China 2006 - Suzhou Gardens

Suzhouis famous for its gardens and canals, sometimes called the Venice of China. 
It's not Venice, but the gardens are very old and very nice - we visited two of the most famous.

The gardens revolve around water, with large ponds and old bridges surrounded by interesting buildings

Small pagoda in the main pond, surrounded by limestone-like rocks

Bridges everywhere - some crowded

and some with only Yinan

And lots of pretty flowers

Red building

The rocks are very rough and full of interesting holes

Rock up close

Waterfall

Old building

Old lake-side seats

Steve in holy wall

Big vase - very pretty

Solitude of gardens lends itself to reading and reflection

Stone table and barrel stools - looked lonely by themselves in this courtyard

Man tending to the lakes

Close up on flower