The Yuyuan Gardens (Gardens of Contentment) date back to 1559 to the Ming Dynasty, and are the best example of Chinese classical gardens in Shanghai. Yuyuan is a popular tourist attraction but it is still a peaceful and beautiful place, which has been inventively laid out. If you like Koi fish then you will be impressed with the Yuyuan's collection. The relatively small gardens are laid out in an intricate design with pavilions, rockeries, ponds and a traditional theatre arranged in an ornate maze. The gardens consist of six sections: The Grand Rockery, the Hall of Heralding Spring, the Hall of Jade Magnificence, Ten Thousand Flower Pavilion, Inner Garden, and Lotus Pool. The gardens are on Yuyuan Street in downtown Shanghai and can be reached via the Town God Temple Market, a warren of shops and stalls that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist bazaar. The market boasts both international staples like Starbucks and Dairy Queen, and unique local stalls. After the bustle of the market the gardens provide welcome shade and calm. It is best to visit the gardens during the week because they get very busy during weekends and the crowds can detract from the spirit of the place.