Kunqu (Kun opera) was originated from Kunshan area of Suzhou. It got popular during the 16th to the 18th centuries, dominating both Ming and Qing dynasties. The opera performance covers talking, singing, dancing, kung fu... Kun opera remains popular in the Yangtze delta area. In some water towns, the old stages are still in use of the opera to entertain local people and visitor.

In southern China private gardens, Taihu lake rocks were widely used as garden decoration. Bonsai is another type of decoration at home. Sometimes you can find the combination art of rock bonsai. Natural rocks from the Taihu lake earned high reputation for their shapes. People, especially scholars, have started to appreciate rocks from nearly 1,000 years ago.

The ponds in private Chinese gardens are pretty in summer. Lotus, water lily and coy fish have created a peaceful yet flowing image. Gardens of this type exist mainly in southern China around the Yangtze delta area. Some pretty gardens include Master-of-Nets Garden in Suzhou, TuiSi Garden in TongLi water town and YuYuan Garden in Shanghai.

There are several water towns near Shanghai. Driving along the country road in this spring season, you can enjoy the views of green fields, willow trees,  yellow flowers, fishing ponds... And of course, water canals running through the villages. When you reach the water town, you will see vivid local life and traditional architectures in southern China. Below is a photo of Tongli water town, 1.5-hour drive single way from Shanghai city centre.