11th May

My last day in Shanghai. Some time for sightseeing in the wonderful ancient town of Zhouzhuang and time to reflect on what I have seen and heard during the last few days. First Zhouzhang. It is a wonderful town of canals and old houses close to some wonderful lakes. Many of the old stone bridges date from the Wanli era (1573-1617) and have great charm. Being gently sculled along the canals in a traditional wooden boat by a charming lady was a real pleasure. She even sang, although she may have been the inspiration for the original car alarm (sorry no offence intended).

What of green roofs and living walls in China? There is enthusiasm and leadership. There is a determination to address pressing issues like urban heat island and liveability. There is action and innovation - witness the amazing living walls springing up using locally developed systems. Of course there are lessons to be learnt in terms of technical issues relating to build up and substrates, but German experts are here and conversations are underway. My main message, in case anyone is listening, is... mimic and learn from nature... remember diversity and biodiversity and consider the potential for using locally appropriate native species in natural associations.

I leave you with pictures of the self established vegetation on the centuries old bridges of Zhouzhuang, including fumitory and fig. That is sustainability.