第一篇:上海新天地英文导游词
An overview of Shanghai Good morning ladies and gentleman , my English name is Alocasia, working for Shanghai China International Travel Service.Now I would like to give all of you a brief introduction of shanghai.Shanghai has a monsoon climate which is warm and humid, the average annual temperature is 16 degree Celsius.But you are arrived here in a high temperature, although you should keep calm.Generally speaking, Shanghai is a charming city where east meets west and yesterday meets tomorrow.We would like say that if you want to see the future of china, please come to shanghai.Shanghai is a big city which has been divided into two parts: Pudong and Puxi.Many years ago ,a popular saying indicative of the shanghainese['ʃæŋhai'ni:z] attitude towards Pudong went, ”A bed in Puxi is better than a room in Pudong.” Now if we compare Shanghai to a dragon, Pudong is its head.You can find three tallest building in shanghai-the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, symbol of the city;The 88-story Jinmao Tower and the 492-meter tall World Financial Center with the most expensive hotel-Park Hyatt Hotel inside.Also a typical example of shanghai-styled architecture is the Shikumen houses, which are a combination of European town houses and the chinesecourtyard ,incorporating the Chinese design with the western architecture.Up to now, shanghai is regarded as the five center of china, the financial, trading , transportation, conference and fashion centers.We have 11metro lines in shanghai, The transportation system is well supplied, we even have a maglev train, and its speed is 431 kilometers per hour.There will be a change every year and a big change every three years, welcome to shanghai explore this charming city.Xintiandi Now we are in XinTianDi, which means” new heaven and earth.”This is a new entertainment spot as well as the new landmark of shanghai.As you know, shikumen, the unique architectural style, has been called a fusion of eastern and western cultures, once very popular in 1930s’.A typical shikumen building features a pair of black wooden doors framed by heavy stone, with an extravagant bronze handle on each of the doors.With the city’s development, the old shikumen is replaced by the new apartment step by step.Some people are worried that in 21st century, there will be no original shikumen houses in Shanghai any more.But fortunately, in xintiandi, shikumen has successful survived.Shakespearsaid,”God gives woman one face , and the woman made themselves another.”XinTianDiis just like the night look of such a lady ,who is smart ,elegant and extremely beautiful.Actually XinTianDi is divided into two parts: the south Block and the North Block by Xingye road.In the south block , modern architecture is the motif while shikumen is an accompaniment.In the north ,preservedshikumen set a nostalgic tone , forming a splendid contrast with the modernity to the south.The two blocks are stuffed with modern restaurants, clubs, cafes and boutiques, on a delightful maze of cobbled streets.The modern facilities are accessorized with old bricks, stone gates and ornately carved wooden balconies from the dense warren of old courtyard houses that previously filled those blocks.What’s more, xintiandi’s night is extremely dynamic and colorful.Especially after 10 o’clock, people of different nationalities, of different colors, of different languages come here to enjoy the most beautiful night of shanghai.
第二篇:上海新天地英文导游词另有豫园1
上海新天地
An overview of Shanghai Good morning ladies and gentleman , my English name is Alocasia, working for Shanghai China International Travel Service.Now I would like to give all of you a brief introduction of shanghai.Shanghai has a monsoon climate which is warm and humid , the average annual temperature is 16 degree Celsius.But you are arrived here in a high temperature, although you should keep calm.Generally speaking, Shanghai is a charming city where east meets west and yesterday meets tomorrow.We would like say that if you want to see the future of china, please come to shanghai.Shanghai is a big city which has been divided into two parts: Pudong and Puxi.Many years ago ,a popular saying indicative of the shanghainese ['ʃæŋhai'ni:z] attitude towards Pudong went, ”A bed in Puxi is better than a room in Pudong.” Now if we compare Shanghai to a dragon, Pudong is its head.You can find three tallest building in shanghai-the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, symbol of the city;The 88-story Jinmao Tower and the 492-meter tall World Financial Center with the most expensive hotel-Park Hyatt Hotel inside.Also a typical example of shanghai-styled architecture is the Shikumen houses, which are a combination of European town houses and the chinese courtyard , incorporating the Chinese design with the western architecture.Up to now, shanghai is regarded as the five center of china, the financial, trading , transportation, conference and fashion centers.We have 11metro lines in shanghai, The transportation system is well supplied, we even have a maglev train, and its speed is 431 kilometers per hour.There will be a change every year and a big change every three years, welcome to shanghai explore this charming city.Xintiandi Now we are in XinTianDi, which means” new heaven and earth.” This is a new entertainment spot as well as the new landmark of shanghai.As you know, shikumen, the unique architectural style, has been called a fusion of eastern and western cultures, once very popular in 1930s’.A typical shikumen building features a pair of black wooden doors framed by heavy stone, with an extravagant bronze handle on each of the doors.With the city’s development, the old shikumen is replaced by the new apartment step by step.Some people are worried that in 21st century, there will be no original shikumen houses in Shanghai any more.But fortunately, in xintiandi, shikumen has successful survived.Shakespear said,”God gives woman one face , and the woman made themselves another.” XinTianDiis just like the night look of such a lady ,who is smart ,elegant and extremely beautiful.Actually XinTianDi is divided into two parts: the south Block and the North Block by Xingye road.In the south block , modern architecture is the motif while shikumen is an accompaniment.In the north ,preserved shikumen set a nostalgic tone , forming a splendid contrast with the modernity to the south.The two blocks are stuffed with modern restaurants, clubs, cafes and boutiques, on a delightful maze of cobbled streets.The modern facilities are accessorized with old bricks, stone gates and ornately carved wooden balconies from the dense warren of old courtyard houses that previously filled those blocks.What’s more, xintiandi’s night is extremely dynamic and colorful.Especially after 10 o’clock, people of different nationalities, of different colors, of different languages come here to enjoy the most beautiful night of shanghai.上海新天地英文导游词,另有豫园。
第三篇:上海英文导游词
Located at the center of the mainland's coastline, Shanghai has long been a major hub of communications, transportation, and international exchange.The municipality covers an area of 6,341 square kilometers and has a population of more than 13.5 million.Shanghai is China's largest economic comprehensive industrial base, and a famous historical and cultural city.The city consistently attracts investment and is seen as an ideal venue for business gatherings.It is also a must on any agenda during a tour of China.Shanghai has fostered a comprehensive transportation network that incorporates land, sea, and air travel, as well as a convenient urban transportation system.More than 300 airlines serve the city, proving direct flights to more than 20 countries and regions.The addition of the Shanghai pudong International Airport, which went into operation in 1999, is expected to increase the annual passenger volume to some 20 million.Special tourist trains running between Shanghai and the neighboring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, as well as tourist bus routes along newly-constructed expressways, offer great convenience for regional travel.Shanghai has more than 400 travel agencies to assist visitors, and the 127 star-rated hotels offer a total of 40, 000 guest rooms.Visitors to Shanghai are not only dazzled by the modern metropolis and gateway to a developing China, but are also able to immerse themselves in the unique Shanghai culture, a combination of Chinese and Western elements.Colorful festivals and celebrations dot the yearly Shanghai activities calendar, such as the Shanghai Nanhui peach Blossoms Festival, Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival and Shanghai China International Art Festival.Shanghai has also introduced special tour packages aimed at the different interests of visitors, such as bicycling tours, hiking tours, gourmet tours, rehabilitation and health care tours, study tours, Japanese young women's tours, honey moon tours, and convention and exhibition tours.The well-known Bund is a must for visitors to Shanghai.Fifty-two buildings lining the narrow shoreline of the Huangpu River offer a living exhibition of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Classic Revival and Renaissance architectural styles, as well as combinations of Chinese and Western styles.They are also a condensation of the recent history of the city.The wide embankment offers ample room for strolling and is used by locals for morning exercises and evening gatherings.In the evening, colorful lights illuminate the area and create a shimmering image deserving of the name pearl of the Orient.The Yu Gardens are a classical landscape in the Southern Chinese style with a history of more than 400 years.pavilions, halls, rockeries and ponds display the finest in landscaping from the Southern style as seen in the Ming and Qing dynasties.More than 40 landscapes were ingeniously separated by latticed walls, winding corridors, and lattice windows.people's Square has become the political and cultural center in Shanghai since 1994, when it was rebuilt.In and around the square are a massive fountain named the Light of Huangpu River, 10,000 square meters of lawns, six groups of relief carvings that depict the history of Shanghai, the New Shanghai Museum, the offices of the municipal government, an underground shopping plaza, the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Shanghai Exhibition Center
The Orient pearl TV Tower
The Orient pearl TV Tower is 468 meters high, the tallest in Asia and third tallest in the world.It faces the Bund across the Huangpu River.When viewed from the Bund, the tower and the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges create a vivid imagery known as two dragons playing with a pearl.The sphere at the top has a diameter of 45 meters and is 263 meters above ground.The observation deck in the sphere offers a sweeping view of the city.The revolving restaurant is set at 267 meters above pudong New Area.The dance ball, piano bar and 20 karaoke rooms, at 271 meters, are also opened to the public.The penthouse, which sits at 350 meters, has an observation deck, meeting room, and coffee shop.The tower integrates broadcasting technologies with sightseeing, catering, shopping, amusement, and accommodations.It has become the symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction in Shanghai.Cruise on the Huangpu River
Cruising on the Huangpu River, visitors can gaze at the mighty skyscrapers, the Monument Tower to the people's Heroes, the famous Waibaidu Bridge and Huangpu park on one bank, and the Orient pearl TV Tower, International Convertion Center, Jin Mao Building and the newly rising pudong New Area on the other.The Yangpu and Nanpu bridges span the river.From the river, visitors can also view the ruins of ancient cannon emplacements and fortifications at Wusong and the magnificent view of the Yangtze River as it empties into the sea.Nanjing Road East, honored as China's No.l Street, has become an all-weather pedestrian arcade.Shops and restaurants provide products and services with their own characteristics, making it an ideal place that integrates shopping, restaurants, amusement and sightseeing.The museum and tomb are located in Lu Xun park.LU Xun was an imminent man of letters.The museum exhibits Lu Xun's manuscripts, some of his personal effects, document., and photos.The headstone at the Tomb of Lu Xun is in the calligraphy of Vhio Zedong and reads The Tomb of Mr.Lu Xun.Dr.Sun's Residence
Dr.Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution, and his wilr Soong Ching Ling, lived in this building from 1918 to 1924.It was in the residence that Dr.Sun Yat-sen met representatives of the Communist party and fostered the first cooperation between the Chinese Communist party and the Kuomintang.Soong Ching Ling's Residence
This is the former residence of Soong Ching Ling.an honorary chairwoman of the people's Republic of China and the widow of Sun Yat-sen.She lived, worked, and studied here during the last years of her life.Birthplace of the Communist party of China.In July of 1921, the First National Communist party Congress was held in this building.The congress passed the party's program and resolutions, elected the central committee, and declared the founding of the CpC.Shanghai Library
The new Shanghai Library, which covers an area of some 80,000 square meters, has a collection of 13 million books and is considered one of the top ten libraries in the world.The library incorporates the open-stacks approach favored in the West, which allows for convenience in borrowing books.Shanghai Grand Theater
Located in the northwestern corner of people's Square.the Shanghai Grand Theater covers 70,000 squat, meters.It is actually composed of three theaters.The theaters can accommodate performances of ballet opera, symphonies, chamber music modern dramas, and musicals.The theater also owns the largest, fully automatic stage in Asia.The theater has become a symbol of modern culture in Shanghai.Cultural Celebrities' Street, located along Duolun Road and surrounding areas,is a living memorial to the modern cultural celebrities of Shang-hai and is also a condensation of modern culture.Such Chinese literary giants as Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Guo Moruo and Ye Shengtao lived and wrote here,making the road an important feature in China's modern cultural history.In addition, the famous Gongfei Cafe.Celebrities Mansion, the Shanghai Art Opera Troupe, and Hai Shang Jiu Li also display the accumulated cultural atmosphere of Duolun Road today.
第四篇:上海英文导游词
上海英文导游词
Located at the center of the mainland's coastline, Shanghai has long been a major hub of communications, transportation, and international exchange.The municipality covers an area of 6,341 square kilometers and has a population of more than 13.5 million.Shanghai is China's largest economic comprehensive industrial base, and a famous historical and cultural city.The city consistently attracts investment and is seen as an ideal venue for business gatherings.It is also a must on any agenda during a tour of China.Shanghai has fostered a comprehensive transportation network that incorporates land, sea, and air travel, as well as a convenient urban transportation system.More than 300 airlines serve the city, proving direct flights to more than 20 countries and regions.The addition of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which went into operation in 1999, is expected to increase the annual passenger volume to some 20 million.Special tourist trains running between Shanghai and the neighboring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, as well as tourist bus routes along newly-constructed expressways, offer great convenience for regional travel.Shanghai has more than 400 travel agencies to assist visitors, and the 127 star-rated hotels offer a total of 40, 000 guest rooms.Visitors to Shanghai are not only dazzled by the modern metropolis and gateway to a developing China, but are also able to immerse themselves in the unique Shanghai culture, a combination of Chinese and Western elements.Colorful festivals and celebrations dot the yearly Shanghai activities calendar, such as the Shanghai Nanhui Peach Blossoms Festival, Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival and Shanghai China International Art Festival.Shanghai has also introduced special tour packages aimed at the different interests of visitors, such as bicycling tours, hiking tours, gourmet tours, rehabilitation and health care tours, study tours, Japanese young women's tours, honey moon tours, and convention and exhibition tours.The well-known Bund is a must for visitors to Shanghai.Fifty-two buildings lining the narrow shoreline of the Huangpu River offer a living exhibition of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Classic Revival and Renaissance architectural styles, as well as combinations of Chinese and Western styles.They are also a condensation of the recent history of the city.The wide embankment offers ample room for strolling and is used by locals for morning exercises and evening gatherings.In the evening, colorful lights illuminate the area and create a shimmering image deserving of the name Pearl of the Orient.The Yu Gardens are a classical landscape in the Southern Chinese style with a history of more than 400 years.Pavilions, halls, rockeries and ponds display the finest in landscaping from the Southern style as seen in the Ming and Qing dynasties.More than 40 landscapes were ingeniously separated by latticed walls, winding corridors, and lattice windows.People's Square has become the political and cultural center in Shanghai since 1994, when it was rebuilt.In and around the square are a massive fountain named the Light of Huangpu River, 10,000 square meters of lawns, six groups of relief carvings that depict the history of Shanghai, the New Shanghai Museum, the offices of the municipal government, an underground shopping plaza, the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Shanghai Exhibition Center
The Orient Pearl TV Tower
The Orient Pearl TV Tower is 468 meters high, the tallest in Asia and third tallest in the world.It faces the Bund across the Huangpu River.When viewed from the Bund, the tower and the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges create a vivid imagery known as two dragons playing with a pearl.The sphere at the top has a diameter of 45 meters and is 263 meters above ground.The observation deck in the sphere offers a sweeping view of the city.The revolving restaurant is set at 267 meters above Pudong New Area.The dance ball, piano bar and 20 karaoke rooms, at 271 meters, are also opened to the public.The penthouse, which sits at 350 meters, has an observation deck, meeting room,()and coffee shop.The tower integrates broadcasting technologies with sightseeing, catering, shopping, amusement, and accommodations.It has become the symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction in Shanghai.Cruise on the Huangpu River
Cruising on the Huangpu River, visitors can gaze at the mighty skyscrapers, the Monument Tower to the People's Heroes, the famous Waibaidu Bridge and Huangpu Park on one bank, and the Orient Pearl TV Tower, International Convertion Center, Jin Mao Building and the newly rising Pudong New Area on the other.The Yangpu and Nanpu bridges span the river.From the river, visitors can also view the ruins of ancient cannon emplacements and fortifications at Wusong and the magnificent view of the Yangtze River as it empties into the sea.Nanjing Road East, honored as China's No.l Street, has become an all-weather pedestrian arcade.Shops and restaurants provide products and services with their own characteristics, making it an ideal place that integrates shopping, restaurants, amusement and sightseeing.The museum and tomb are located in Lu Xun Park.LU Xun was an imminent man of letters.The museum exhibits Lu Xun's manuscripts, some of his personal effects, document., and photos.The headstone at the Tomb of Lu Xun is in the calligraphy of Vhio Zedong and reads The Tomb of Mr.Lu Xun.Dr.Sun's Residence
Dr.Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution, and his wilr Soong Ching Ling, lived in this building from 1918 to 1924.It was in the residence that Dr.Sun Yat-sen met representatives of the Communist Party and fostered the first cooperation between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang.Soong Ching Ling's Residence
This is the former residence of Soong Ching Ling.an honorary chairwoman of the People's Republic of China and the widow of Sun Yat-sen.She lived, worked, and studied here during the last years of her life.Birthplace of the Communist Party of China.In July of 1921, the First National Communist Party Congress was held in this building.The congress passed the Party's program and resolutions, elected the central committee, and declared the founding of the CPC.Shanghai Library
The new Shanghai Library, which covers an area of some 80,000 square meters, has a collection of 13 million books and is considered one of the top ten libraries in the world.The library incorporates the open-stacks approach favored in the West, which allows for convenience in borrowing books.Shanghai Grand Theater
Located in the northwestern corner of People's Square.the Shanghai Grand Theater covers 70,000 squat, meters.It is actually composed of three theaters.The theaters can accommodate performances of ballet opera, symphonies, chamber music modern dramas, and musicals.The theater also owns the largest, fully automatic stage in Asia.The theater has become a symbol of modern culture in Shanghai.Cultural Celebrities' Street, located along Duolun Road and surrounding areas,is a living memorial to the modern cultural celebrities of Shang-hai and is also a condensation of modern culture.Such Chinese literary giants as Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Guo Moruo and Ye Shengtao lived and wrote here,making the road an important feature in China's modern cultural history.In addition, the famous Gongfei Cafe.Celebrities Mansion, the Shanghai Art Opera Troupe, and Hai Shang Jiu Li also display the accumulated cultural atmosphere of Duolun Road today.
第五篇:上海豫园英文导游词
上海豫园英文导游词
Location: Yuyuan Garden, located in the southern part of Shanghai, is a famous classic garden.It is characteristic of the architectural style of the Ming dynasty.History: 1.Pan Yunduan, once an official of Sichuan Province, there is another saying that he was a treasurer, had the garden built to please his parents.The garden’s name “Yu” means “Pleasing one’s parents”.2.The construction started in 1559 but went on and off for lack of money and did not complete until twenty-eight years later.3.Some businessmen bought it at a low price and later make it the City God Temple’s West Garden.During the Opium War and the Taiping Revolution, it was occupied and experienced a lot of disasters, so it lost much of its former grandeur.After the liberation of Shanghai, the people’s government makes many renovations to Yuyuan Garden and it opened to public at last in 1987 with a totally new look.Main spots: Before entering: There is a beautiful lotus pond.Across the pond is a bridge with a pavilion in the middle which is called the Mid-Lake Pavilion.It was rebuilt in 1784 and was converted into a teahouse 80 years ago.The old teahouse is one of the most famous in Shanghai, and was visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton among others.By the teahouse is a nine zigzag bridge.Don’t miss the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse next to the entrance of the Yuyuan Gardens and now one of the most famous teahouses in China, visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton among others.Six scenery area: One: The Huge Rockery scenic area.Zigzag bridge: A zigzag bridge is one method for garden building.It slows down visitors’ pace so that they may enjoy the scenery leisurely and it also enables them to have a different view whenever they make a turn.Why nine zigzag? It is because “nine” is the biggest digit before ten and is a lucky number.On special occasions such as the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th of January of the lunar calendar, celebrations are held in the vicinity, giving rise to much hustle and bustle.It was a private garden in the southeast of Shanghai, with a history of more than 400 years.The Garden features more than 30 halls and pavilions such as Spring Hall, Chamber for Gathering the Rain and Pavilion for Viewing Frolicking Fish.They look out on pools filled with multicolored carp and lotus, artificial but climbable mountains, a Grand Rockery, dragon-shaped walls and winding corridors.The owner of the garden, Yunduan Pan, once a treasurer of Sichuan Province in the Ming Dynasty, had the garden built after the imperial type in Beijing to please his parents in their old age.Hence the name of the garden “Yu”, which means “pleasing one's parents”.The construction started in 1559 but went on and off for lack of money and did not come to completion till twenty years later.Unfortunately, Pan's father did not live to see the garden completed.What's more, the Pans went down the drain and his descendents were eager to sell the garden.Some businessmen soon bought it at a low price.Then, it was incorporated into the City God Temple to become its “West Garden”, and alter turned into many trade gild offices.In the mid-1800s the Society of Small Swords used the Garden as a gathering place for meetings.It was here that they planned their uprising with the Taiping revolutioners against the French colonialists.The French destroyed the Garden during the first Opium War.So, the garden experienced repeated calamities in its history and lost much of its former grandeur.But the area was later rebuilt and renovated.Yu Garden is divided into six parts with many scenic spots: Three Corn-Ear Hall and Grand Rockery;Happy Fish Waterside Pavilion and Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers;Spring Hall and Hall of Mildness;Scenery Gathering Tower, Toasting Pavilion and Nine-lion Study;Exquisite Jade Stone and the Inner Garden.Each part of Yu Garden is separated by a white brick wall, the top of which are decorated with dragons.Each part of the park, although divided, has a balance and harmony creating a unity of expression.Yu Garden is a piece of Shanghai past, one of the few old sights left in the city.Everyday at least 10,000 people visit the garden.No wonder people say “Those who came to Shanghai but missed Yu Garden and the City God Temple Bazaar can not claim that they have been to the city.”
Open Hour: daily 9:00 a.m.--5:30 p.m.Address: 218 Anren Street, Old City Busline: No.64, No.24, No.11, No.926 Three Corn-Ear Hall and Grand Rockery Let's begin our virtual tour.Before entering the garden, you will see a beautiful lotus pond.Across the pond is a bridge with a pavilion in the middle.The mid-lake pavilion was rebuilt in 1784 and converted into a teahouse 80 years ago.One of the best in Shanghai, the teahouse is a popular place for the elderly people, who enjoy chatting with each other over a cup of tea.Under the teahouse is a nine-zigzag bridge.The Bridge is an indispensable part of a Chinese garden.It divides up the water space.A zigzag bridge slows down visitors' pace so that they may enjoy the scenery leisurely and it also enables them to see a different view whenever they make a turn.But why nine zigzags? It is because “nine” is the biggest digit before ten and is, therefore, a lucky number.On special occasions such as the lantern festival, which falls on the 15th of January of the lunar calendar, celebrations used to be held in the vicinity, giving rise to much hustle and bustle.Yu Yuan Garden is a small one, only covering an area of 2 hectares but it strikes one as quite large because of its zigzag layout.This is the Three Corn-Ear Hall, the largest and tallest hall in the garden.Called the “Hall of Happiness and Longevity” at first, it was a place where the host entertained his guests and held banquets.There are three plaques in the hallstraight or zigzag, high or low, hill-climbing or water-hugging, a corridor is a visitor's guideline.It divides up the space and combines the views.With every step the visitor takes following a corridor, the view changes.A technique in building court gardens is to create parallel views.That is to say the pavilions, halls, chambers and towers match each other.Here is a case in point.Standing on the Rain Rolling Tower and looking on the right, visitors seem to see a landscape painting dominated by the rockery resembling a real mountain.When visitors on top of the rockery cast their eyes to their left, they will be struck by a genre painting centered on towers and chambers with pavilions, bridges and ponds tucked away as the background.The rock in the middle of the corridor looks like a young lady.Isn't it a treat to see suddenly a young lady who feels shy upon meeting a stranger and tries to hide herself when you stop in the pavilion for a brief rest and enjoy the views around!
The plaque above says “Gradually Entering the Wonderland”.It means that you should slowly follow the winding corridor in order to really appreciated the beautiful views ahead.You see another brick carving on your left.The old man holding a walking stick is the God of Longevity.He is distinguished by an abnormally large, protruding forehead which is deeply lined and crowned with snow white hair.He also has big ears, long eyebrows and a square mouth with thick lips.He is a legendary figure said to be in charge of the life span of mankind.Above the God of Longevity is the Goddess of Mercy.This is Happy Fish Waterside Pavilion.Surrounded by water on three sides, it is a good place for enjoying goldfish swimming happily in the pond.The pavilion often reminds visitors of the dialogue carried between two ancient philosophers, Zhuang Zhi and Hui Zhi.Once they came to a pond like this.One of them said, “The goldfish must be very happy.” The other asked him, “How do you know whether they are happy since you are not fish?” he first one answered, “How do you know that I do not know they are happy since you are not me?”
Visitors do find themselves in a happy frame of mind when they hear the sound of flowing water and see the goldfish swimming freely in the clear water of the pond.This small area itself is a garden as it is complete with the basic elements called for by a Chinese-type garden-plant, water, building and rock.The pond, partitioned in the middle by a crenelated wall with the water flowing through an arched opening at the foot of the wall, looks deeper and longer than itself.This is what we call creating the maximum space in a small area.If your eyes follow the stream beyond the arch you will see in the water the reflections of people and scenery on the other side of the wall.This is the technique of “scenery borrowing”.It means using the scenery “borrowed” from outside the garden as the setoff to enrich the views inside and make the two become one.There is a 300-year old wistaria at the corner.It is said the tree once withered but came into bloom again.Some people regard wistaria as a symbol for welcoming guests.When summer sets in, the tree is ladden with white, butterfly-like flowers, which give off refreshing fragrance.This is the Double Corridor partitioned by a wall with latticed windows.When you look through the windows you will see different views like traditional Chinese paintings in frames.One side of the corridor presents you with chambers, towers and a houseboat which are all static.The other side provides you with the views of water and trees and flowers which are all moving.At the end of the corridor is the Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers.It is so called because there are fresh flowers here all the year round.Designs of plants and flowers are carved on the doors and windows.Particularly eye-catching are the designs of the plum, the orchid, the chrysanthemum and the bamboo at the four corners of the Chamber, representing spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively.The furniture with carved flowers in the chamber are over 200 years old.In front of the chamber are many rocks brought here from lakes.Eroded by water, they are in different shapes, many, interestingly, resembling animals.Here are two more ancient trees, one gingko and the other magnolia.It is said that Mr.Pan's father planted two gingko trees, one male and the other female, 400 years ago.Later, the female gingko died and a magnolia was planted in its place.Known as “living fossil”, gingko trees used to grow profusely about 146 million years ago, but are now on the brink of extinction.It is also called “gongsun” tree because it grows so slowly that the grandfather plants the tree and the grandson picks the fruit.The tree looks like a large parachute because of its dark green leaves resembling small fans.Its seeds and leaves can be used for medical purposes.If you look up you will see the second dragon on top of the wall.The dragon sprawls on the wall, with its head raised hgh, ready to mount the clouds.Hence the name “dragon mounting to the clouds”.Dragon is a mythical animal.It is said dragons could call up wind and waves.Gods rode on them or used them as messengers.Dragon is said to have horns like a deer's antlers, the head of an ox, eyes of a shrimp, the body of a snake, scales of a fish, and talons of an eagle.Regarded as something sacred and the symbol of the emperor, dragons were used to consolidate the position of the feudal rulers in ancient China.This dragon has, in its mouth, a pearl which is its life-line.There is also a toad under its mouth.It is said that these two animals depend on each other for survival.The toad lives on the saliver of the dragon, and, in turn, scratches its chin which is made itchy by the saliver.Let's continue our virtual tour to the third section: Spring Hall and Hall of Mildness This is the Spring Hall.In 1853, the people in Shanghai organized a secret societythe phoenix on the right, “Ru Ji” or “as-you-wish” in the middle and the unicorn on the left.On top of the wall here are the third and fourth dragons with a pearl between them.They are called “Twin dragons playing with a pearl”.On festival occasions, streets packed with people present a bustling scene, whereby twin dragons manipulated by players dance and fiddle with a pearl.Here is another brick carving with the pine tree, the deer, the lingzhi herb and the crane, all symbolizing a long life.Scenery Gathering Pavilion, Toasting Pavilion and Nine-lion Study This is the eastern part of Yu Yuan Garden.It was leveled to the ground after the Opium War but has recently been restored.Following the Ming Dynasty-styled “Spring Corridor” flanked by green bamboo, visitors will see the Huijing(Scenery Gathering)Tower, the centre of one of the three scenic sections in the eastern part.The tower, built in 1870, commands an excellent view of the whole garden.The Nine-Lion Study, overlooking the Huijing Tower, was erected in 1959.Visitors may stop in front of the tower and enjoy the elegance of the pavilion in the distance.Or they may cross the stone bridge and follow the stone path leading to it.Ascending the pavilion, they may catch sight of the lotus in the pond or appreciate the tranquility of the pavilion tucked away admist ancient trees.Beside a rockery stands another pavilion called Liushang(Toasting)Pavilion.Its shadows are thrown onto the pond.It is recorded that on March 3 of the lunar calendar ever year, men of letters in Shanghai would come here and compose poems over a glass of wine like Wang Xizhi and his friends did in Lan Pavilion.Next to the Liushang Pavilion is a three-cornered stone bridge clinging to the water.The water surface, the bridge, trees, halls and towers form a staircase.Walking on the bridge, one feels like tiptoeing on the water.On the far end of the bridge is a wall with a moon-shaped door.The words “Yinyu” or “leading to the jade” are above the door.He grotesquely-shaped huge rock behind the door will arouse visitors' curiosity.You will hastily enter the next scenic section......the Exquisite Jade Stone.Once entering this section, you will find yourself in a world of “jade”.The huge rock, the Jade Magnificence Hall, the beautiful rockery peak and the wonderful corridor all contain in their names the Chinese word “yu” or jade.Even the Yulan(magnolia)Shanghai city's treemeans “white jade orchid” in Chinese.The 3.3-meter-high Exquisite Jade Stone is a rare treasure and, actually, one of the three best in China.It was one of the many valuable rocks which should have been sent to the Northern Song Dynasty Emperor, Huizong, a rock fan.But it got lost while being transported from the south to the northern capital Kaifeng.It finally ended up in a private garden in Shanghai's Sanlintang, east of the Huangpu River.The owner, a local official, when marrying his daughter to the younger brother of Yunduan Pan, presented the rock to his son-in-law as a dowry.The rock is noted for its slender shape, translucent nature, wrinkled surface and numerous holes, 72 in all.Water poured on the top drips down through the holes, while smoke from incense sticks burned below coils up through them.The Jade Magnificence Hall was used as the study of Yunduan Pan.It is said that Pan would come to the hall every day and look for a long time at the Exquisite Jade Stone.He thus felt delighted and was inspired to write.The hall has been restored, with ancient books, writing brushes and an ink stone on display.Jiyu Peak used to be in the eastern part of the garden.After the damage done to this part, some remains of Jiyu Peak lay for a long time by the roadside.In 1956, Chen Congzhou, an eminent architect and professor at Tongji University in Shanghai, discovered them.They were moved to the present site during the recent renovation.“Jiyu” means piling up of numerous pieces of beautiful jade.The Jiyu Corridor, which is over 100 meters long, was built in the style of the Ming Dynasty.It is the longest water-side corridor in China.It is so called because Jiyu Peak stands on it.Added to it are some stone tablets, bearing important data about the garden.This is considered by Chen as valuable “jade” in the garden.To the far north of the Jiyu Corridor is another rockery hill.Designed by Professor Chen's disciple, Zhang Jianhua, the hill is characterized by its caves, winding paths, steep cliffs and flowing streams.It matches wonderfully well with the other 12-metre-high rockery hill before Yangshan Hall.To the west of the Jade Magnificence Hall is the Moon Tower.The name aptly implies that the jade is as bright as the moon.Ascending the tower on the 15th night of August of the Chinese lunar calendar, people will enjoy two bright moons-one in the sky and the other reflected on the pond below.The Moon Tower is, actually, the upper part of a two-storied structure built by a pond in 1883.Below the “Moon Tower” is Qi Zao Hall, an ideal place for enjoying the beautiful lotus in the pond.There are sixteen screen doors in the winding corridor in front of Qi Zao Hall.On each of them there is a carved picture of ploughing and weaving.On the eaves of the hall, there are many Chinese characters of “longevity” carved out of wood.They are called “hundred-longevity map” with distinct national features.On the eastern wall is another brick carving “Guang Han Palace”.It is a palace in the moon according to a legend.The lady in the middle of the brick carving is Chang E, known as the Moon Goddess.Chang E flew to the moon after swallowing an elixir of immortality stolen from her husband, Hou Yi, who got it from Xi Wangmu(Heavenly Empress)of the Kunlun Mountains as a reward for shooting down nine suns in the sky.Wu Gang is another legendary figure on the moon.As he made some serious mistakes while studying under a deity, he was ordered to fell a cassia tree growing on the moon.Every time Wu Guang raises his axe, the cut he has just made grows over, so he must go on chopping for eternity.The compound in front is in the shape of a square jar.There, you will find a plaque with the words “Entering Heaven-like Jar”, meaning entering the fairyland on earth.There is a legend passed down from the Han Dynasty.Once upon a time, there was an old man, a pharmacy owner, crawling into one of the jars of his shop after closing time.He asked the old man to take him along.Once he entered the jar, he discovered a lot of dishes and wine.So, the two got down to a feast and enjoyed the food and wine so much that they felt as if they had entered a heaven of peace.“Entering Heaven-like Jar” means going on a drinking spree and throwing to the four winds all the vexations of life.To the south of the Exquisite Jade Stone are the Screen Wall and the Coiling Dragon Bridge.Both are new additions built in the Ming style.Carved in the wall are the four Chinese words “Huan Zhong Da Kuai”, meaning “happiness under heaven”.What is now one of the exits of the garden used to be the entrance.Once Mr.Pan entered the garden, he would enjoy the “worldly happiness” first, and then drink in the rest of the beauties in the garden.The eastern part of Yu Yuan Garden, only 0.5 hectare in size, has ponds taking up 60 per cent of the total area.The halls, pavilions, chambers and bridges and their reflections on the water contrast wonderfully with each other, making the area look much larger.The Inner Garden Here we are in the Inner Garden.Formerly the back garden of the City God Temple, it was reconstructed in 1709.This typical Qing Dynasty-styled garden only covers 0.14 hectares but is exquisitely and tastefully laid out.How apt it is to call this a garden within a garden!Here is the Hall of Serenity, a major structure in the Inner Garden.If you stand in front of the hall and quietly look at the rocks opposite, you will, again, find that many of them are shaped like animals.Two stone lions squat on both sides of the hall.Both the lions and the small balls in their mouths are carved out of stone.There are some sculptures on the roof of the hall.The one on the left is Yue Fei, a famous general of the Song Dynasty.To this day, people still speak highly of him for his meritorious deeds of resisting the Jin invaders.This is the Nine-Dragon Pool built with Taihu rocks.There are actually only four dragons carved on the rocks, but with their reflections on the water and the pool itself in the shape of a dragon, visitors do find nine dragons.This brick carving “Guo Ziyi Being Congratulated on his Centenary Birthday” is a Qing Dynasty product, going back 300 years.A general of the Tang Dynasty, Guo Ziyi suppressed the rebellious minister An Leshan and later drove away the invading enemy.He was once looked upon as a symbol of happiness, fortune and longevity.This is the sleeping dragon, the last of the five dragons in the garden.It is carved out of clay while the scales of the other four dragons are made of tiles.On top of the rockery hill stands a two-storied pavilion.Stopping here for a brief rest, you may enjoy the beautiful views around, thus feeling delighted.This is, actually, a stage built in the Qing style with exquisite carvings and elaborate decorations.One of the places for entertainment in ancient China, it is the oldest and largest stage preserved in perfect conditions in Shanghai.It is built in two stories and audiences may watch the performances on both floors.