Sometimes boats were so heavily laden that their decks were just above the water. Along busy channels, care was taken with passage particularly at narrow bridges where an orderly "right-of-passage" was observed. Lookouts sat at frontal bows signaling with flags to their wheelmen if it was safe to pass through. Barges often lined up in a convoy, moving slowly through congested areas. In the midst of this two men paddled small boats.

Suzhou's canals remain busy thoroughfares but some, due to their charm and potential, have been smartened up into popular tourist areas, allowing visitors to relax at waterside cafes or restaurants while taking in the scene. Wooden barges carry tourists pass smart hotels converted from former canal-side dwellings.

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