and health². Yu yuan is divided into six parts, each separated by a white brick wall, the top of which forms a writhing dragon. Each part of the park, although divided, has a strong sense of balance and harmony thus creating a unity of expression. There are over 40 buildings, ancient trees, ponds bridges and figurines. The Huijing Tower situated in the middle of the garden, is surrounded by ponds, rock formations and viewing pagodas, making this a perfect venue for afternoon teas! Admirers of Yu yuan will enthuse about the fact that the view changes with every step through the garden past the Grand Rockery, Ten Thousand Flower Pavilion, the Hall of Heralding Spring and the Lotus Pool. ENHANCEMENTS Learn the basic strokes of calligraphy, painting the garden views Practise the graceful movements of Œtai chi¹ Theme partiesSpecial coach ride prior to dinner at Oriental Pearl TV Tower REFERENCE : SPT2 Duration : 4 hours Capacity : Unlimited