On our way to the Yuyuan Garden this morning, we were on a multi-level overpass on the expressway...and when I looked down, I saw this pretty little park. I am convinced that anyone who lives in a big city in China can make their way to a nice little park...they are everywhere...and that took me by surprise!
We had to walk a couple of blocks through a park to get to the Gardens. Low and behold, at 9:00 in the morning, couples were dancing in the park! Was kind of fun to see them...
This famous classical garden was built for the parents of Pan Yunduan, a government official of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.
It was heavily damaged in the Opium War and later underwent a 5 year restoration. The gardens were opened to the public in 1961.
Our local tour guide reminded us that most of the world plans their gardens with sweeping views of the gardens when you walk in. Chinese gardens have many twists and turns so there are many surprises in your visit. That was certainly true at the old and beautiful Yuyuan Gardens. They were on a small plot of land, but seemed much bigger because of all the different spaces with pagodas, ponds, rock structures, and flowers.
Have I already introduced our tour director, David?
This kind old man was having fun and entertaining the visitors by feeding the fish into a frenzy in the pond.
Surrounding the gardens was one of the biggest bazaars I have ever seen...narrow little streets with dozens of little red lanterns hanging from the ceilings. The shops were about 12 by 15 and jammed with just about anything you could hope to find...toys, can openers, pens, magnets, candies, jade, jewelry, silk scarves and bags, Buddhas and emperors of all shapes and sizes, teas and tea cups, calendars, pictures, paintings, instruments, books..it just goes on and on. You could get lost in the maze of stores and alleys. Andy pretty much nursed a cup of coffee at Starbucks while I shopped. I stopped at one little shop and asked if she had some little cosmetic bags. She turned and talked to a guy sitting in the corner. He immediately jumped up and was back in about 3 minutes with an armload of just what I wanted. I have NO idea where he got it...probably at a brother's shop down the street.
This pretty little pond and imposing building were in the main square of the bazaar. Hundreds of people were just hanging out around the pond.
Walking back to the bus, we saw this guy working from the cart behind his bicycle...sewing up a storm on his old machine!
This little guy had on a pair of the split pants for potty training...he was very cute toddling around the park.
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