Yu Garden, Shanghai, China

Photo by Debbie Stock

 Yu Garden located next to Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart, is the 'Happiness Garden.' Believed to be more than 400 years old, it was built during the Ming Dynasty.

The five acre attraction is composed of six scenic areas: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden.  Yu Garden was a private garden of the Pan family in the Ming Dynasty.

Punctuated by elaborate pavilions, pools and koi ponds, zigzag bridges, pagodas and archways, highlights include the famed 5-ton, Exquisite Jade Rock. Great Rockery was built with thousands of tons of stone and Jiu Qu Bridge (the Nine-Turn Bridge) is said to bring good luck. The Jiu Qu Bridge leads to Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse - the oldest teahouse in Shanghai.

Next photo: Tiananmen Square