Nov 2025 – Let the Images Speak

Nenuphars

These Nenuphars (Water lily) were in the South China Botanical Garden 华南植物园.

December 2024.

This is the oldest city wall (Ming Dynasty 1368 – 1644) of Guangzhou, in the biggest park Yuexiushan 越秀山. I had been to the park many times. I didn’t know the wall because it was not opened to the public until very recently. (photo from the web)

I found the park entrance in the old wall after a long walk

I wanted to go up and walk around the city wall. But it was not possible. Only the part seen in the picture was accessible. There was a Tea House up there. So I thought at least I could have a drink. Drinking tea on the Ming Dynasty wall could be interesting.

I went in then turned left, I saw this painting, I like it

The lighting and the rest were so modern that I forgot I was inside a old wall

I spoke to the waitress behind the counter. I told her that I would like a piece of cake and a cup of tea.

She said to me: You scanned the QR code, chose what you wanted, payed, then I served you.

But if I payed cash? I asked.

She said: in this case, you had to wait. I finished what I was doing first, then I took your order.

Scanning QR codes, ordering, and paying with smartphones are becoming very common in China. I had the possibility to do so too. I preferred to use cash sometimes.

I didn’t wait. I was not desperate for a tea nor a piece of cake.