Plenty to shout about
China Daily | Updated: 2009-08-06 08:09

Five Avenues
Covering an area of 1.28 sq km, it showcases Western-style buildings. Some 2,000 gardens and houses stand side-by-side, exhibiting French, British, German, Spanish and hybrid architectural fashions. Now restored to their former splendor, they represent a microcosm of an era.
The residence of Prince Ching is a combination of Chinese and Western styles. It retains some of the royal colors of the Forbidden City, but its eaves and courtyard walls are distinctly foreign. The abode was constructed by a powerful eunuch who amassed so much wealth he decided to retire in high style.
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