Chinese growth, even though being so rapid, seem to be
pretty well balanced: new buildings
aren’t simple cubes, but have some architectural detail, there is plenty of
plants around (but maybe gardening is just Suzhou’s thing?) and many objects of
culture, especially monuments. I surfaced from underground at the Culture and Arts Centre,
and its scale says a lot:
Gate to the East building (nearly finished) show city's aspirations.Thus I feel that Suzhou cannot be treated as a typical example of
Chinese lifestyle. It shows however contrasts between where the country was not
long ago (and in some areas still is), and where it is now. The gardens are definitely the most interesting attraction of the city,
and depending on time available, one can start with smaller ones and finish at the Humble
Administrator’s, or go straight there and possibly see the most that in a
Chinese garden can be seen. It is worth seeing local everyday life, not for
nice views, but for its character. I would not call the old town ‘Venice’
anymore: maybe in the past there were many boats on the canals, now they are
only used to clean bottoms of what became sewage… Food is an absolute must to
try, I must admit I regret not being brave enough to buy one of those things
made on the streets in the morning, but I’m happy I’ve been to hot pot and
barbecue places (thanks Viv!). Looking forward to exploring Beijing in August :)
No comments:
Post a Comment