WATER IN PARADISE

‘Live in Hangzhou, marry in Suzhou, dine in Guangzhou and die in Luzhou,’ we were told when we visited a couple of these cities in the vicinity of Shanghai.

‘Why?’ we asked. 

‘Because these places have, respectively, the best view, the prettiest women, the best food  and the best coffin wood!’

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This article continues with details of the several lovely ‘water villages’ that are easily accessed from Shanghai. Some have canals and boat tours, one  has  ancient gardens, and another is a magnet for  artists.  Information on accommodation, local food and cuisine, things to do and see is also provided as well as a regional recipe if required.

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As it happened we didn’t make it to Luzhou which may have been just as well, although we did discover it is noted for its production of alcoholic drinks as well. The gastronomic delights of Guangzhou, a port on the Pearl River not far from Hong Kong, will have to wait for another time too.

However I can vouch for Hangzhou and Suzhou, not far from Shanghai. The Chinese say ‘Above you have heaven, and below you have Hangzhou’. To me Hangzhou seemed pretty close to paradise as it is.

©Sally Hammond 2007

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2007

(Sally and Gordon Hammond travelled as guests of  Helen Wong’s Tours)

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