Suzhou

Suzhou canal

Suzhou- it's been called the Venice of the East because of its many canals. Suzhou is a beautiful, 2,500 year old town in the Yangzi Basin.

Suzhou gondolier

Donne, Ken's colleague

Jesse, Donne's daughter

We take a 40 minute fast-train to Suzhou in Jiangsu Province and meet up with Ken's colleague, Donne, and his family, Danna and Jesse.  Donne is our tour guide and gracious host.

 We enjoy a weekend of exploring the gardens, cobbled streets and the canals of Suzhou. 

Leaning Cloud Rock Pagoda
at Tiger Hill
Built in 10th century
Began to tilt 400 years ago!

When the Grand Canal (canal that connects the Yellow River with Yangzi River) was completed, Suzhou became an important shipping center and China's leading silk-producing city.

We stay in a 400 year old residence,
Pingjiang Lodge

Lotus bud

Haoche! (yummy)  Signature fish dish  

Donne and Jesse 

North temple pagoda

Four elements of a Chinese garden:
vegetation, water, rocks, architecture

Amazing doorways

Ken explores the narrow streets of Suzhou

J and K in the garden

Afternoon rain at the
Humble Administrator's Garden



Portland Oregon's Classical Chinese Garden, now called Lan Su Garden, was influenced by this famous Suzhou Garden. The new name Lan Su is taken from Portland and Suzhou.

In the 14th century, painters, actors, schcolars and aritstocrats
arrive in Suzhou and build villas and gardens


"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters will never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Our evening ends with a lovely dinner over looking the modern buildings
of Suzhou and Jin Ji lake
Danna, Donne's wife,  and Jesse

Next Up:
Escaping Shanghai Heat