Rumours about its origin include the story that it was meant for the Huizong Emperor (Northern Song dynasty from 1100 to 1126 AD) the imperial garden in Bianjing, but was salvaged from the Huangpu River after the boat carrying it had sunk.

[10] From Pan's own records, the garden served as hub for many social activities when he lived there, and those events influenced the texture of Shanghai society.

[10] In particular, of Pan Yuduan's journal entries from 1586 through 1601, nearly three quarters of them are related to various public performances that were held in the garden, with the Leshou Tang being the main venue for these events.

A section was briefly organised by Zhang Shengqu as the "Academy of Purity and Harmony" (清和書院, Qīng-Hé Shūyuàn) and the Ling Yuan (靈苑, Líng Yuàn, lit.

During the Taiping Rebellion, the Small Swords Society ran its headquarters in the Dianchun Hall; by the time Qing troops recovered the garden, the original structures had nearly all been destroyed.

[14] It perfectly blends decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering ponds, zigzag bridges, archways, and exquisite rockeries.

[13] Yuyuan Bazaar is located right next to Yu Garden, with beautiful Chinese architecture and design coupled with hundreds of shops selling pieces of jewelry, silk, antiques, arts, crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks.