We only stayed a day in Suzhou - and the first stop was the Singapore industrial park there. What struck me was how pretty and tranquil the place was, with lots of greenery around. We also visited Ouyuan, the private residence of a court official which had been preserved to give visitors a glimpse of the architecture and gardens of the homes of ancient China. At Hansansi, a famous temple, we climbed steep stairs to the top of a tower to strike a massive gong three times, with our wishes in our hearts, for a chance to have them come true.
I lean my head slowly to the side, reflect on the camellia on the moss
of the temple, reflect on a cup of tea, while outside the wind is rustling
the foliage, the forward rush of life is crystallised in a brilliant jewel
of a moment that knows neither plans nor future, human destiny is rescued
from the pale succession of days, glows with light at last and, surpassing
time, warms my tranquil heart.