Yuyuan Bazaar is right next to Yu Garden.

Yu Garden is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago.

It is a good place to sample some local snacks and buy some souvenirs.

A jumble of stalls spill out of the magnificent classical Chinese architecture

You might find antiques, silk fans and objects made from shells and bamboo. Intricate paintings are also available for sale.

Here you will experience the vivid clash of sights and sounds

Get swept up in the atmosphere of the crowded lanes as you peruse the items for sale,

As I explore the alleys of Yuyuan Garden I am constantly reminded that it is the Lunar New Year and that we have entered the year of the Pig! Chinese New Year 2019 started on Tuesday, February 5th and ends on January 24th, 2020.

Old Town, Old Shanghai

Wander around the twisting alleys of Shanghai’s Yuyuan Bazaar

This place is part of the remaining old walled city of the old Shanghai.

You probably know there are 12 Chinese zodiac animals used to represent years, 2019 is the year of the Pig. Zodiac signs play an integral part in Chinese culture, and can be used to determine your fortune for the year, marriage compatibility, career fit, best times to have a baby, and so much more. Many large corporations in China still reference it before making important decisions!

Happy New Year!!

The bazaar surrounds the beautiful Yuyuan Garden

Is it only me or does this pig look really really scared?

But did you know that the zodiacs originally had something to do with the worship of animals?

One legend says that the Jade Emperor needed to choose 12 animals as palace guards. The Cat asked his neighbour Rat to help him sign up. Rat forgot, which is why they became mortal enemies.

At the palace, Ox was first in line, but Rat secretly climbed onto Ox’s back and jumped in front of him. Tiger and Dragon thought it was unfair, but they could only settle behind Ox. Rabbit found it unfair too. He wanted to race with Dragon and succeeded.

a place full of life attracting a consistent flow of touristes each day

Take subway line 10 ( transfer from Subway line 2 at East Nanjing Road ) and get off at the station of Yuyuan Garden (豫园) and exit from the Exit No.01.

a plethora of narrow alleys radiate from the bazaar,

This angered Dog, who bit Rabbit in a fit and was sent to the back as punishment. Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey and Rooster fought amongst themselves as well. Pig was late because he overslept.

Of course, this is only a story and there are quite a few different versions.

walk around shopping and dining at the bazaar area

The old town has been exploited commercially

Some areas were a little bit too crowded for me

Get swept up in the atmosphere of the crowded lanes

Peruse the items for sale, which range from gloriously kitschy to totally unique

Yuyuan has retained its connections to traditional Chinese culture.

According to the Chinese astrology, 2019 is a great year to make money, and a good year to invest! 2019 is going to be full of joy, a year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs; an auspicious year because the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life.

A half day is needed if you are going to visit Yuyuan Garden

Wander around the twisting alleys of Shanghai’s Yuyuan Bazaar

Come here in the morning for lunch

The area can get very crowded on weekends

You might find antiques, silk fans and objects made from shells and bamboo. Intricate paintings are also available for sale.

Yuyuan has retained its connections to traditional Chinese culture.

But if you were born in the year of the PIG, 2019 is seen as a hurdle you have jump over as your zodiac year is bad luck. There are multiple explanations for this. The Chinese believe that children can easily be taken by demons. And your benming year (the year of your zodiac animal) is your rebirth year.

Your defence from evil spirits and bad fortune is the colour red. Just as you can decorate your home in red for protection and fortune, you can also wear red clothing. Many people will wear red underwear every day of the year. Others add on red shirts, pants, jewellery, insoles and more! Even in modern times, it’s still treated as a real concern.

Dont forget to look up!

Love the New Years decorations

Happy New Year!!

A jumble of stalls spill out of the magnificent classical Chinese architecture

experience the vivid clash of sights and sounds.

Wander around the twisting alleys of Shanghai’s Yuyuan Bazaar

Wander around the twisting alleys of Shanghai’s Yuyuan Bazaar

Get swept up in the atmosphere of the crowded lanes as you peruse the items for sale

Either way I do hope that 2019 is a very good year for you!!

Happy Year of the PIG!!

A jumble of stalls spill out of the magnificent classical Chinese architecture

Get swept up in the atmosphere of the crowded lanes