Dajing Ge Pavilion is a museum and temple on Dajing Road in Shanghai, incorporating the last surviving section of the Old City wall. Built around Shanghai in 1553 during the Ming dynasty, the wall was mostly dismantled in 1912. The pavilion and its historic setting make a worthwhile stop for a closer look at the city’s past; Yu Garden is nearby for a longer visit. Parts of the pavilion have been under renovation, so check access before making it the focus of your day.
The wall’s history
The wall around Shanghai was first built in 1553, during the Ming dynasty. Most of it was dismantled in 1912, leaving only a small surviving section incorporated into Dajing Ge Pavilion. The names of the emperors Xianfeng and Tongzhi are associated with the remaining wall.
The site combines a museum and an ancient temple. Its surviving masonry offers a tangible link to the city’s former defenses, though the remnant is modest in scale compared with the walls preserved in some other Chinese cities.
Details in the garden setting
The grounds include several named structures. Yule Xie, or the Pavilion for Viewing Frolicking Fish, looks onto a stream with carp and goldfish. The waterway appears longer than it is, measuring under 50 metres. Cui Xiu Tang, also called the Hall of Gathering Grace, stands northeast of the rockery.
Wanhua Lou, the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Flowers, is east of the rockery. A ginkgo tree estimated at four centuries old stands in its front courtyard. Nearby Yu Garden makes a natural addition for anyone planning to spend more time exploring this part of Shanghai.
Perguntas frequentes
What remains of Shanghai’s Old City wall?
A small section survives at Dajing Ge Pavilion. Most of the wall was dismantled in 1912.
When was the wall around Shanghai built?
Construction began in 1553, during the Ming dynasty.
What can you see in the pavilion grounds?
The grounds include Yule Xie, a pavilion overlooking a fish stream, Cui Xiu Tang, and Wanhua Lou, whose courtyard has an old ginkgo tree.
