The Green Gang, a major mafia in modern China, is primarily linked to 1920s and 30s Shanghai, though some top figures originated from Suzhou. Suzhou, a water town near Shanghai, lacks Shanghai's extensive gangster history but holds significance for notorious criminals like 'Pockmarked' Huang Jinrong and 'Big-Eared' Du Yuesheng. Du Yuesheng, Huang's right-hand man, built a vast resume in Shanghai, running illicit businesses and owning legitimate enterprises like a shipping company and banks. Despite his wealth and power, Du lived under constant threat from the law, rivals, and the Communist Party. He employed White Russian bodyguards and held unique superstitions, carrying dried monkey heads and spell inscriptions for protection.After inheriting operations from Huang, Du sought respite and security in Suzhou, constructing a small holiday home. He designed the home with an inward-facing courtyard, allowing discreet movement between buildings away from public view. The two courtyards and adjacent alleyways still showcase ornate scrollwork, grapevine pergolas, and grey brick, characteristic of Minguo architecture. Today, the area has been refurbished and is managed by the city government, no longer a haunt for mobsters.