#101 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (The City of Yangzhou, Taizhou's Beautiful Neighbor)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Yangzhou
September 7th 2008

Published: September 6th 2008

It has been sometime since my last entry, and much has happened in my life here in China. I am trying to gather my thoughts, and compile them and all of the hundreds of pictures of my past eventful weeks into my computer for a next series of TravelBlogs. It will take me some time, and I hope to become more prolific in presenting you so many of my joys and adventures in China from this past summe... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #4

A few of the Dragon boats though, are already busy, ferrying tourists across the lake's waters, providing views, once only reserved for the emperor and important guests.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #5

As with all Chinese Gardens and Parks, water, pavilions, rocks and trees/shrubs re-create nature.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #6

Since most pavilions are constructed of wood and timber, enormous vessels would capture rain-water, to be used in case of fires.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #7

Miniature trees in bloom line the pavilions, announcing that spring is almost here.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #8

Paths and walkways along the sides of the Slender West Lake are connected by a multitude of bridges, some of made of simple wood and some of stone and marble.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #9

The bridges connect islands and either side of the Slender West Lake, and complement the harmony of nature.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #10

This beautiful white marble bridge provides an especially romantic impression, often reproduced in a Chinese painting.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #11

Passing by boat under one of the arched bridges, the illusion is that, of passing through a circle.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #12

This photo is taken on a later visit to Slender West Lake. The green willow trees and this beautiful stone and marble bridge have brought joy to the eyes of visitors for hundreds of years.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #13

The grandest bridge is the Wuting Qiao, also know as the Five Pavilion Bridge. It was built by a salt merchant in 1757 to honor the Qianlong emperor's visit to Yangzhou.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #14

One of the best ways to appreciate Slender West Lake is to hire a small electric boat, and spend a few leisure hours sailing up and down the lake. It provides a more wonderful perspective of this beautiful lake-park.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #15

Let's continue our stroll through the historical park of the Slender West Lake.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #16

Some of the paths along the lake lead through and under covered walk-ways, many extending from larger pavilions. Here one can sit and rest in the shade. Wonderful and colorful lanterns still remain from the last Lantern Festival.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #17

This photo makes it very clear, why it is called the "Slender" West Lake.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #18

As with most important buildings, stone carved lions guard the entrance of one of the compounds along the lake.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #19

Children feed friendly pigeons along the paths of the lake.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #20

The Qianlong Emperor enjoyed his tea, shaded by this quaint little structure, enjoying the tranquility of the lake.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #21

Along the winding paths, children and adults find entertainment in the presentations of puppets shows. They tell the tales of ancient Chinese stories and mythology.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #22

Visitors enjoy dressing in the clothes of China's emperor, to the delight of their friends, and for a great photo memory.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #23

Wooden boats begin to take visitors on tours along the lake. Many of them are actually propelled by a paddling woman, who will also sing a local melody to entertain the tourists.

Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu), Photo #24

Papercuts are one of the great local arts, as they are still presented on a walk along the lake-front. These paper-cuts can be as simple as the symbol for the Rat, (2008 = Year of the Rat), and as beautiful and large as a great masterpiece. It was a enlightning to watch this lady work on this traditional and local art-form.

6th September 2008

Celia
non-member comment

schneider! so happy that you're back. ive missed your entries. how lucky are you to be surrounded by buddhist monks and lotus flowers? i'd be in heaven. hope all is well with you and i'm so happy to hear that you'll be in your element for another 2 years. it makes me sad that it'll probably be a while before we see you though. love you and i'm always thinking about you.

6th September 2008

Carmen Rodriguez
non-member comment

Hans thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures. Glad to hear from. Thanks,Carmen

6th September 2008

Sue Storr
non-member comment

Hi from Sue in Latvia!
Great to see you off and running again! I have finally been able to upload my photos so expect to see a spate of entries in the next few weeks (17, I believe!) Great to see our city of Yangzhou again! Brings back so many good memories! Please give my regards to everyone! Enjoy your new "extensions"!

7th September 2008

June
non-member comment

old Yangzhou
Dear Hans, thank you for this new blog with these incredible 102 photos! About 40 years ago, the places you've seen were, however, very quite and much more natural, run-down though but free of entry. The bright colours of the ancient historical places are evidence of the eager for commercialisation. Hum, the authentic beauty was much more seductive.

7th September 2008

Otto Zequeira
non-member comment

Beautiful photos and entry
I enjoyed this walk through a city miles away.

16th September 2008

Jorge Padrón
non-member comment

Nice to hear from you again! I envy you for having such a lovely summer!

20th September 2008

Arwen
non-member comment

Beautilful Yangzhou
Dear Hans, I"m your student in Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College. I'm so happy to see the pictures of Yangzhou. I have been staying in that city for two years, and have visited the Slender West Lake. It is very beautiful. Your photos reminds me of the happy time when I was there with my friends. Thanks.

22nd September 2008

Michelle
non-member comment

Hello!
Hi Mr. Schneider! Looking very sharp there in your suit! I'm so happy to see you're doing well.

27th June 2011

Tom
non-member comment

About Slender West Lake
I am a Chinese overseas student that study at Sydney University, Australia. Yangzhou is my hometown. I enjoyed your photos 2 times.Thank you for your perfect appraise for Yangzhou.

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#101 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (The City of Yangzhou, Taizhou's Beautiful Neighbor)

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