Things to do in Taicang

The experience was great, and the kids really enjoyed it. We bought a skiing and snow play package. The kids learned quickly; after only falling twice, they were skiing normally again. Three hours is about enough if you don't ski much. We had lunch at the snow-view restaurant at noon. 😅

There were so many people during the New Year's Day holiday. I queued for almost 3 hours. Of the total 3 hours for the visit, more than half an hour was spent waiting for clothes and changing. If you exceed the time limit, you have to pay 100 yuan. The time limit is unreasonable. It should be calculated based on the visit time, not the time for changing clothes. The queue time is too long during holidays when there are many people. It is not worth it.

Shaxi Ancient Town is divided into East Street and West Street, each with its own style. East Street offers local snacks and delicacies, while West Street boasts the cultural heritage of the Three Bridges, making it a quintessential Suzhou-style ancient street. A full five-star rating, a must! Haha.

The museum is divided into several sections, including a history hall, a collection hall, and a technology hall, displaying a wide variety of classic cars and world-famous vehicles. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the history of automobile development and allows visitors to admire a dazzling array of exquisite luxury cars. Car enthusiasts could easily spend a whole day there. After the visit, you can choose to take a ride in one of the classic cars – a must-do activity. The museum is located within the Anting Automobile Park, surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it a great place for a stroll or camping.

The Bund in Shanghai is a must-visit destination. On one side are a century-old cluster of European classical buildings, with the clock tower of the Customs House being particularly striking, its heavy stone pillars and exquisite carvings telling the story of the old city's history. On the opposite bank, the Lujiazui skyline is filled with skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, all shining brightly. By day, they are imposing and grand, while at night they are dazzling with lights. It is recommended to visit in the evening, first strolling along the Bund promenade to enjoy the river view, and then waiting for nightfall to fall so that the lights of the buildings can be spread across the river, with light and shadow shimmering on the water, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

🏁The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix has concluded, with Antonelli emerging victorious! This is Antonelli's first F1 race win, and the first time an Italian driver has won the Shanghai Grand Prix since Barrichello's victory in the inaugural race. Russell finished second, Hamilton third, Leclerc fourth, and Haas's Bellman fifth. Sixth through tenth were Gasly, Lawson, Hajar, Sainz, and Corapiss Pinto. Seven drivers retired, including Verstappen and the McLaren duo.

This was a lovely way to start our trip in China. Our first city to visit was Shanghai, and we knew we would be tired from our evening arrival. We decided to opt for the Taste of China lunch. We knew this would help us to get moving the next day, enjoy excellent food, and provide us with additional details regarding the food experience in China’s various regions. My husband and I were seated next to two ladies traveling from Korea, and we had the opportunity to get to know them as well, and are now in contact bby social media (and added benefit we hadn’t expected). We enjoyed the food, the show, and the pacing. This is a wonderful place for kids and families, and something that can be enjoyed without tons of walking on the day of arrival or next morning.

I often say that the beauty of Jiangnan gardens lies in what is "hidden." Like this photograph, the plum blossoms are the dew, the tiles are the concealment; spring is the dew, time is the concealment. Look at these blurred plum blossoms, pink and delicate, like a mischievous child peeking out, offering the message of spring; while these green tiles stand quietly, hiding centuries of history within their mottled texture. The construction of Taicang Nanyuan embodies this principle. It doesn't lay all its beauty bare for you to see, but rather hides it in the eaves, in the shadows of flowers, in the interplay of reality and illusion. You must slow down, you must quiet your mind, to see through the hazy plum blossom shadows the moss on the tiles, the traces of time, and the inherent gentleness of Jiangnan gardens.

Worth visiting as you may see the whole nite view of Shanghai city, the Bunds! Amazing view!