Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

Here in China, they have many places called "Water Villages". These are ancient cities that were built directly around large canal and river systems. In China, the water is not only vital for life, but has religious and mythological implications as well. For example, all Dragons are born and are creatures of the water. So, in order to keep these villages preserved, many are converted into shopping and eating "hubs", where people can walk around, buy clothes, food, snacks and even silks and artwork. They are essentially "tourist traps", but are a bunch of fun to go to and eat all of the different foods and shop for various things. Pictured here is one of those locations located between the city of Anting and Shanghai. The crowd is pretty typical for one of these locations, and I just loved the light within the scene. It is essentially about as "Chinese" as it gets and isn't normally something you would see as a tourist, even though it is a "tourist trap". Hope you enjoy the image and have a great day!

Mark

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice one

Dannj

I saw several markets like this in the Shanghai area...not sure if this is one of them, they were “all Greek” to me. Regardless, they’re a must see.
I also visited a massive underground market accessible directly from the subway. I think this one really is designed for tourists but it was fun to wander and “negotiate” prices, something I’m not really good at. Fortunately, I had an experienced local who handled all the haggling and I came home with all kinds of “stuff” for friends. My wife, however, did get good deals up a couple of high-end handbags.
For me, the best part of travel...and O don’t do a whole lot of it...is to avoid where the busses go and get out with the locals.

Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

Dannji, was this in Shanghai? If it was, I would almost bet that it was what is known as "the knockoff market" and is located on Line 2 of the metro at the Science and Technology Museum exit. It is exactly as you described. I actually have a really nice leather jacket that I purchased years ago in America there right now to replace the broken zipper. How many times were you asked if you wanted to buy a watch? I finally got a t-shirt that I wore there saying "I do not want a watch, luggage or handbag". :-)

Mark Lent

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Interesting information. Nicely captured.

Dannj

It was Shanghai, Mark. I was mostly interested in buying a bunch of beaded bracelets and other jewelry items, fans, trinkets, etc to bring back for friends. My personal haggler was amazing. I did have a limit on how much I wanted to spend and she was able to get me way more than I would have on my own.
As for the watches, I kept getting lost in the maze and there was one stall I must have passed 10 times and the same guy kept trying to lure me in! But he never caught me😊

Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

The trick is to start your bidding very low and never get "married" to the item you are looking for. I always make them tell me what the price is and never pay more than 10% of the initial price. If you walk away, they will ALWAYS call you back. As long as you are polite and friendly, they will deal with you. Cool that you had this experience.

Mark Lent

Susan yamakawa

I know zi paid too much in Hong Kong

Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO

Nice information and visually too.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Very nice, Mark!! You're right about the light.