China on the move: Suzhou balancing tradition and development

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Today in "China on the Move," we first bring you to the eastern city of Suzhou, famous for its traditional urban design and leisurely lifestyle. It's been called the City in Heaven. Now, Suzhou is gaining fame for its rapid modernization. But how can it balance urban development and cultural protection? CCTV reporter Xu Zhaoqun went there to find out.

Madame Wang Zhaowei is a fan of Pingtan. For hours she sits on hard wooden chairs -- never complaining -- as she appreciates traditional performing arts, that combine storytelling and ballads in the Suzhou dialect.

Now, Suzhou is gaining fame for its rapid modernization.

Every theater is subsidized by the local government. So the elderly don't need to worry about the entrance fee.

Beside Pingtan, eighty-four-year-old Wang spends most days looking after her peony, which is twice as old as her.

Madame Wang and her family live in a house that was handed down from her grandfather. One of the reasons the house still remains is because the peony is included on the protection list of the municipal government.

Suzhou resident Wang Zhaowei, said, "It blossoms in the spring. Dozens of flowers. Some are as big as a bowl."

Madame Wang's grandson also brings her pride. He is an electrical engineer working at the Suzhou Industrial Park about twenty kilometers east of the old town.

Working for a Finnish company, Henry stays in an environment totally different from his grandmother.