Background: For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight.
May 30th 2008Asia » China » Jiangsu » Tongli
This is another of Tongli's gardens. It is quite a bit smaller than the first, but no less beautiful. The main feature of this garden was its large pond and surrounding buildings. What a beautif ... 6 photos[full story]
June 1st 2008Asia » China » Jiangsu » Tongli
The gardens of Tongli were exquisite. Although not as refined as Suzhou's famous gardens, the gardens here were no less beautiful, and because they are not as famous as Suzhou's, they are far less ... 14 photos[full story]
May 29th 2008Asia » China » Jiangsu » Tongli
Upon Entering the main gate, we walked down the narrow lane leading to the town. The lane did not appear touristy at all. There was a little stand selling Baozi (Stemed Stuffed Buns), one where th ... 16 photos[full story]
June 1st 2008Asia » China » Jiangsu » Tongli
Tongli located outside Suzhou in Jiangsu Province is one of my favorite destinations in China. I loved this village so much! It is so beautiful. It is one of Suzhou's famous Water Towns. There a ... 10 photos[full story]
February 11th 2008Asia » China » Jiangsu » Tongli Today the kids and I traveled just an hour by car to another world. We often say we live in a bubble in Shanghai, well today we went to China! Tongli (Tong-lee) is one of many water villages just we ... 14 photos[full story]
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