The network of alleys behind Furong Street, running south toward the old city wall area, contains some of the best-preserved hutong-style streetscape in Jinan. Spring water channels run between the walls, disappearing into drains and reappearing in pools; old stone bridges cross the channels at intervals; courtyard houses face the narrow streets with wooden doors and carved lintels.
The area is increasingly gentrified — small cafes, art studios, and boutique shops occupy many of the former dwellings — but enough authentic fabric remains to convey the character of what old Jinan looked like before the twentieth century transformed it. This is the neighborhood to walk slowly, look up at the rooflines, and listen for running water.