Worldwide there are many cities which have a water exposure since commerce via ship was always important. Thus, we have cities, such as Paris, St Louis, London, Bangkok, and Vienna,  which can be found on rivers; we have a large number of cities, such as New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Rio de Janeiro which lie on coastlines. However there a few cities which carry the concept of water exposure to the extreme. Water is an integral part of the city’s transportation system; it often replaces streets. These cities and town are always interesting to tourists since they are exceptions to the mainstream (pun?).

           Suzhou is not truly a “water village” (see Zhouzhuang post above) although it also has a series of canals which traverse the town. It is much more famous for its Classical Chinese Gardens. Canals, however, are very visible as one walks through town.                

Suzhou Canal

        The gardens themselves are replete with water, bridges, and aquatic plants such as water lilies.                  

Lions Grove Garden

          The most popular Chinese Garden in town is the Humble Adminstrator’s Garden.                 

Humble Adminstrator's Garden