One of the highlights of Shanghai, the Yu Garden is the justifiable pride and joy of the inhabitants of the old city who escape to this extensive and well-maintained haven of greenery by a stream and shaded by dense vegetation, where rare species stand alongside old bonsai trees. Laid out in the 16C, the garden offers visitors delightful views and gardens arranged in small courtyards linked by attractive openings. Why not pause briefly in the 19C Huxinting tea house, a veritable institution reached via a bridge with nine zigzags, built to ward off the evil spirits.