A yóu láng is a covered, open-sided corridor found in traditional Chinese gardens and classical architecture. The character yóu (游) means 'to stroll' or 'to wander', evoking leisurely movement, while láng (廊) means 'corridor' or 'veranda'—a passageway with a roof and often decorative columns or railings. Together, they name a structure designed not just for passage but for aesthetic appreciation: visitors walk slowly along it to view pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and seasonal scenery.

Historically, pleasure corridors appear in imperial gardens like the Summer Palace and scholar-official estates in Suzhou. They are typically built of wood or stone, sometimes winding gracefully around water or connecting pavilions. Unlike functional indoor hallways, a yóu láng emphasizes harmony with nature—its open sides invite breeze and light, and its rhythmic columns create visual cadence. It reflects the Chinese garden principle of 'borrowed scenery' (jiè jǐng) and embodies the cultural ideal of refined, contemplative recreation.