Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. [Photo/VCG]

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Shanghai's vibrant metropolis lie hidden gems — exquisite, tranquil Jiangnan-style gardens — bearing witness to the passage of time, carrying the region's profound cultural heritage.

Take a stroll through Shanghai's Jiangnan-style gardens and savour their distinct charm.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden, located in the northeast of Huangpu district's old town, dates back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), serving as the private retreat for the Pan family. 

Encompassing 20,000 square metres, it weaves a labyrinth of gardens, pavilions, lakes, rocks, bridges, dragon walls and traditional architecture. 

The garden's exquisite design, scenic beauty and classical architecture distinguish it as a Shanghai must-see. Renowned as "the crown of gardens in southeast China", Yuyuan Garden has welcomed leaders and celebrities from around the world. 

Its six scenic areas boast over 40 ancient structures, showcasing the concept of "imagining the big from the small".

Guyi Garden

Guyi Garden, located in Jiading's Nanxiang town, stands as the largest of the five classic gardens in Shanghai. 

Originating during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, this sprawling 10-hectare garden is well-known for its period architecture and stone-paved paths lined with flowers.

Adorned with ancient pavilions, bridges and tree-lined trails, Guyi Garden stands as an emblem of Jiangnan-style ancient towns.

Its dedication to conserving historical and cultural treasures has earned it a place in Shanghai's Historical Landscape Conservation Zone. 

Ongoing efforts involve the meticulous preservation of antiquities, calligraphy, paintings and period furniture. With a commitment to enhancing its natural landscape through diverse flora, Guyi Garden hosts cultural events, heritage exhibitions and garden parties, blending architecture and tradition harmoniously.

Qiuxia Garden

Qiuxia Pu or Qiuxia Garden, meaning "autumn's sunset glow", is one of five classic ancient gardens in Jiading, in northern Shanghai. 

Established in 1502, the garden was once the private residence of Gong Hong, minister of public works in the Ming Dynasty, standing as the oldest and best-preserved among its counterparts.

Qiuxia Garden, designed artistically and delicately with an elegant composition, is highly reputed for its breathtaking beauty. There are many couplets and inscriptions by celebrities in the garden.

Qushui Garden

Qushui Garden, translated as "meandering water", is in Shanghai's Qingpu district.

With its 270-year history, the garden features scenes that offer a glimpse into the poetic life of ancient literati. This exquisite Jiangnan-style garden features a beautiful landscape and profound culture, with a lotus pond at its centre.

Like a typical Jiangnan-style classic garden, Qushui is famous for its small size, exquisiteness, elegance and simplicity. Characterised by blue tiles, white walls and blue bricks, its structures harmonise with the lush trees and flourishing flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.

Qushui Garden boasts 24 captivating scenic spots, where visitors gather for a variety of cultural pursuits — from chess games to singing, socialising, dancing and even practising tai chi.

Zuibaichi Park

Zuibaichi, which translates as "Drunken Bai Pond", was named after the famous Chinese poet Bai Juyi (772-846). The owner, painter Gu Dashen (b. 1620), felt "drunk" with the beauty of Bai's verse.

The five-hectare park, located in the southern part of Songjiang district, has a history dating back more than 900 years and is considered one of Shanghai's five most celebrated classic gardens.

Its landscape architecture draws from the classical style of halls, pavilions, verandas and rockeries. Long corridors lead visitors to all corners of the garden, offering snapshot views on sunny days and sheltering spots during rain. The park contains both interior and exterior gardens.