The People’s Park
I am in love with the parks and gardens here in China, they are everywhere. The Autumn weather is beautiful right now and I need to start spending more time outside before the weather turns nasty. Two students were kind enough to accompany me shopping on Saturday and then showed me the large park downtown.
There is a European hotel that has gardens attached to the park. There are statutes, pavilions, ponds, and benches throughout the park. Brides and Couples often take pictures in the park. I think I counted 4 Brides in the hour we were there. The Park is situated next to one of the main rivers in town.

European Hotel's Garden

This is looking out over the river.

One of the many brides
Interesting side note, I was told that it is common for the couple to take their wedding pictures weeks before the wedding. They do not hold to the superstition that it is bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the ceremony. They traditionally marry in red but the western influence is becoming the norm for wedding pictures.

Another couple, I love here shoes! Many of the brides were wearing Kroc's.

For ¥2 you could feed the birds, this little boy really enjoyed it.

Ciara and I next to the river.

Large Statue in the Children's play area, It reminded me of 'The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe"

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's getaway island in the back. (I have no clue what it actually is so that is my rendition)

Matinda, she is not my student but has become a good friend, in front of the river 'beach'.

Of course in true Chinese fashion the Fitness area! There is fitness equipment everywhere in China and here is the kicker, there is always someone using it!

The flowers across the park were gorgeous!
My friend is marrying a chinese girl and they even wore a wedding dress and tux for their engagement pictures…I dunno if that’s the norm or just a family thing…