You have not heard the like. The noise that the cicadas make here is so loud. Even with the windows closed, it can be heard inside. Apparently it is a popular subject for poetry. And you can buy them in small, 5cm square raffia boxes, to keep in your home to listen to and bring luck.
The main type of bird that I see here has colouring a little similar to jay, but is a bit more like a tern in shape and balance. Bats are also quite common.
Avenues of trees are quite common in the city. These are usually ginkgo, plane or false acacia trees. I hadn't seen fruit on ginkgo trees before - they are round and bright green, slightly smaller and lighter than greengages.
Many of the lakes have huge pink lotus flowers on their long stems. There are other flowers which are quite familiar to us - cultivated roses seem to be as popular in the parks here as in Britain.
Many trees and animals have a symbolic meaning for the Chinese. I have learned a few of these. Cyprus and pine trees symbolise longevity, as do tortoises. Cranes symbolise good luck. The dragon is a symbol of heaven and of the emperor. Bats symbolise blessings because the words for "bat" and for "blessing" sound similar.