When out for a stroll you will find bikes, electric scooters, motorcycles, taxis and cars may all join you on the sidewalk. And while walking in Wuxi you will be safe from crime. Unlike Shanghai will you will rarely be pestered  by touts trying to sell everything from handbags to sex. The Wuxi downtown area is free from much of this sort of aggressive marketing. Beggars however, especially small children, do however show up during national holidays.

Begging is not accepted by the Chinese who  more often than not believe that person is only pretending to be poor. That does not make it easier to refuse what looks like a young mother with a child. Remember, some beggars are crooks and they are smart. They know what pulls on your heart. If you must give them something buy them a hot meal. If you feel guilty about not giving that little boy or girl a few RMB save your money and donate it to a charity where you know it will help. By giving money to these childern you may be contributing to the problem.

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Begging however is only a minor problem that happens mostly around tourist destinations or downtown. Your walk around Wuxi will most often not be affected and walking around Wuxi has its rewards. You can discover interesting back alleys and new shops or services that have just opened up, as well as get a greater feel and understanding of what it is like to live in China..
Exploring Wuxi on foot it is a great way to spend an afternoon. One of the most interesting areas to explore are the old streets behind Xihui park around their north gate.