Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Wuzhen on the Yangtze River Delta

May Day is one of 7 national holidays in China.  The University had April 29-30 and May 1 off but we had to make up the classes on Saturday and Sunday for April 29-30 but the classes on May 1 were cancelled since that was the official holiday.  Kind of crazy but I took advantage of the days off and traveled with friends to the east of China.  Hangzhou is the southern terminus of the "Grand Canal" and is referred to as "Heaven on Earth."  It was a beautiful city and we enjoyed taking a boat cruise on West Lake and walking through many beautiful parks.

part of the most famous restaurant in Hangzhou 

Suzhou is often called the "Venice of the East" and it was fun taking a couple of cruises on the canals. We also visited the ancient village of Wuzhen for a canal ride and walked the 1,000 year old streets.  However because of the holiday, the crowds were incredible. The group I was with were all part of the BYU China program and this was probably the last trip we will have together.  It was fun talking about all our different experiences and all that we have learned.  Even though most of us only see each other during holiday trips, we have become close friends and I will miss seeing them.  People in the group are from all over the US ... north, east, south, and west.

Side street canal 

Lots of cool bridges ... going under one bridge we can to duck

wringing our his mop in the canal 

 crowded market streets

very narrow side streets in Wuzhen

I hope these plants don't end up in the canal

trash collector

I enjoyed the names of the gardens and the people as much as the gardens ... Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden, and Tiger Hill were my favorites. 

leaning pagoda on Tiger Hill built in the 900s

Bus driver taking a nap in the cargo department ... at least it was shade

pruning one of the many bonsai

No park is complete without some fun signs: