Yu Yuan (Garden) Bazaar

Yu Yuan Bazaar, also known as Yuyuan Tourist Mart, is an open-air commercial precinct surrounding the historic Yu Garden and the City God Temple in Shanghai's Old City. Originally growing out of the temple fairs and merchant stalls that served worshippers and visitors from the late Ming dynasty onward, the area was later developed into a pedestrian district of multi-story pavilions built in traditional Jiangnan style, with upturned eaves, carved wooden railings, and grey tiled roofs.

At the center of the bazaar lies a pond crossed by the Nine-Turn Bridge (Jiuqu Bridge), leading to Huxinting Teahouse, an octagonal pavilion that has operated as a teahouse since 1855. According to local belief, the bridge's zigzag path was designed to keep away evil spirits, which were thought to travel only in straight lines.

The pedestrian lanes house hundreds of specialty shops, tea vendors, folk craft counters, and traditional food stalls. Long-standing eateries in the complex include the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, which has served Shanghai-style soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) here since 1900, and Ningbo Tangtuan, known for its sweet sesame rice dumplings. After sunset, the pavilions and roof ridges across the entire complex are outlined in golden light.

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