Jiuqu Alley

Jiuqu Alley is also known as Jinsheng Alley. In the past, to prevent the intrusion of thieves and to mitigate the ravages of the 'Nine-Fall Wind' (Jiujiangfeng), the alleyways were built in a winding and tortuous manner. Hence, it was formerly known by the elegant sobriquet 'Winding Alley, Clear Winter Day'. Even today, visitors to Jiuqu Alley can still experience a unique sense of space. A corridor spans across the alley overhead, connecting to what is, according to legend, the 'Shiyi Building' (Ten Suitable Building), a former gathering place for literati. Next to it is 'Qianglou' (Gun Tower), an early defensive structure.