Day Trip to Suzhou - The Venice of China

While we were visiting in Shanghai, we took a day trip to Suzhou on the bullet train. It took us only 1 hour at over 90 miles per hour.

Suzhou is an old city that still uses canals for transportation. We took a boat ride in the old part of the city.

It was interesting to see houses and businesses right on the edge of the water. As you can see, people were very friendly.

Some pavillions were filled with families on an outing.

The beautiful bridges arch over the canal.

Often the back door of the house if right on the water.

It was very picturesque.

Arched doorways often led to walking paths.

This girl didn't look up from doing her homework on a cement table.

I am always fascinated by hanging laundry.

The canals are an important part of their life.

Boats of all sizes are found on the water. Most are paddled or small motors.

It is a beautiful ...

... to see another part of China.

Trip to Shanghai

In April we went to Shanghai.  Taterbug taught some classes for Shanghai Airlines and I tagged along to see the sights.  Shanghai is a relatively young city, gaining its identity in 1842 when it was opened up to foreign business. 

The 'Old Town' had beautiful Chinese classical architecture.

It is also famous for the beautiful gardens in the city.

In one of the many ponds, koi fish were being fed.

We loved the beautiful cement and tile roof lines.

This roof top had a dragon head on each side.

There were many secluded garden areas for meditation.

We enjoyed the quiet soothing sounds of the water and breeze in the trees.

This beautiful gate was at the entrance and exit from the garden.  So beautiful.

Some sections of the city have restored to their original European influences.

This street was in the French Connection part of the city.

Most of the streets are narrow and lined with trees and shops.  I love to see the people and the street markets.

This is actually a pan full of tiny baby ducks that had been stir fried.  The street food is so interesting.  I know this makes you hungry.... so 

... would you like a small fried fish on a stick .... or

... How about some squid?

.... or Shanghai's famous steamed dumplings?

I think every day is wash day.  The streets are full of color with the laundry handing.

Some of the streets were filled with banners and lanterns.

There was a photo shoot happening on a bridge.  It looked like it was for an advertisement.

This was a wonderful visit to a beautiful city.

Our First Visitors - The Rollins Visit Beijing

Scott and LaDonna Rollins, in-laws to our daughter, came Beijing for a short visit at the end of March.

 It was only 2 1/2 days but we filled it with lots of sights, shopping, and good food.

Right away we went to see the Great Wall of China. It is an amazing experience. Its orgins began before Christ for defense. It is estimated to be more than 6,200 miles long.

This man is dressed as a Mongol.   

The section we visited, Mutianyu, was reconstructed during the Ming dynasty, 1368 - 1644, to defend against attack from the Manchus and Mongols from the north.   This section was restored in 1986.

We took a cable car to the top of the mountain, then walked along the Great Wall.  The panorama views were breathtaking.    Luckily we visited during the week in a non tourist time of year. 

Many areas were very steep and climbing steps or walking was difficult.

At the end of our walk along the Great Wall we rode down on a luge sled. What a thrill to wind around on a metal luge run with the wind screaming through your hair!  Flat Parker came with us.  (A school project for our grandson.)

We stopped for lunch at a small town close to the Great Wall.  Just outside the resturant were these men playing cards ....

... and chinese checkers ...

... and one man repairing shoes.

Another day we made a visit to the 2008 Olympic grounds was amazing.   The Water Cube was huge.  

The Birdsnest stadium was a fabulous example of architecture.

It was a thrill just to stand inside the stadium and remember the amazing opening and closing ceremony.

A little toddler with a ‘panda’ haircut was adorable. 

Of course he had split pants which are typical of young children's clothing in China.

LaDonna in an olympic pose.

We were able to get a pictures with the olympic mascots.  We fit in just right!