Yuyuan Garden

Dating back to the 16th century, the Yuyuan Garden is the city's most revered green space. Although this urban garden has endured British occupation during the Opium Wars and a damaging Japanese attack in 1942, it remains a beautiful retreat. Here, you'll find ornate structures (like decorated bridges and colorful pagodas) as well intimate enclaves that are divided by "dragon walls" (partitions with stone dragons lying on top). Highlights include the Heralding Spring Hall, the Jade Magnificence Hall, and the Lotus Pool. One TripAdvisor user remarks, "[It's hard] to believe that such beauty can be hidden in the centre of the city."

Located near the Yuyuan Garden metro stop on line 10, the garden welcomes visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Admission costs 40 CNY (about $6.50 USD) during the spring and fall and 30 CNY (about $4.50 USD) throughout the summer and winter. For more information, consult the Shanghai Tourism Board's website.