Yixing city has been hit by some of the worst floods in its history. The water levels of rivers and lakes in and around the city have hit dangerous highs. Around 5,000 residents have been evacuated to temporary relocation sites.

Guanlin Primary School is one of three temporary shelters that the government has set up to house people affected by the floods.

People are being given food. But not much. A bottle of mineral water and a plate of fried rice. This is today's lunch for people living in the shelter.

But evacuees are thankful for the help. They say the dishes are simple but satisfying.

No TV, no internet and no computer. Hard to imagine for most of us this day and age.

But Li Shunmei and her sister have found their own way to kill the time.

They have finished a cross-stitch project that they started over a year ago.

"I came here yesterday. Water in my house is about this high. I haven't brought any clothing with me except for this cross-stitch. Clothing is worthless. But my cross-stitch can be sold for at least tens of thousands of yuan. This cross-stitch was really a huge project. It took me more than a year to finish."

Continuous rain has swelled Gehu Lake in Yixing city to dangerous levels.

The lake's flood warning line is set at 4.5 meters, but the water level has reached 5.6 meters high.

Local authorities say they have moved over 5 thousand people to ensure their safety ahead of more possible floods.