Located in the center of Shanghai's Old City is Yuyuan Gardens, one of the few remaining old tourist sites in Shanghai. Surrounding the gardens is Shanghai's bazaar, a maze of small streets and alleyways where vendors sell their wares and food stuffs to the visiting tourist and locals.

Yuyuan is believed to date to the 16th century when Zhang Nanyang, an architect, was commissioned by the Pan family of the Ming court to build the gardens. Built in traditional Chinese style with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and numerous doorways and zigzagging bridges separating the various garden areas and pavilions.

The bus dropped us off several blocks from the gardens and we had to make our way through the bustling bazaar to the garden entrance. It was interesting, but there was little time to spend perusing the various shops for gifts and souvenirs. We were told that we'd have some free time following our visit to Yuyuan to explore the bazaar and purchase our little memory trinkets.

Immediately upon entering the gardens you are struck by the sheer beauty of the landscaping. Small ponds surrounded by rocks, trees and shrubbery. I'll dispense with the words and allow you to enjoy the pictures of this magnificent garden.