Popular Chinese legend states that, "In heaven there is paradise,
and on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou". Suzhou (population
5.7 million), has been praised as a "paradise on earth"
since ancient times. Being only two hours from Shanghai, Suzhou
has enjoyed great prosperity and recognition over the years and
this is an extraordinarily delicate and elegant city in parts. However,
it is an exaggeration to refer to this pretty place as "paradise".
Like many other cities in China, the bulldozers and cranes have
moved in. There is still a fair amount to see and the classical
and traditional Chinese style and designs here make a nice change
from the modernity of Shanghai.
