Beautiful old buildings at night time
The two tourists made their way to Suzhou on Wednesday where they spent the day exploring the many gardens as well as other sights including the highly recommended Suzhou Museum. After work on Wednesday, I jumped on the train to meet them at our hostel on Ping Jiang Lu, a beautiful alleyway next to a canal. The hostel was decorated with beautiful old furniture but unfortunately the stone walls meant that despite the heating, it was very chilly!
Early morning exercise by the canal
Peak hour on Ping Jiang Lu in Suzhou
After a wonderful sleep-in on Thursday morning, we set off for a day trip to Tongli, a small canal town that is over 1000 years old. It was a cold and quiet day in Tongli, with very few tourists, so we were lucky enough to pretty much have the alleyways to ourselves as we wandered. We meandered through the small alleyways observing the old homes, the local way of life and the relaxed activity on the canals.
Still waters in Suzhou
Rickety old houses by the canal
We also browsed the obligatory tourist shops. Being a quiet day meant that business was slow for the shops and although we weren't there to shop, we found ourselves drawn into the warm shops, lured in by the cheap prices on offer. We managed to score some bargains - 'genuine' Puma shoes for 50rmb ($10) a pair, scarves for 20rmb ($4) each, Mao propaganda posters for 30rmb ($6) and some stunning artwork for half price - 150rmb ($30) and 60rmb ($12).
Cruising through Tongli
Disturbing the stillness with the washing
Tongli is home to an interesting tourist sight - the Sex Culture Museum. A separate 'M rated' blog entry will follow soon. This was an unusual highlight of our trip to Tongli but the best part was definitely just strolling along the canals watching life go by and imagining what it might have been like in this tiny canal town 100o years ago.
Rusty old bike
Old grate with Chinese characters
Touristy alleyway in Tongli
Which chair should I sit on?!
Old, cold stone buildings
Taking a nap on a cold and quiet day
Old lady in Tongli
Strolling along the canals
Damp buildings
Traditional osprey show
All rugged up from the cold
Boats on the canal
Relaxing in the 'China Unicom Customer Club' at the Suzhou train station
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