Dragon Boat Festival Mini Trip: A Spring Guide to Shanghai's Yu Garden

【Essential Tips Before You Go】 1. Ticket Booking During the off-season in March, tickets are priced at 40 RMB (half-price for students). You can book in advance via the "Yu Garden Mall" WeChat public account. During the Lantern Festival, tickets cost 80 RMB, but March has already passed. Take Metro Line 10 to Yu Garden Station and exit at Exit 1. It's a 5-minute walk from there. If driving, you can park at the Bund Financial Center for 15 RMB per hour. 2. Must-Have Items - Hanfu or light-colored dresses (perfect for garden photography) - Power bank (renting one inside the garden is inconvenient and expensive) - Foldable water cup (free drinking water is available near Nine Zigzag Bridge) 【Top Spots for Traditional Photography】 1. Nine Zigzag Bridge and Huxin Pavilion Visit at 8 AM for minimal crowds. Capture the bridge's reflection from above, paired with small boats on the lake for a timeless aesthetic. 2. Yu Garden Rockery Take upward shots of the exquisite jade rockery, using the lattice windows to frame natural light and shadows for a storytelling effect. 3. Tulip Wall A March-exclusive sight located in front of Yu Garden Mall. Shoot against the pink tulip avenue at 4 PM for glowing hair effects in backlight. 4. Green Wave Pavilion Second Floor Access the second floor by dining at the restaurant. It offers a panoramic view of the City God Temple Square, blending ancient flying eaves with street scenes. Especially stunning at night. 【Must-Try Local Delicacies】 - Nanxiang Soup Dumplings: Crab roe flavor bursts with juice in every bite. Expect at least a one-hour wait during peak times; visiting before 10 AM is recommended. - Ningbo Glutinous Rice Balls: A mix of sesame and crab roe meat flavors, offering a rich and chewy texture, perfect for sweet tooths. - Dahuchun Pan-Fried Buns: Crispy bottoms and juicy fillings, best paired with curry beef soup. - Huxin Pavilion Yuanbao Tea: Priced at 68 RMB per person, it includes olives and green tea, symbolizing wealth and peace. Also great for photo ops. 【Hidden Gems and Tips】 - AR Dragon Interaction: Scan the QR code on-site to join the "Mountain and Sea Yu Garden Adventure" activity, unlocking virtual fireworks and dragon animations. - Free Stamp Collection: Pick up a tour booklet at the Yu Garden Mall service desk. Collect five stamps to redeem discounts at renowned stores. - Off-Peak Timing: Visit before 9 AM or after 6 PM on weekends to avoid crowds for photography and dining. Stroll along the cobblestone paths in Hanfu, admire the blooming magnolia flowers, and savor a steaming soup dumpling. Spring in Yu Garden feels like a love letter to Jiangnan. Gather your friends and experience a day as elegant ladies from the Ming and Qing dynasties.