About a 90-minute drive from central Shanghai is the traditional “water town” of Zhujiajiao. 
At the risk of generalizing, there are a number of these type of towns in southern China, most notably Suzhou, whose Chinese garden coincidentally served as the model for the Chinese garden in Portland, Oregon.
Of course, these towns represent a way of life that is quickly disappearing in many parts of China, but people do actually live and work in them. They have become a huge tourist attraction for both foreigners and Chinese, so much so that the authorities in Zhujiajiao have set a daily limit of no more then 35,000 visitors. Tanya even volunteered to help enforce these limits. 
Tourists jostle one another as they negotiate the narrow stone streets and sidewalks, while vendors encourage them to buy local food items, silk scarves and gee-gaws. Still, it was a fun experience, which included a visit to an old pharmacy, selling a number of traditional herbal remedies. 
Never Left Home 
This is awesome Jay!
I really like reading your blog, so well written, and envy you for the journeys and experiences!
Keep it up and safe travelling the globe. Looking forward to the next posts.
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What a great experience! 35,000 people a day in that smaller town is a lot of tourists! That would even be a lot for Portland. They were lucky to have Tanya helping out. They would soon discover that her stern face and stance would be quickly be replaced by the real Tanya with the radiant smile!
Paul Frank and LRS Architects have done a lot of work in Shanghai. They also have an office there.
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Kathleen, Tanya was keeping those pesky tourists in line but soon reverted to her normal sweet self. 🙂
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Looks like a photographers paradise and no smog……..
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It was good shooting that day with lots of good colors…and yes, light smog.
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Jay and Tanya- These are my favorites of all the pics you have taken on this trip. What a beautiful place!
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Thanks Kathy. Now I’m nervous. Hope you enjoy our future pics as well.
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