Renmin Lu and Zhonghua Lu form the perimeters of the old city wall (destroyed in 1912) that enclosed the Chinese City. Still within this area, which includes the famous Yu Garden, visitor¡¯s jost1e in the ever-crowded alleys of the bazaar, whose small shops, restaurants and teahouses provide local specialties of all descriptions? The narrow streets nearby reveal an intimate and fascinating picture of daily life. In the old town is Fuyu Lu-- formerly the flea market, this role has been lost now due to urban development.
Should you get tired of walking around the Old Town you can always rest in the beautiful old HUXINTlNG (mid-lake) Teahouse? This five-sided pavilion stands in the middle of a rectangular pool near the entrance to the Yu Garden, connected to land by the Bridge of Nine Turnings (zigzagged, it is said, because evil spirits cannot go round corners).
