Mar 25, Wednesday, Chengdu

This was a day on our own to do a bit of sightseeing and try to recover from jet lag.  In the morning we walked down to a central plaza not far from the hotel.  Along the way we say some beautiful statuary. 

and the usual mob of motor cycles.  

Waiting for the light to change.

The plaza had very large fountains but they were turned off while being cleaned out and perhaps maintained so they weren't that interesting. 

We then walked over to the Peoples Park.  It was quite a happening place.  We saw groups doing tai chi (very slow, Chinese Martial Arts)...

swing dancing...

and a group with a short paddle used to balance a ball while they swung the paddle around in time to music. 

Look closely and you can see the balls they have just tossed into the air.

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This gentleman was writing on the pavement with water.  Perhaps a temporary poem.

There was a gigantic flower display made of wisteria and tiny white roses.  The combination must have climbed 40 or more feet up of some type of structure that was totally obscured by the vines. 

It was at least as long, spreading across a building and an arbor, with a group singing enthusiastically under the arbor.

There was also an extensive bonsai garden...

 walking paths and colorful flowers...

 and a lake with picturesque bridges and many colorful boats for rent.