Breakfast at hotel best yet as was the service. Many commented on how they liked the hotel best so far though it certainly wasn’t the most luxurious. Beautiful traditional with lovely gardens. First today was Tiger Hill with a reasonable climb up stairs, through historical gardens to the leaning pagoda which is much older than that upstart at Pisa. Several people wanted photos taken with us. We then took an optional canal ride which everyone wanted to do, 100 Yuan per person. The canal wound around through small villages and we stopped in a village market – locals – not tourists where we were able to see cockroaches (although they could just be there to show how many a trap could catch), snakes and eels for sale, amongst other things. Everything local people would purchase every day. Everyone agreed it was a highlight of their trip so far, both the canal ride and the market. Then Master of the Nets garden where high officials brought bits of China to one place and incorporated it into a garden so they could be serene. Arrived Shanghai and checked in again at the Wynndham - had a quick turnaround for dinner and show. Dinner was at Hai Lu Fang restaurant – one of the best dinners so far – elegant and excellent food. Unfortunately it was a little rushed as we had to get to the acrobatic show on time. Show was amazing and appreciated by all. I still can't believe that human bodies can do some of the acrobatic actions in the show. Got back to the hotel 10.00pm - a long day but definitely worth it.
At the market
On the canal
The leaning pagoda
Max on the bridge at Tiger Hill
Part of Master of the Nets garden
At the market
