Suzhou

We had taken the bus to Zhouzhang, and now we were traveling on the Grand Canal that goes from Zhouzhang to Suzhou on a very interesting looking Chinese boat. Suzhou is called the "Garden City", and is well known for its fantastic silk weaving traditions. That night we visited the intimate Garden of the Master of Nets and enjoyed a few cultural performances in the different gardens.

The next day we visited the silk factory where they make silk rugs, and one where they make silk comforters, and finally the well known Silk Embroidery Institute. That afternoon the bus took us back to Shanghai just in time to catch a flight to Beijing.

Sue boarding the boat for our cruise on the Grand Canal

Cheng, our wonderful guide who accompanied us from Shanghai to Hong Kong with Sue. We are on our way to Suzhou.

Passing boat on the Grand Canal

Sue in the lovely gardens of the Sheraton Hotel in Suzhou.

Graceful Performer

Our friends Kate and Joe bought a beautiful silk rug.

Sue and Fran in a lovely garden in Suzhou on a hot day.

This Zhouzhuang beer was very delicious. Most of us had that every meal.