We’ve spent the last two days in Suzhou, also known as the Silicon Valley of China, or at least it’s one of the areas here often compared to Silicon Valley. Lots of major tech brands have large operations here, like AMD, Logitech, Phillips, Samsung, etc.

Looking at the types of businesses here, the shops, restaurants, etc., the city of Suzhou feels like it could be the Chinese counterpart of Mountain View or Sunnyvale. At first glance I was once again surprised how western this area felt. Lots of DINKS - dual income no kids - working in the tech industry, saving their money so they can send their future children to college.

The people of Suzhou are very proud of their city. It’s known for being a very comfortable place to live. Because it’s surrounded by water (similar to Venice), fish and vegetables are abundant in the local markets We spent about an hour walking through one of the local markets today. Not your typical trip to Draeger’s or Nob Hill. Think live hens, crabs, eels, frogs. Lots of Bok Choy but also really bizarre fruits and vegetables I’ve never seen before.

While today’s market stop was classic old China - there are many new things going on in this region of the country. We’ve seen major manufacturing operations, the equivalent of Costco, lots of traffic - and way too much pollution. Everywhere you turn there are signs that this is a country on the move, and their movement is quite rapid. So much has changed in the 25 years since I’ve been here, I can’t even imagine the kind of change that will occur in the next 25. A few photos to share -

barbara bates, china, Eastwick Communications, International Culture, Silicon Valley, suzhou, Technology

I’ve been traveling nonstop for two days and finally have a moment to share some thoughts. Last time I was here was 26 years ago. Needless to say things are quite different. It is hard to describe how much building and modernization has happened in the last 20 years - especially the last 10 years. I expected to see lots of new construction mixed with the old architecture of Beijing - in actuality it’s all new.

You have to really go deep into the center of the old city to see remnants of old China…there are hundreds maybe even thousands of new high rises everywhere. It is a very western city - much more than I expected.

I had a chance to meet with some folks from the high tech industry - could have had the same discussion in Silicon Valley. Lots of startups - lots of entrepreneurs looking to make their dreams come true - and cash in on the boom happening here in China.

Everything here is in overdrive as the city of Beijing prepares for the 2008 Olympics. Construction crews are working 24 by 7 trying to meet the Olympic deadlines. It’s hard to believe they will get it all done. One of the more interesting moments was standing in the center of Tiananmen Square looking at the large famous picture of Mao on one side and the very commercial Olympic neon sign counting down the days until the opening of the Olympic ceremonies. Quite the juxtaposition.

We’re off to Shanghai today - leaving what is often compared as the Washington D.C. of China and heading to the New York City equivalent. More on pollution – shopping - western influence later.

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