I’ve recently returned home from my travels and work in China and when I saw this week’s theme of “leading lines” from Where’s My Backpack, I immediately thought of the Yuyuan Gardens in Old Shanghai. These beautiful gardens were first established in 1559 as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan to please his father Pan En, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. They had fallen into disrepair and were almost completely destroyed by the British during the Opium Wars; fortunately, they have been restored and provide a quiet respite from the chaos and noise of the tourist marketplace of Old Shanghai.
Pan was a master of using the “leading lines” to beckon the visitor into the gardens. I imagine Pan Yunduan’s visitors as they were drawn further in, wandering through the harmony of water, wood, and stone, and I can picture them sitting on one of the many benches, meditating or gossiping.

Initially, I was dismayed to share this peaceful place with throngs of tourists; yet, in their lines, I found comfort as I listened to myriad languages and watched them enjoy the gardens and one another.
Stunning photography 🙂
Thank you. I enjoyed my afternoon alone in Old Shanghai & the gardens. I’m glad you like the pics.
BEAUTIFUL! Love the lines.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks
This is really awesome. Great adventure and photos. Thanks for sharing. I love to see and read about other people’s experiences.
I eventually became comfortable wandering around Shanghai alone.
Lovely post. the photos are beautiful!
Thank you. I had a good time wandering the gardens by myself … so peaceful.
How beautiful!! Glad to know that they restore the ancient garden.
Yes, it would be a shame if they were left to ruin. The walls are crumbling and the paint is peeling; I was happy to see workmen repairing one of the sections when I was there.
Stunning garden, Mona, and you’ve taken some spectacular photos. The third and fourth ones are really beautiful.
I really appreciate this.
hi mona, i am andy from Feicheng ,Shandong ,China . but i cant see the pictures . WHY ? I sent you an email .best wishes
Andy, I think that it is of China’s blocks on WordPress. I will try another way to make the pictures available and I will let you know.
Thank you for checking my blog. I enjoyed my time in Feicheng and miss it and the teachers already.
You are still on your holiday, right? I hope that you are enjoying it. School starts soon.
~Mona
Oh my goodness, just gorgeous! I love those types of gardens 🙂 I’m so glad you got to see them