Hearing that Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs were fishing day again, I quickly drove to the Shajiabang Scenic Area in Changshu to eat the first crab this fall.

Of course, Shajiabang Scenic Area is definitely not just about hairy crabs. Autumn is coming, the sun becomes warm, the wind becomes cooler, the reeds begin to slowly head, and the creeper on the walls of Hengjing Old Street are becoming more and more colorful. This is the best season to visit Shajiabang.

In Shajiabang Scenic Area, your favorite is Hengjing Old Street. After four o'clock in the afternoon, the light began to soften, and the tourists gradually dispersed. Walking on the stone road, you felt that the whole street was yours alone.

Loops of cloth are hung on the shelves of the dyeing workshop. At night, this is still the stage for performances!

Graffiti on the wall.

Wine-brewed cake is a traditional snack in Suzhou. It is brewed with clear wine to make dough. When eaten, it has a light aroma and is filled with bean paste, roses, etc. In an era when materials were scarce, a piece of wine-brewed cake was probably a good snack in all children's dreams.

Dalang's cake burden was still parked under the osmanthus tree. I shouted: Dalang!

He immediately said: Are you here? Want to buy some cooking cakes?

Dalang has been operating here for several years, and every time I come, I can see him. Seeing the camera, he said without coy: Take a video for me, maybe I will become famous?

This is definitely a great doctor in all scenic spots across the country, and one who has the most desire to perform.

Through this vine-covered doorway, you will reach the lake. There is a dock here where you can take a large motorized boat to go bird watching in the wetlands.

The grass was dyed golden green by the sun. Walking forward you will find the back of Hengjing Old Street, with small bridges and flowing water, white walls and black tiles, and curved eaves. However, it is under renovation now. It is said that the B & B is undergoing renovation. When I come next time, I may be able to live in a traditional style building. When I open the window, I will see clear lake water and dense reeds.

This old bridge lying across the water like a rainbow is called Diaozhudu Bridge. It was built in the Qing Dynasty and is a standard cultural relic. The old bridge connects the old street and the opposite bank. Tourists come and go and walk through it. It is a road and a scenery.

After dinner, go to Ludang Theater to watch the live-action performance of "Iron Flower Danxin".

It was a weekday, and there were not many people in the scenic spot during the day. I thought there were even fewer people at night. Who knew that there were many people in the stands? It seems that visiting Shajiabang at night is also famous and attracts many tourists.

Shajiabang is famous all over China for its modern Peking Opera "Shajiabang" of the same name. People born before the 1960s probably know that the performances here are related to each story in the play.

The old blacksmith in the village, with his apprentices, worked hard day and night to help the comrades in the army repair firearms so that the devils could escape as soon as possible. Finally, he called his family and friends to help, and colorful iron flowers were sprinkled in the night sky.

The entire process of forging iron takes six to seven minutes, so there is enough time for the children's shoes that you want to watch later, whether you are taking photos or taking videos, so there is no need to rush.

After watching the iron-forging flowers, we walked to the gate building of the old street. The lights turned on, and three matchmakers dressed in red and green walked towards us. A free performance on Hengjing Old Street that could be watched by the public. It immediately began. It turned out that tonight, Hu Chuankui in the drama "Shajiabang" was getting married, and they were here to help greet the bride.

This is the "Hengjing No Night Sky" night cultural tourism project in the scenic area. It includes elements such as immersive performing arts, light and shadow technology, neighborhood sightseeing, night cruise ships, dress change interactions, etc., giving tourists a fresh and wonderful night tour experience.

Colorful lights hit the city gate and kept changing. Sometimes fish swam past, sometimes small boats crossed by, and sometimes a line of egrets flew past, showing the style of the water town in the beautiful scenery.

At the end of the performance at the city gate, on-site staff will guide everyone forward and stop at the next performance venue to tell you where to stand is the best position.

Actors came on stage one after another. In a lively teahouse, our people met secretly. Flower girls, cigarette vendors, and wandering spectators were walking around downstairs.

The security team heard the news and came to arrest people. Our people escaped wisely. Of course, there was a fight, flying over roofs and walls, and the masses covered them...

Following the sedan chair team, we crossed the street and crossed the bridge, and came to the Hengjing Theater to continue watching the performance of "Dark Battle·Shajiabang"-Taking advantage of Hu Chuankui's wedding, Aunt Aqing discussed with the political commissar to disguise our people as guests and wipe out all the enemies who came to the banquet.

The smart and calm Aunt Aqing responded calmly to the enemy's difficulties.

Elderly people must still remember the famous aria of Aunt Aqing in "Shajiabang": Build a seven-star stove and cook three rivers in a copper pot. Set up the Eight Immortals table to entertain sixteen parties...

In the end, we won a complete victory, and the military and civilians were deeply interested in each other.

Shajiabang in the early morning is particularly quiet. It is only past seven o'clock and the sun is already rising high. The reeds and willows along the river of the old street are all bathed in the bright morning light.

The Diaozhu Crossing Bridge not far away reflects the blue sky, clear water and green trees, like a painting with fresh colors.

After breakfast, go to take a rowing boat.

Rowing boats is a reserved program in Shajiabang. Each boat is hung with a shed with white flowers on a blue background, which is very characteristic of a water town. Even the life jackets on the boat are all made of white flowers on a blue background, which is very interesting.

Sitting on the bow of the ship, watching the boat pass through the reed maze, passing through bridge holes one after another, I heard the melodious singing of the boatwoman.

The sound of oars. The boatwoman rocks the boat slowly and occasionally points out the scenery she passes by. For the older generation of people who grew up in water towns, being able to swing boats is as simple as being able to ride bicycles!

From the rowing boat, we came to the Shasilong Fishing Park-careful children's shoes. After watching several performances in the scenic area, we will understand the name "Four Dragons". He is the son of Grandma Sha in "Shajiabang". He spread news, beat devils, and robbed enemy ships. He is a witty and brave young man-combining reality with stories is also interesting!

This big thing that sinks in the water with only a few brackets exposed is called a pulling net. It is a simple and ancient fishing tool. Two bamboo poles are tied into a cross, and the net is tied to the four corners. It usually sinks to the bottom of the water. When the net is closed, it is quickly pulled up, and the fish and shrimps that have no time to escape are left on the net.

The pannet is ancient. It may have existed for thousands of years or more. Nine years ago, when I traveled to India, I saw dozens of pannet lined up on the seaside in the southern coastal city of Cochin. The locals call it "Chinese fishing net". When they heard that I came from China, they all gave a thumbs up and praised China for its good. I think it's okay? Your fishing business was taught to you by our ancestors!

Pulling the rope is a hard job. When his little friend Niu Ge was pulling the net, he almost lay leaning on the ground, which shows how much strength he used. I also tried it once, but at my speed, by the time I pulled it up, all the fish inside would have run away.

So I'd better fish for crabs quietly! The owner of the fishing park tied the bait on the fishing rod, and I sat on the wooden plank road, waiting carefully for the crabs or lobsters to take the bait.

In short, I think this is a good place to take care of children. Letting children get close contact with these daily life and production tools can also gain a lot of knowledge. After all, cognition comes from life!

I came to the Ludang Theater again to watch the live-action drama "Ludang Beacon Fire". During the epidemic, staff checking in at the gate will ask everyone to wear masks and enter.

The wind and the sun were beautiful, and people in the village were busy, herding sheep and forging iron. The wounded were sitting in a small car and being pushed to bask in the sun... The small boat slowly drove out of the reed swamps, and the instructor stood on the bow of the boat and helped with the soldiers collect the grain. I came back.

The devils came over after hearing the news and wanted to grab the grain. Unfortunately, they were too late and we had already hidden the grain.

A fierce struggle broke out. Motorboats and small boats sped on the water, white waves rose, and water mist rushed straight into the audience. It was really thrilling and exciting-let me remind you, children's shoes with photography equipment should never be too close. Sitting in the first row will get wet!

At the gate of the ancient Hengjing Old Street, creeper climbs all over the wall. In autumn, the leaves are beginning to turn red and yellow. The mottled city wall is like wearing a flower coat and becomes colorful.

As he was looking around, a burst of singing suddenly came from him. It was a few aunties wearing blue and white flowers who were singing a ditty:

Shajiabang is a beautiful place

Alas, the wind blows, the reeds and flowers bloom, and the rice turns over golden waves

Oh, there is also that hospitable Aunt Aqing, whose smile is like honey

Big hairy crabs make you drool

... Wow, it's autumn, rice is turning golden waves, and hairy crabs are also on the market. This song is really suitable for the occasion!

There is a Hanfu shop next to the city gate. You can change your clothes here. There are Hanfu and Qipao inside. No matter which one, they are especially compatible with Hengjing Old Street.

Han clothes actually don't choose a figure. You can try it no matter how fat or thin you are. Even if you are plump girls wear it, they will be as festive and lovely as ladies of the Tang Dynasty.

A little friend took a flute and snatched it over to set up a broken silk. Although I can't guarantee whether I can play loudly, I will never take the wrong position when I watched my mother play the flute since childhood!

If you are a little hungry after shopping, go to Shahaopo Bean Shop, have a bowl of soy milk, and order a few pieces of stinky tofu. In this way, hunger and thirst will be alleviated, and hunger will not be affected by eating too much to affect the appetite for dinner. The fried stinky tofu is sprinkled with sauce, making it crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside. It is very delicious!

Next door to the bean shop is the Pixian Jiandang Wonton Restaurant. The two families share a courtyard. Guests can sit in the courtyard. This one order a bowl and that one order a bowl to blow the wind and smell the fragrance of osmanthus.

His wontons have thin skin and large fillings and are very fresh!

A friend from other places was surprised: How can mung bean soup look like this?

Because this is Su style mung bean soup! In addition to mung beans, there are also duck blood glutinous rice, frosted winter melon strips, large candied dates, red and green silk, and cool ice water. Take a sip and it will be directly from your throat to your stomach!

For a two-day and one-night trip, accommodation, choose Luhua Bay B & B in the scenic area. B & Bs are all small villas scattered in various corners, with different styles. There are out-of-the-wall style, tropical rainforest style, pure Chinese style... You can choose according to your preferences.

There is a large heart-shaped swimming pool in the courtyard. It is early autumn in Jiangnan and it is still very hot during the day. You can swim in the water a few times.

I chose a tropical rainforest style room. The lobby was spacious, and the floor door of the room was directly connected to the wooden balcony outside the house. Under the large parasol, there were tables and chairs wrapped in iron branches. Outside the wooden fence, there were green reed bushes. On the balcony, camphor leaves were covered. Step on it, and it would sound gently, giving you a sense of leisure.

Living in the scenic area, it is also very convenient to eat. The chefs in the restaurant in Luhua Bay B & B and the Luyi Hotel at the entrance of the scenic area all cook authentic dishes and will not step on thunder when ordering anything.

Changshu is one of the core source-producing areas of hairy crabs in Yangcheng Lake. It and several surrounding producing areas take turns hosting the fishing festival every year. The day we arrived, it happened to be the fishing day, which was a blessing!

A large plate of neat hairy crabs has about 3 taels for each! The crab body is tied with straw, making it look more humble and rural. Each hairy crab also wears a small card to show its identity!

Speaking of which, hairy crabs are also a magical food. As long as they are thrown into water and cooked, a plate of vinegar, add shredded ginger, and do not need any seasonings, it will be delicious enough-of course, we Jiangnan people will also add a little white sugar to the vinegar. This can better reflect the sweetness of the crab meat itself.

When hairy crabs are on the market, it is often heard that people fly here in the morning, eat crabs by Yangcheng Lake, and then fly home.

Try some of my favorite dishes!

Lotus bighead carp has few thorns and delicate meat.

Braised pork, small pieces, tied with straw, fat but not greasy, and melted immediately in the mouth. If I weren't afraid of getting fat, I could eat five pieces!

Braised eggs, also called soy sauce eggs in some places, were one of the main dishes used during the Chinese New Year when I was a child. It is served with fried eel segments, which is crispy and delicious.

Chicken is a special delicacy of Changshu. Take the chicken and kill it alive. Cook it until it is half-cooked, cool it a little, then put it into a pan with old soup, then add a variety of seasonings, and simmer it over slow fire. The finished product has a shiny skin and bright color. The aroma overflows. Whether it is served with wine or rice, it is suitable.

These are the three delicacies in the water: lotus root pieces, water caltrop, and gorgon euryale. The water chestnut seemed to come out after just rolling in the pot, and it still maintained a crisp and tender taste. The gorgon euryale was a little waxy. This is a seasonal food that can only be eaten in Jiangnan water towns. After the season, it will be gone!

A two-day and one-night trip, relaxing, fun, delicious and fun!

Next, the autumn colors will get stronger, and the scenic area will also launch activities such as the Golden Autumn Chrysanthemum Exhibition. Chrysanthemum and reed swamps will blend with each other to create a characteristic autumn atmosphere of Shajiabang. By then, the chrysanthemums will turn yellow and the crabs will become fatter. Enjoy the chrysanthemums with chasers. Wouldn't it be beautiful!

In autumn in Shajiabang, everything has a play: reed swamps, small boats, and natural good plays; catching fish and crab, and growing up interesting plays; nostalgia in the old streets, tasting the delicious food we ate in childhood, and there are new plays in memories; real-life dramas during the day, and there are wonderful plays day and night... If you still owe yourself a trip that you want to go at your fingertips, then let it go this autumn!

Oh, I really want to be this cute jade rabbit, with the moon on my head, lying flat on the grass in Shajiabang, and never leaving again!

TIPS：

Transportation: High-speed Railway Changshu Station, about 50 minutes from Shanghai. After leaving the station, take a taxi to the scenic spot. Be careful to tell the driver about "Shajiabang Scenic Area", otherwise you may be dragged to Shajiabang Town 5 kilometers away; self-drive to locate Shajiabang Scenic Area.

Tickets for the scenic spot are 100 yuan in the peak season (June-November) and 70 yuan in the off-season (December-May).

Tickets for the night tour in Ludang at night are 70 yuan, the live-action drama "Iron Flower Danxin" is 80 yuan, and the "Dark Battle of Shajiabang" is 60 yuan; the rowing boat is 40 yuan/person; and the scenic area battery car is 25 yuan/person.

If you stay in a B & B in the scenic area, the battery car will pick up and drop off for free, including tickets.