Hangzhou & Suzhou - Venices of the East

National holidays in China are always interesting. It seems like the "real" date is always in mid-week (well, probably 5 out of 7, right?) and the government tacks on two more week days of "mandatory vacation." Sounds good, right? Not so much. What China gives with the right hand, China seems to take back with the left hand.

Dragon Boat Festival was on a Wednesday. The government has given everyone Monday and Tuesday off as a bonus. But it has required everyone to work or go to school Saturday and Sunday to make it up. So Sunday all the kids are in school, all employee are working, and we are teaching school instead of going to church. Only in China.

A few months ago we had the same situation. Taught on Sunday and then celebrated by taking a trip with some of the BYU professors. We flew to Hangzhou and Suzhou in Zhejiang Province for a little sightseeing. This area is known for it's "Venice-like" waterways and for its beautiful gardens. It is truly gorgeous and so green! The scenery is a photographer's paradise as the following pictures can attest.

Chinese gardens have a flair all their own. Flowers are not highlighted but shrubs, trees and flowering bushes are well manicured and create beautiful areas of serenity. We saw some of the most beautiful bonsai plants! Old, very old, and interesting and beautiful in ways only they can be.

Here are some additional photos to add to our previous Hangzhou and Suzhou posting.