Travels in China - Shanghai, Part 2

HWMBO's visit to China this Spring certainly ranks as one of the most exotic travel highlights of his life - and he has had an extraordinarily exotic set of travel experiences, so that is saying quite a lot.  He also loves to share his experiences with others and, as I mentioned earlier, I am the beneficiary of his generosity.  One not-to-be-missed site in Shanghai was the Yuyuan Garden.

The Yuyuan Garden is a classical garden dating from the late 16th century (1577), when it was finished by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a place for his parents to enjoy a happy and tranquil time in their old age.  What a lovely son!  But once the official passed away, no one took maintenance very seriously.  Over the years, the garden grew quite delapidated.  During the Opium Wars of the 19th century, Yuyuan Garden was severely damaged.  It wasn't until 1956 that restoration began and the garden was officially opened to the public in 1961.  So here it is, 51 years later!

There were lots of well-fed goldfish swimming happily in the water passageways

with Oriental statuary featuring dragons

and quiet corners with intricately designed cut-out windows.

It is striking to view the 16th century architecture of the garden in the foreground, with modern Shanghai in the background

and to note the ornate roofs, with different slate patterns from those I am used to seeing here in central Europe.

Even so, the ubiquitous Golden Arches can also be found near the Yuyuan Garden

as can Starbucks.

Western "corruption" or simple convenience?  Whatever the reason, they are there.  But the group preferred to refresh themselves with Chinese tea,

albeit in a modern setting.