Moments in time,10 April 2011 Suzhou, China

When we lived in Shanghai, we would often have weekend getaways in nearby Suzhou.

Well, a city of 10 million people has to be more relaxing than a city of 23 million!

On the tenth of April, 2011 we were on one of those relaxing weekends and

found ourselves in the touristy Shantang St in the Northwest corner of Suzhou old town.

The Paris of the East, restaurants and shops line the canal on the main street, 

ancient bridges link the two sides. 

Wander the streets and discover art galleries, crafts

and sample some delicious street food.

12:01pm
We stroll down the side of the canal.

12:13pm
A chat to a local vendor.

12:16pm

We choose a small man powered wooden boat to glide down the canals.

Much more personal than the larger ones crammed with tourists, 

so much quieter and so more in touch with the local people.

12:18pm

The boat softly glides under a bridge and the noisy tourist area is left behind as

we seemingly go back in time.

12:23pm

A local lady does her washing in the canal.

12:28pm

Soak up the ancient architecture and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals.

12:29pm

Time for a rest and watch the world go by.

12:32pm

The canal is the backbone of the neighbourhood.

12:39pm

Traditional homes, some centuries old, line the canal, everyday life carries on

veggie gardens are grown, chickens are raised, washing is hung.

12:45pm

The busy, bustling and colourful, Shantang Old Street comes back into 

view, time to re-enter the present time...and go off in search of lunch!

A lovely place to visit, with lots to discover.

Weekends are usually very crowded, especially in the summer.

Shantang Street, Jinchang District, Suzhou 215008, China.