Things to do in Taicang

The experience was great, and the kids really enjoyed it. We bought a skiing and snow play package. The kids learned quickly; after only falling twice, they were skiing normally again. Three hours is about enough if you don't ski much. We had lunch at the snow-view restaurant at noon. 😅

The layout is well-designed, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, as well as a snow play area—there's something for everyone. The instructors are professional and the service is excellent. The shopping area has many adorable jellycats, and there are plenty of restaurants, making it very family-friendly. The most touching thing was that the instructors helped me put on my ski boots; these boots are really difficult to put on by yourself! For first-time skiers, I highly recommend hiring an instructor; learning to brake will prevent falls! Just wear warm, quick-drying clothing—no need for very thick layers—but wear thick socks that cover your calves. There are simple changing rooms inside.

Shaxi Ancient Town is divided into East Street and West Street, each with its own style. East Street offers local snacks and delicacies, while West Street boasts the cultural heritage of the Three Bridges, making it a quintessential Suzhou-style ancient street. A full five-star rating, a must! Haha.

A worthwhile museum to visit, offering insights into the history of automobiles and showcasing stunning vintage cars that will keep you snapping photos. The layout is well-designed, making it a pleasant and easy visit.

Shanghai After Dark — The Bund Never Sleeps ✨“Where the river reflects a thousand city lights and the future rises above a timeless waterfront. The Bund is more than a view — it’s Shanghai at its most magical, where elegance, ambition, and endless dreams meet.” 🌃❤

🏁The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix has concluded, with Antonelli emerging victorious! This is Antonelli's first F1 race win, and the first time an Italian driver has won the Shanghai Grand Prix since Barrichello's victory in the inaugural race. Russell finished second, Hamilton third, Leclerc fourth, and Haas's Bellman fifth. Sixth through tenth were Gasly, Lawson, Hajar, Sainz, and Corapiss Pinto. Seven drivers retired, including Verstappen and the McLaren duo.

This was my first time trying this style of dressing up for a meal and watching a show, and it was quite novel. It was fun and interesting, but if you're looking for a quiet meal, don't try it! 🤪 Overall, it was pretty good.

I often say that the beauty of Jiangnan gardens lies in what is "hidden." Like this photograph, the plum blossoms are the dew, the tiles are the concealment; spring is the dew, time is the concealment. Look at these blurred plum blossoms, pink and delicate, like a mischievous child peeking out, offering the message of spring; while these green tiles stand quietly, hiding centuries of history within their mottled texture. The construction of Taicang Nanyuan embodies this principle. It doesn't lay all its beauty bare for you to see, but rather hides it in the eaves, in the shadows of flowers, in the interplay of reality and illusion. You must slow down, you must quiet your mind, to see through the hazy plum blossom shadows the moss on the tiles, the traces of time, and the inherent gentleness of Jiangnan gardens.

The whole experience was very smooth and fun. Even on a cloudy and rainy day there were good views. The staff was helpful and nice. Entry was easy and the directions were clear. My favorite part was the glass floor viewing area. My only real negative was the top sphere viewing area. There’s really only small port holes to see out, so I felt it was a bit lackluster. But perhaps it was intended to feel like a spaceship which was a running theme for the tower. The restaurant does need reservations and in hindsight I should have done that just to try it out. Over all I had a good time and thought it was a good value.