Next to the entrance to the Yuyuan Gardens is the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, once part of the gardens and now one of the most famous teahouses in China, visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton, among others. The zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits (and trap tourists) who can only travel in straight lines.
The wonderfully lengthy menu recommends suitable brews to drink in each season and the tea (from ¥70) is served elegantly with tiny nibbles.