TreeTuesday The Lone Survivor of Development.

Sometimes the world around you comes down but somehow you keep standing and growing.

With less competition comes more competition it seem in this case. Only a few years ago this area must have been a forest on the edge of the city. But as LiSui grows and competes with other neighbouring cities the trees are the first to fall. Worry not; for Lishui is surrounded by green hills and crystal clear rivers and streams. It is one of the most majestic places I've been to in China. It's the China I expect to feel. Unlike other big cities which seem to be surrounded by farmlands and more development, LiShui strives to stay as natural as possible. It's kind of their thing.

LiShui will always be one of my favourite places in China. The air is so clean, the traffic is great (cars actually stop for people), the other side of town only take 15 minutes by taxi and costs less than 20RMB, and generally speaking people are friendly with a likable personality. There are also some great western restaurants if you are missing some food from home.

This lone tree at the moment has the best view of the hills on one side and the developing city on the opposite side. It won't long before a park is built around it and families with kids are enjoying its shade during the hot summer days. However there are still a few other big trees that managed to survive the culling of its friends. Yes, at least one other tree not far off still stands tall giving a shadow of coolness to a resident who has the luck of being at its side.

TreeTuesday in Lishui China. Coming up soon, TreeTuesday in Wenzhou, a riverside story in downtown.