The shop-houses are narrow but long and usually contain either two or three interconnected structures separated by small gardens. These gardens helped to light up the dwellings which were surrounded by high walls to ensure privacy.
店內則因光線不足，雖是白晝，也須點蠟燭才能做生意。不見天街的居民因長年少曬陽光，皮膚白晰。