The 500-year-old Guyi Garden makes a stunning return, and it's the perfect time to admire the plum blossoms

The Guyi Garden, one of Shanghai's top five gardens, is in the prime of its 500-year elegance. In spring, visit for the bamboo; in summer, for the lotus; in autumn, for the chrysanthemums; and in winter, for the plum blossoms. The garden is beautiful in all seasons and is a perennial favorite on the travel list of Shanghai residents. Now, in the winter of Shanghai, as the plum blossoms bloom and all things revive, the poetic essence of the winter garden reaches its peak. The garden, adorned with wax plum trees, succumbs once again to the beauty of classical Chinese aesthetics. 📸Tour route: ❶South Gate Entrance Nanxiang Wall: Right after entering, a welcoming screen wall stands with the pattern of 'White Cranes Flying South', outlining the historical legends of Nanxiang Town. ❷South Pavilion: Stroll east to the South Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the leisure of a Jiangnan garden. ❸Xiangyun Pavilion: Ascend the steps to Xiangyun Pavilion, located atop Turtle Hill, offering panoramic views of Yuanyang Lake and Qingqing Garden. ❹Qingqing Garden: A realm of bamboo. The place with the richest variety of bamboo species, over 30 types of green bamboo complement the pavilions and towers, creating an elegant scenery. ❺House of Indispensable Bamboo: The red columns of the gallery add depth, and the courtyard is filled with golden yellow wax plums. ❻Flower God Temple: The garden has dozens of red, green, white, and wax plum trees, offering plum blossoms throughout the seasons, looking forward to the winter's 'snow yielding to the fragrance of plums'. ❼Deficient Corner Pavilion: Atop Bamboo Branch Hill in Guyi Garden, the people of Nanxiang built this pavilion missing its northeast corner, hoping future generations will not forget the national humiliation. ❽Unmoored Boat: Enjoy the waterside view. Once the painting and calligraphy studio of the garden owner, it is surrounded by water on three sides and faces a pond of lotus flowers in summer, which is particularly beautiful. 🎈Address: No. 218, Huyi Highway, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District, Shanghai 🚌Public Transport: Take Metro Line 11 to Nanxiang Station, then walk west for 15 minutes; or take bus routes 62 or 821. ⏰Tour Duration: 3-4 hours 🎫Ticket Price: Full ticket price is 12 yuan per person 🅿️Parking: Guyi Garden Restaurant parking lot 👀Nearby Attractions: Yunxiang Temple, Nanxiang Old Street, and other attractions ‼️Important Information: ✔No need to book in advance for garden entry, just go directly to the ticket office to purchase tickets. ✔Tourist guide maps are available for free at the visitor center to the left after entering the South Gate. ✔Wax plum viewing spots include the Plum Blossom Stele Corridor, Plum Blossom Hall, and Bonsai Garden. ✔Next to the South Gate is the Guyi Garden Restaurant, where you can try the famous Nanxiang steamed bun delicacies if you have time.