Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
was bound for the imperial court in Beijing until the boat sank off Shanghai. Also look for
the Hall of Heralding Spring, which in 1853 was the headquarters for the Small Swords
Society, and the beautiful stage (1888), with its gilded carved ceiling.
Yuyuan Bazaar
Surrounding the gardens is the Yuyuan Bazaar ( Fuyou Rd) , a bustling maze of souvenir
stalls and famous snack shops. You won't be able to escape the fake Rolex vendors, but
shopping here is nevertheless entertaining. Join the crowds surrounding the layangpian (
peephole theatre) performer and don't forget to haggle.
Temple of the Town God
Chinese towns traditionally had a community of Taoist gods (often presided over by a
main town god), who kept the populace from harm. This temple ( Middle Fangbang Rd; admis-
sion ¥10; 8.30am-4.30pm) , accessed from Middle Fangbang Rd, originally dated to the early
15th century before being badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution.
Top Tips
Classical Chinese gardens were not designed to accommodate over a thousand visitors a day. For the best ex-
perience, make sure you get here at opening time, before the tour buses arrive.
Pick up a map of the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar at the Tourist Information and Service Centre ( 149 Ji-
ujiaochang Rd;
9am-7pm) , near the intersection with Old St.
Take a Break
Next to the garden entrance is the Huxinting Teahouse ( 8.30am-9.30pm) , once part of the gardens and now
one of the most famous teahouses in China. Its zigzag causeway, which can confuse visitors, is designed to thwart
evil spirits, who can only travel in straight lines.
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