Yuyuan Garden is considered one of the most lavish Chinese gardens in the region. The garden was reportedly first established in 1559 as a private garden. They were repaired by the Shanghai government from 1956-61, opened to the public in ‘61, and declared a national monument in ‘82. Today, it occupies an area of 2 hectares (5 acres), and is divided into six general areas laid out in the Suzhou style. Yuyuan Garden is a 30 minute walk or just a short taxi ride from the hotel.