Guyi Garden, located in Jiading District northwest of the city center is Shanghai's number one classical garden.

 

Build around 1550 in the era of the Ming Dynasty, the garden got a major overhaul in 1746. After it was purchased by local nobles in 1789 it became property of the community.

 

Yi means nice view of bamboo and thus there is plenty of those roots in the Garden that has four major sections.

 

A surprise is certainlly the presence of an award winning dumpling restaurant in the middle of the garden. 

 

Even without knowing all the history behind the ponds, pavillions and flowers one can take a relaxing stroll and just enjoy the pleasant scenery. And there is a fair chance to see a real Red-crowned crane at one of the ponds.

 

We did just that in April 2003.