An endless carpet of green under an azure sky was my early morning view when I drew aside the curtains of my railway carriage.

The grey eaves of houses poked out unexpectedly now and then from the green and fresh bamboo which embraced them. Mist covered, meandering streams dotted with new-moon bridges were moving along sedately with nothing but twigs for company. Buds appeared ready to burst open.

 

The blue sky, green fields, gray-brick houses, red peaches and yellow raps in full bloom reminded me of the things conjured up in my childhood imagination. I felt as if I had stepped into a fairyland -- instantly relaxed and happy.

 

This was my first experience of Yangzhou, a city of about 2,500 years old in east China’s Jiangsu Province.
 

Old architecture and modern buildings in the city appear to blend harmoniously. An ancient memorial archway from the remote past may stand next to a modern bus stop. They don’t appear to be uncomfortable in the company of each other. Modern malls selling internationally known brands are housed inside a two-story building with a historic flavor about it.

 

Spring was very much in the air. This is Yangzhou in March.