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.
Visitors to the gardens follow the lines, stopping here and there to look, to take pictures ….
Take the steps…follow the lines into the ancient gardens.
The stone wall appears to present a barrier, yet the beautiful woodwork invites me to enter.
Lines in the garden are not straight. They meander, inviting the visitor to slow down.
Peaceful lines
Lines leading toward rest …..
Ramblings 
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