Enjoy a memorable holiday in countryside

For people preferring a quiet afternoon, the Confucius Temple in central Jiading is the best choice, according to Jack Heath(left).

With the National Day holiday almost upon us, I havehatched a perfect holiday plan which involves playing golfin Ant-ing and enjoying some farm fun in well-known Maoqiao Village with my friends and family.

Ithink Maoqiao will be quite different to my homein the United States. I hear people get to pick fruits and vegetables and go fishing which I would love to try.

But if golf or fruit-picking don't appeal, here are some other Jiading ideas. Formula One motorsport fans should definitely go to the Grand Prix in Jiading on Octo-ber 19 but if you prefer a quietafternoon, the Confucius Temple in central Jiading is the best choice.

Every time I go there,I am always amazed at the effort Jiading has made to save the historical and traditional culture of the area while still facilitating vast development.

Jiading also has severallively towns. Guyi Garden and Yunxiang Temple in Nanxiang Town seem to be the most popular places for visi-tors.llove Nanxiang because of the delicious xiaolongbao (steamed bun).

Speaking of tasty food,l have to mention juicy Malu grapes. Some of my Chinese friends said Nanxi-ang and Malu will be holding various events around xiaolongbao and grapes during the holiday.

Of course you don't need to worrythat the long journey takes too long.I remember when I first arrived in Jiading 13 years ago, many roads were still under construction and it took me two hours to travel from downtown to Jiading.

But now it only takes 30minutes, through which you can see the great changes of Jiading's traffic situation. A lot of bus routes are also pretty convenient although you need to be able speak some Chinese.

Jiading people are the best. They may be part of the busy Shanghai-nese environment but they know how to relax and enjoy life in the countryside.

(Compiled by Chen Qianqing)