- Mandarin Immersion (Part 1)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 2)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 3)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 4)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 5)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 6)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 7)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 8)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 9)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 10)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 11)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 12)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 13)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 14)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 15)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 16)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 17)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 18)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 19)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 20)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 21)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 22)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 23)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 24)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 25)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 26)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 27)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 28)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 29)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 30)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 31)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 32)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 33)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 34)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 35)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 36)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 37)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 38)
- Mandarin Immersion (Part 39)
June 20, 2023
Mandarin Immersion (Part 37)
By Simon J. Lau
For my last night in Suzhou, I enjoyed a live pingtan performance. Originating in Suzhou and often performed in the Suzhou dialect, it originated during the Song dynasty but was popularized in Shanghai during the 19th century. I had never seen one before, but I stayed for the entire event and really enjoyed it! Here’s a video of a live performance done in China.
In the morning, I visited the Humble Administrator’s Garden. This is one of China’s four most famous gardens. The other three include the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Chengde Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde, and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou. This garden was built in the 16th century by a retired government official. It’s notable for its use of rockeries. For example, rock formations obscure the entrance of the garden so that guests are gradually introduced to the beauty of the outdoor space. The garden also features rich cultural and historic references.
Now that I’ve visited three of the top four Chinese gardens (all but Lingering Garden, which is weirdly within walking distance of where I’m staying), I can say that I’m simply not that into gardens. 🤷♂️ I want to like them, but I can’t sit still long enough to enjoy them. I’m a man who constantly needs to be on the move.
Speaking of “on the move,” I’ll be scooting along at a very fast pace these next few days. My next stop is Beijing (for one night) before making my grand return home to ‘Murica. 🇺🇸 It’ll be bittersweet, I’m sure. I’ve developed a distinct routine these last 6 weeks. I’ll miss the many chance encounters, shared experiences with new friends, and unique photographs that I’ve collected along the way. Most of all, I’ll miss the sense of adventure and freedom that often comes with solo travel.
At the same time, I’m excited to return home to see my family and to organize and collect my thoughts. I owe it to myself to share something more substantial when I’m done. All in due time. In the meantime, I want to make the most of my last few days. Onward!
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