
Shanghai/Emperor Garden Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Escape Shanghai's hustle in the Ming-era Yi Yuan Garden! Tucked between shikumen alleys, this hidden gem blends Suzhou-style pavilions with old Shanghai charm. Stroll along cobbled paths under century-old trees, discovering poetic rockeries and koi ponds that inspired local artists. Don't miss the golden hour magic when sunlight filters through lattice windows – perfect for Instagram shots! A rare slice of history where every corner whispers tales of tea-sipping scholars.

This is a perfect getaway nestled in the Guangfulin area, right by Fulin Lake, offering serene and beautiful surroundings. Inspired by "waterside courtyard living," the hotel features spacious rooms, including lake-view rooms, kid-themed rooms, and pet-friendly options. Children can have fun at Rainbow Station and XiXi Sand Park, while adults enjoy authentic Songjiang cuisine and stunning night views. Whether it’s a family vacation, business meeting, or romantic wedding, this place is an ideal choice!

Seeking a perfect blend of business and leisure? This hotel nails it! Nestled in Songjiang's ancient town center with direct Metro Line 9 access, exploring the city is effortless. Sink into Serta dual-patent mattresses for cloud-like sleep, while ergonomic workstations make productivity a breeze. The real game-changer? Peter Thomas Roth amenities and rainforest showers that melt stress away. Families adore the kid-friendly perks and laundry facilities, plus complimentary hot breakfast fuels your day. As a newly-opened property with robot services and 24/7 front desk, every modern comfort is thoughtfully curated.
Everything you need to know about Emperor Garden
Shangri-La Shanghai is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Yiyuan Garden with a scenic walk through Jing'an Park. The hotel blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern luxury, offering rooms with views of the lush greenery and a serene atmosphere perfect for cultural retreats.
Another excellent option is Langham Place, Shanghai Xintiandi, situated in the historic Shikumen district. This boutique hotel combines heritage charm with contemporary design, providing guests with easy access to Yiyuan Garden and nearby cultural landmarks. The hotel offers customized tour packages, including private transfers and guided garden visits, allowing travelers to deeply explore the art of Jiangnan-style landscaping.
Both properties feature wheelchair-accessible facilities and multilingual concierge services, ensuring a seamless experience for international visitors exploring Shanghai's rich architectural and horticultural heritage.
From Shangri-La Shanghai, guests can take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle or walk about 15 minutes through Jing'an Park to reach Yiyuan Garden. If staying at Langham Place, Shanghai Xintiandi, take Metro Line 2 from Nanjing West Road Station to Jing’an Temple Station, then walk 7 minutes to the garden.
Many hotels offer wheelchair-accessible electric shuttles, ideal for elderly or mobility-challenged visitors. For route planning, use Amap (Gaode Map) or Baidu Maps with the "Walking + Metro" mode to find the fastest path. Inside the garden, audio guides and bilingual (Chinese/English) guidebooks are available, explaining the philosophy behind rockeries, water features, and pavilion layouts.
Some hotels also provide private guided tours with dedicated interpreters, enhancing the cultural experience and offering deeper insights into Jiangnan garden design.
Near Yiyuan Garden, Jing'an Park hosts monthly traditional tea ceremonies, where visitors can participate in Song Dynasty Gongfu Cha techniques, learning how to grind tea and pour it into intricate floral patterns.
The garden also features calligraphy workshops led by master artists, teaching participants to copy excerpts from Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Xu, capturing the elegance of classical brushwork. Nearby Xintiandi hosts weekend intangible cultural heritage markets, offering authentic Shanghai local cuisine like braised pork and fried shrimp, alongside live performances of Huju opera.
Some hotels collaborate on exclusive events such as Garden Night Banquets, featuring historical costume photo sessions, classical music recitals, and dinner under lantern light, recreating the refined ambiance of imperial-era gatherings. Additionally, an annual garden photography contest invites visitors to capture the seasonal beauty of Yiyuan Garden, with selected works exhibited at the Shanghai Art Museum, celebrating the fusion of nature and culture.
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