Having only just got here, today we're driving 2 hours north west to neighbouring Suzhou which is renowned for its gardens but unfortunately it's rather a grey day and the forecast is for drizzle. With 23+ million people Shanghai is China's most populous city and so getting anywhere takes time and the road network is massive - just look at this triple tier roundabout.
Although now a conference centre, this building was constructed in 1955 to commemorate the alliance between China and the Soviet Union.
For obvious reasons this building is known as The Boot.
There are just a few traditional buildings around still like this temple.
Although this looks like a mini road sweeper I think it is in fact a taxi.
Suzhou is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze and its old centre features cobbled streets and picturesque waterways but this very modern building on the outskirts is a silk factory.
Presumably this is the Yangtze we're crossing here.
This made me smile, for once we are the subjects of a photograph.
I don't know what the stuff on the right is but the left looks like trotters - yuk!
Deliciously presented fruits of all kinds.
I don't think she could squeeze anything more on her scooter.
This security guard was laughing as I'd almost got run over by a tuk tuk (see below).
It was still only around 10:00 so there weren't many posers up yet - she did look lovely.
I'm not sure what the fish decorations signified.
We then boarded a small boat which had just enough seats. Ian and I were nearly the last to board so he got stuck next to Foghorn (who after we had words the other day studiously ignored him) but actually being at the back worked well as I was able to use my zoom lens through the narrow doorway without getting in anyone else's way. Our local guide Troy on the RHS who was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English, albeit in a very monotonous tone.
It's a shame the sky is so flat but in some respects the limited colour palette works.
This mural was under one of the many bridges.
The boat trip took about 1/2 hour and then we walked the same streets afterwards. A view from one bridge.
This living wall was amazing, there must have been several hundred little pouches - what a sight when they're all flowering.
Another bridge view.
I don't think this shop just sold rabbits.
These looked like pastry and from the picture have different coloured fillings but obviously I didn't try one.
This lot I definitely recognised.
This beautiful display is of Japanese mochi which from what I can find out is pounded sticky rice with an ice cream filling.
We spent an interesting 1/2 hour wandering up and down and enjoying the sights.
