Fireworks fall in April in Yangzhou, Yangchun, Jiangnan, and seven places around Taihu Lake

I heard that in Jiangnan, there are heaven above and below, there are beautiful flowers in Suzhou and Hangzhou;

When I first met Jiangnan, it was March in Shanghai when sorrow flowed against the current;

Impressing Jiangnan is the lush years of the Cao family's Jiangning Weaving Mansion;

In my dream, Jiangnan is a flowing water house that is constantly trimmed and still in chaos.

In the spring of April, the weather has turned warmer. Although we have missed the most beautiful fireworks in March, it coincides with the gap between Qingming Festival and May Day, and it is time to travel off-peak. After graduating from a master's degree, there is a lot of waste waiting to be done. It is time to regroup and spring is in full bloom. Without hesitation, he picked up his backpack. Only one person was needed for this journey and set off for the dream water town.

This journey has actually been planned for a long time, and there are many expectations that need to be checked in. I want to look for the old prosperity of Jiangning Weaving Mansion on the Qinhuai River, savor the ancient town with deep alleys, stroll through the nostalgia and modernity of the Magic City, see the green willow waves by the West Lake, and take a photo with Maple Bridge.

4.18 Nanjing is cloudy and windy 23-11℃

Nanjing on the 18th was refreshing and pleasant. I thought the south was gradually getting hotter. After getting off the plane, the first thing I saw was Jiangnan on the subway from the airport to the hotel. The window was always rippling with waves, and the eyes were full of ponds. After getting off the bus at Confucius Temple, the hotel is within walking distance. Nanjing is still quite lively. The vicinity of the Laocheng District is still a little messy, but it is full of Jiangnan. On the slightly humid sidewalk, pale green wisteria leaves were scattered all over the ground, making it very gentle to step on. It was a short road, and I didn't feel tired when I felt Jiangnan for the first time while holding my luggage. I unknowingly arrived at the hotel.

I still need to check out this hotel chain, called Zhotels Zhishang Hotel Chain. It seems that there are many places in the south, because Shanghai also lives in this hotel. The first thing to mention is the decoration, which is very distinctive, looks very comfortable, has a lot of texture, and is also very fashionable. The supporting services are very comprehensive. Although it is an express hotel, it has high-end toiletries, spacious lobby, sofas for people to rest on, miscellaneous newspapers and periodicals, convenient umbrellas and other facilities, giving people a high-quality feeling. Moreover, the price is not expensive. It is one of the few hotels within 300 that I can book in the center of Shanghai City.

There was no time or need to rest at all, because he couldn't suppress his mood at the moment. He just wanted to rush out of the hotel and take a walk along the Qinhuai River. That's right, today's destination is the Confucius Temple area and the Qinhuai River along the way. Confucius Temple is a landmark scenic spot and is a must-visit for visitors, so it is normal to have more people. Moreover, I learned before that you can rarely feel the flavor of the past here. Most of the buildings have been renovated and have a strong commercial atmosphere. But it's true. At first, I felt like this. Facing the crowd and the scorching sun, I hurriedly checked in to take photos, stopped and walked, and didn't stay long. In fact, it is not difficult to find out the beauty. Deep in Wuyi Lane, the Qinhuai River, a little further away, has gotten rid of the bustling crowd and returned to silence, and the colors of the past seem to be looming. This is the first violent walk on this trip. After circling the Qinhuai River for a long time, I inevitably feel a little weak in my legs. Sit in front of the people's homes on the banks of the Qinhuai River, go to the snack bars along the coast to taste delicious food, quietly watch the cruise ships shuttling in front of you, rest and rest, before you realize it is about to fall. It is not recommended to eat on the crowded north bank. It is used to receiving tourists and the food and services have changed. However, this halal "Han Yixing" by the river is unique. It does not have many people, but it has a private seat by the window and the river. The dishes are simple and fast, but there are no lack of classic and authentic "Eight Juices of Qinhuai". At this time, I only hate that my appetite is too small and I can't take advantage of Nanjing's delicacies. The sauce-fragrant and sweet dumplings, the salty and delicious salted duck, the fragrant and mellow old duck soup, and the two crispy duck oil sesame cakes are for me. It's already a lot. At the beginning of the lanterns, the Pingtan sounded. The Qinhuai River seemed to have changed and became lively in the night. Returning to the Confucius Temple again, the flow of people became even larger, but the Qinhuai River under the darkness was indeed more beautiful. Looking quietly at the Qinhuai River and the building opposite it, it seemed to appear in front of me that Cao Yong and his childhood boy were drinking and chatting poems on the Qinhuai Boat, thinking about the future. Finally, find a small bar on the Taoyedu River to stop for a quick drink, and end the first day of my journey to Jiangnan in this warm moonlight.

Riqinhuai (Peach Leaf Ferry)

Night Qinhuai

4.19 Nanjing, cloudy to sunny 20-10℃

When I woke up, I had a slightly tense journey today in my mind. I got out of bed and didn't dare to delay for a minute. In addition to the scenery of Qinhuai in Nanjing, there is another scenery that should not be missed: the historical district of the Republic of China. Nanjing is the location of the Presidential Palace at that time, and there are many authentic Republic of China buildings around it. Although I was not interested in the presidential palace, I just took advantage of the small number of people in the early morning to take photos and check in. Not far away, I wanted to stroll around the 1912 block. Although there are similar style neighborhoods in Shanghai, this was the first time I met, and later I found that the flavor of the Republic of China buildings in Shanghai was different. This neighborhood was built to commemorate the inauguration of President Sun Yat-sen in 1912. It retains more than ten Republican buildings mainly occupied by Republican government staff. Traveling through the small villas wrapped in red walls, you can feel the life picture of the upper classes of society at that time. Occasionally, you can feel a trace of desolation or even dead. It is not lively here. In turbulent times, wealth and wealth may also become a kind of cage. Everyone is busy for the future and nervous about the country's destiny, afraid of going from heaven to hell overnight. It was not until just after nine o'clock, when cafes and small shops opened one after another, that the place began to gain some lively popularity.

Today's second stop is Jiangning Weaving Mansion, which I have been dreaming about for a long time. Although I also know that the old time in the book can only exist in the book, I still want to step on the soil under my feet myself. This was once the ancestral house of Cao Xueqin and the residence of Kangxi and Qianlong on two southern patrols. Now, only the ancient stage in the back garden is left of the buildings, and most of them have been transformed into the Jiangning Weaving Museum designed by Wu Liangyong. The master's design is not too pompous or creative. It is the best way to keep the original shape to the greatest extent and give it some charm. Most tourists don't regard this as a stop, but I stroll through it, savoring every grass and tree, hoping to experience a trace of old feelings. Unfortunately, I don't belong here after all, so it's difficult to understand the state of mind of Jiangnan people. Although I felt a little lost and reluctant, it was worth the trip.

Nanjing 1912 Pedestrian Street

The ancient stage of Jiangning Weaving Mansion (Museum)

4.20 Xinshi Ancient Town, light rain turns to cloudy 25-15℃

In fact, I arrived in Xinshi Ancient Town last night. Although I started traveling in the afternoon, taking the bullet train to Hangzhou, and then taking the bus to Xinshi Ancient Town, I still couldn't help but go out for a stroll after dark. I wanted to take a look at the night view, familiarize myself with the route, and go shopping the next day, but I couldn't stop walking. This place is really beautiful. The peaceful night sky is reflected in the water of the Chen family pool. Sitting on the steps of the old house near the water, everything in front of you is not a touching Jiangnan. The lights of the small restaurant on the other side are flashing, and with the rippling lake water, it flows into the Grand Canal with brilliance, and will eventually flow into my years. Time flies by and life is short. It is a relief to spend the rest of your life in this hazy ancient town.

The ancient town of Xinshi was built in 308 AD. It is a famous place of silk in ancient China. Its residents live near the river and close to the bridge. It has a typical style of Jiangnan water town. The ancient architectural water town pattern is the most typical one in the Xihekou area. In the early morning, when the ancient town of Xinshi completely unveiled its mysterious veil, I was able to take a closer look. The ancient town is mainly built along the river. The river water gathers into a pool of water. Small bridges pass through the water. There are narrow stone roads on both sides. The riverside is full of arcade buildings, all of which are the original old ones. The old Shikumen, The river ridges and mottled brick carvings by the water are her beautiful and moving details. There are not many tourists in the ancient town, and commerce is not developed. Old people and children guard their old houses. Young couples open small shops and live a quiet and semi-reclusive life. The neighbors are familiar with each other. The greeting in the morning, the babbling voice of children, and the slow-paced life. Everything is so harmonious, peaceful and beautiful, making all the guests here slow down and soothe their bodies and minds. Chat with uncles and aunts in the ancient town, explore the ancient flavors and unique skills, or use photos to record the scenery of the ancient town. In short, this place is perfect for roaming. The ancient town is not big to begin with. Although I am not tired of visiting, I always want to see further places. There is no shortage of time. I also find that the surrounding areas of the ancient town are still ancient towns, which are more primitive and pure. It doesn't matter if you are finally tired from walking. First order a bowl of shrimp fried eel noodles at Xiantan Lao Noodle Restaurant, then sit by the river and quietly enjoy the lazy afternoon time. The shrimp fried eel noodles are really delicious. The shrimp and eel are delicious. Coupled with salty and sweet sauce and thin noodles, it was the best taste experience I had during my trip. After coming back, I searched hard in the capital for this delicious food for a long time, but I haven't been able to achieve it yet. Moreover, it is very suitable for northerners because it tastes very strong and even a little salty. I still can't understand it. Don't everyone say that southerners have a light diet? In the evening, I still refused to go back to the hotel and ordered a pot of white tea in the small teahouse with scattered snacks, just to have a look at the small bridge and flowing water filled with lanterns that appear at the annual Spring Festival Gala.

Xinshi Ancient Town·Chenjiatan

There are not many hotels and restaurants in the ancient town of Xinshi. Except for small shops like Xiantan Lao Noodle Restaurant, it is difficult to find decent ones. Fortunately, Xinshi Hotel has solved this problem perfectly. There is a large restaurant (also known as Zhang Yipin Restaurant) and local specialties. Zhang Yipin mutton is the signature. This dish is indeed extraordinary, a bit like braised pork. The mutton process is also full of strong sauce aroma and slightly sweet. Because this is a southern eating habit, I taste it without any sense of disobedience or sweetness. This hotel is also quite amazing. I couldn't imagine such an excellent hotel in such a small place. The rooms are solid three-star and the service is excellent. Not only in the hotel, I have already felt the moral qualities of Jiangnan people in the past two days. They talk very kindly and always smile when meeting. They are enthusiastic and warm, and always show the unique charm of the people of the water town.

4.21 Hangzhou, sunny to cloudy 22-12℃

Good times are always short, and I still haven't had enough to visit this place in more than a day. Hey! I always have to go to the next distant place. Take another trip to the bridge of the new city, look up again and look up at the old sign of the Lin family shop, and simply board the early bus to the next stop-Hangzhou. When I first arrived in Hangzhou, I felt a strong atmosphere of gardens, as well as simplicity and modernity. The reason why this is a garden-like city is that the "Big Garden" West Lake and the surrounding foothills play an important role. The entire city is built around mountains and lakes. On one side is the Wizard of Oz, a forest hut with the aroma of tea, and on the other side is the antique, prosperous and lively ancient flowing water road.

Of course, I have to go to West Lake to check in first when I come here, although I don't have much hope. Isn't it just a lake? How better could it be? The West Lake is quite big, and I'm afraid it won't work with just legs. The hotel is located on Imperial Street in the Southern Song Dynasty, and it is not close to the West Lake. Fortunately, it was an era when shared bicycles were prevalent. Ride my little yellow cart and go straight to the willow waves and Wenying Yingles. Of course, you have to walk to the shore here. There are many willows, but there are also them in Beijing. It's nothing unusual. Continue to walk towards Leifeng Pagoda and Su Causeway. Looking at Leifeng Pagoda on the mountain from afar, I have no desire to climb it. There were always so many people on the Su Causeway. After walking along the corridor for a while, I was pushed back and forth by the crowd. There was nothing interesting in the lake, so I returned. Looking at flowers in Taizi Bay Park and watching fish in Huagang make me quite tired. The tea room wrapped in bamboo forests on the edge of the West Lake attracted my interest. Ah, I was tired. It was really good to make a pot of Longjing tea near the water's edge. In this way, I may have found the correct way to open the West Lake. This is still suitable for a daze. This tea room is worth recommending, mainly because the location is very good. Sitting by the water's edge, you can see the three ponds and the moon. The tea is still quite expensive. It doesn't feel good, but you can still feel relaxed and refreshed by taking a break and relaxing. After sitting here for an hour, I still couldn't help but set foot on Hubin Road again. After all, I couldn't just go here like this. Grab the time and follow the strategy, drag your tired body onto the No. 51 bus that runs around the West Lake, from the south bank to the north bank via Maojiapu, planning to take over the rest of the landscape. In fact, there are still some highlights in this section. Maojiabu enters the depths of the West Lake, surrounded by a green countryside and the tea town of the West Lake. On the north bank, rows of familiar villas appeared on the shore, like Nanjing? Like Qingdao? Still like Dalian? I can't tell you, in short, to live in a treasure land facing the West Lake, the owner of the house must have lived a life. When I reached the exit of Hubin Park, I entered the crowd again. Hey, let's walk along the lake again and don't leave any regrets. Time flies. I spent an afternoon shopping around the West Lake. Walking + cycling + bus can be considered a hasty walk through the entire journey. The overall feeling is that the West Lake is the back garden of Hangzhou people. You can come here to cultivate in your spare time and after work, or enjoy flowers and tea, walk in the woods, or burn incense and worship Buddha. Maybe you can only go into the local people's lives. Taste the flavor. For tourists, at most, they just check in to take photos, which is not very playable.

Tasting tea by the West Lake

There are still many famous foods on the shores of Xizi Lake. I have experienced some at the back of the hotel and the small restaurants near Hefang Street. Generally speaking, they are just famous. The West Lake Vinegar Fish is really filled with a lot of vinegar. After eating it, my stomach becomes sour, and the fish taste soft. Longjing shrimp is very light. The small shrimp is sprinkled with a little Longjing on it. There are many vegetables in the West Lake Brasenia schreberi soup. The vegetables are vegetables, and the soup is soup. The taste of the vegetables is smooth and a little astringent, and I can't get used to it. For meat eaters, what they are accustomed to eating is still unrestrained called chicken. I have been seeing piles of black mud on the street a few days ago. Although I know the content and method, I have always hesitated whether to try it. I always feel like I can't eat it. They are available in restaurants and people can cut them well, so why not give them a try. It is still very amazing. The chicken is very small, and the method of wrapping it in mud retains the original chicken (mud) meat (soil) flavor to the greatest extent. It is very delicious and fragrant.

4.22 Hangzhou/Shanghai, cloudy to shower 20-15℃

Living directly on the edge of the Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty, the prosperity at night did not affect the body sleeping in the bed. There are hotels on both sides of the roadside here, all of which are old-fashioned townhouses. There are few gaps in the middle, sandwiching the narrow Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street, as if the wheel of the times has created a new path for the ancient stone slabs. Entering the hotel, you feel the comfort of the Garden City. After stepping out of the door, you will enter the prosperity of history. There is also a section of the Song Dynasty ancient road under the Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty, covered with transparent glass windows, so that people can enjoy it while walking. However, tourists rarely stop because of this. What attracts them is the garden-like landscape and various novel shops on both sides of the ancient road. If you go further, it will become even more prosperous, because it is Hefang Street. Unlike the narrow Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street in the Song Dynasty, this neighborhood is a product of the Qing Dynasty and is wide and smooth. It has become more commercialized and even a little noisy, but when you walk into the fork of the road, you will find the famous Chinese medicine shops Huichun Hall, Hu Qingyu Hall, Baohe Hall and Ye Zhongde Hall scattered among them. You can still take a look at the mottled white walls and green moss and relax in the hustle. Although this historical and cultural district has not been damaged, its commercial atmosphere is too strong and it loses its flavor. However, purchasing delicious food and specialties in this antique environment is undoubtedly a comfortable experience.

I arrived in Shanghai in the afternoon. I don't know why people had to give me such a name. It might not be the Shanghai I wanted. This is my first time in Shanghai. I first met Shanghai. It was the novel "Sorrow Reverses and Becomes a River". The story of growth in the alley, right and wrong, and the tragic ending are deeply rooted in my heart. This time, I want to first see the Pearl of the Orient in the prosperous place, and then go deep into the old city to find out what old Shanghai is.

The place I live is not far from People's Square and is also a smart chain. However, what makes this house unique is that it is built in an old high-rise building in Shanghai. It chose a single room on the top floor and next to it. With only a small window, you can catch a glimpse of the heart of Shanghai from a high place. The target in the afternoon is the Bund area. The itinerary has been designed long ago and I plan to start from People's Square for a walk and see if there is fried chicken sold there. I learned from the Internet that not every street in Shanghai is allowed to ride bicycles. I thought it was just talk at first. However, the actual situation is that riding bicycles in Shanghai does have some inconveniences. It is like there is an overpass on the way to the square that I can't find. The way that a bicycle can cross, so I can only drop my bicycle and go there on foot. People's Square is a very ordinary square, not worth visiting, let alone fried chicken. Just make a short stop and follow the flow of people, so you won't get lost. Join the crowd and walk down the sea of people. You will reach Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund will be at the end. This street is one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Shanghai in the 20th century."Old Shanghai" is nothing more than this. There are many shops on both sides of the road, modern buildings are mixed with European-style old buildings, and there are exquisite street lights, flower beds, and telephone booths. I should have stopped and watched it carefully, but time was limited and the style of the Republic of China had already been experienced in Nanjing. Moreover, the style here is grand, so it would be enough to have a rough taste along the way. In this way, when I walked to the beach, the sun was about to set, and the buildings along the river were still similar to those of the world, but they were no longer so monotonous when echoing with the river water and street lights. In fact, the purpose of coming to the Bund is not the building itself, but the night view of the Bund that we have heard about for a long time. The best viewing point should be the circular square near the river in Huangpu Park. This is the entrance of the Suzhou River and is just south of the Waibaidu Bridge. You can also take a look at the Waibaidu Bridge, especially those with Qiongyao complex. Friends. Leaning against the fence beside the square, you can see a panoramic view of the river and the modern world of Lujiazui opposite. With the dim lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the bony shape of the bottle opener and the towering shape of the Gold Trade Center, the three well-arranged high-rise buildings echoed each other and led a group of surrounding skyscraper brothers to form the modern peninsula. I came at the right time. I just happened to witness the ever-changing nature and urban light sources under the dusk and night sky on the Bund. I experienced the style of Shanghai. No wonder those long guns and short guns wasted sleep and food here and were addicted to light and shadow.

Night on the Bund

4.23 Shanghai/Suzhou cloudy 23-14℃

I hurried to end today's trip in the night sky on the Bund. The bustling nightlife has never been my thing. Early the next morning, I embarked on the train bound for old Shanghai. It took a long time to ride my bicycle before turning to Sinan Road. On the way, I couldn't ride it while cycling on Huaihai Middle Road. However, I was intercepted by the police,"It's not easy to ride a bicycle here." I was so scared that I turned around and ran, so I took a few more kilometers. Compared with the 1912 block in Nanjing, Sinan Road belongs to the buildings of the Republic of China, but the style is slightly different. This small villa is somewhat similar to the villas on the north bank of the West Lake. The difference is that they are based on Shanghai's literary and art district, giving a unique charm. The end of Sinan Road is not far from Tianzifang. In the guide, the journey in this area is the absolute focus. This is the renovation area of Shanghai's Shikumen building. It houses cafes and fashion brand clothing stores, as well as a large number of Shanghai indigenous houses. Stroll here casually, pay attention to the tiger skylight on the roof, the carefully arranged red tiles on the roof, the cracks and green moss on the mountain walls, and look for ordinary traces of old Shanghai. Tianzifang is peaceful in the morning. There are red bricks and green plants between the alleys, which look particularly fresh, but it is difficult to smell the atmosphere of old Shanghai for a while. It may be shops or industries, which makes it not representative of the essence of Shanghai alleys. Get on your bicycle and continue to look for traces of old Shanghai. Xintiandi is not far from here. It takes a short bike ride, but it is more like a red education base. Arriving here near noon, it was already full of people. The buildings here are grander than Tianzifang, and their style is somewhere between alleys and villas of the Republic of China. It seems that they are not the residences of ordinary people, so it is not the old Shanghai I am looking for. However, time flies, and this trip to Shanghai seems to end regretfully. I am sure that I have not found the original style of the old Shanghai, and I can only leave it for an in-depth journey in the future. Eat a big meal at a Western-style restaurant near Xintiandi to make up for the trip.

Tian Zi Fang

After boarding the high-speed train again, I arrived in Suzhou from Shanghai in a short while. Well, it would be better to call this city Gusu. It instantly has a sense of historical substitution! Speaking of which, traveling in Jiangnan, high-speed rail and intercity transportation are simply convenient! The hotel is located at the east end of Shantang Street. There is a door open on the street, but it goes deep into the ancient courtyard in the alley and is entrusted with the name of "Shantang Inn". It is no wonder that tourists will treat it as a landscape. Stop and take photos! Wow, I actually live in an attraction! Even so, good times cannot be wasted in a good hotel. In the old days, it was called Qilishantang to Huqiu, which refers to the entire seven miles from the east end of Shantang Street to Huqiu. Well, it's only 3.5 kilometers ~ Although I am physically and mentally exhausted at this time, I still made up my mind to go from Shantang to Tiger Hill this afternoon! Qilishantang is located in the west of Suzhou. It connects to Changmen, a first-class rich and romantic place in the red world in the east, and to Tiger Hill, the first scenic spot in Wuzhong, with a total length of 7 miles, hence the name. It was dug after Bai Juyi was transferred to the governor of Suzhou. It is known as the number one street in Suzhou. On the way, Huqiu will let you see it three times. Shantang Street has a typical Jiangnan water town style. Every household has a street and a river in front of each household. Small boats travel along the river like shuttles, and there are many shops on the street. So Shantang Inn served as the starting point, and took a small detour eastward, then headed west all the way. After crossing the bridge, Shantang Street instantly became quiet, with only rows of old houses scattered on both sides. From time to time, a stage or ancestral hall appeared on the roadside. Accompanied by the quietly flowing canal water, Suzhou City seemed to have begun to emerge, and now it seemed to have been crossed. Make some snacks, have a cup of light tea, sit gracefully on the stone bench on the shore, and wave to the passing cruise ships. I wonder how the passengers on the ship will view this single tourist. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, I have returned to tranquility again. The river reflects the old house, as if time has stopped. I suddenly discovered that this has a unique healing effect, which not only takes away the fatigue of the journey, but also the impetuosity and anxiety of my heart over the years. I want to go on like this, walk on, walk through dusk, walk until dawn, a hundred miles is not too long. But before you know it, the tiger hill was already in front of you.

Shantang Inn

One side of Shantang Street

The other side of Shantang Street

It happened that the Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple scenic spots were being renovated, and I had no plans to enter, so I could just take a quick stroll at the gate. Take the sightseeing bus and slowly drive back to the hotel. I enjoyed the scenery of Suzhou along the way. I went to have a meal not far from the hotel. Drunk fish and whitebait scrambled eggs are more palatable dishes. Drunk fish is very salty and whitebait is very fresh. In the evening, I walked around Shantang Street around the hotel and went back to rest. This day was close to my physical limit.

4.24 Suzhou/Zhouzhuang cloudy to overcast 23-12℃

I woke up with my eyes open and thought of my full schedule today, so I quickly got out of bed. After checking out, you can still see the last ray of moonlight. At this time, Shantang Street is quiet, with only a few old women carrying vegetable baskets to purchase the first batch of ingredients. Today's first stop is the famous Humble Administrator's Garden. In fact, this is not my focus. I am not interested in or understand Soviet-style gardens. It's just that I can't say I don't visit a garden every time I come to Suzhou. Although it is early in the morning, the place is already crowded, but with such an expensive ticket price, I think I will have to stroll for an hour. Walking around here, the design is indeed exquisitely beautiful, with every step of the scene, but I don't feel anything special. I don't feel as exciting as described in the Chinese texts. I just feel like a park to stroll around. Maybe he really doesn't know what to do, but he really feels like walking. The second stop is Pingjiang Road, which is another water town neighborhood. Compared with Shantang, it is less primitive and more commercial. Fortunately, I fully appreciated the style of Suzhou's water town yesterday. There is no need to check in special check-in here, and it is a kind of enjoyment to stroll leisurely. In fact, putting aside all the purpose of the journey and only bringing a pair of eyes to appreciate the scenery may be the most perfect way to travel. If the above two attractions have no purpose, then today's third attraction is purely for check-in, which is also one of the reasons why this trip started. "The moon sets, the dark cries and the frost fills the sky, and the river maple and the fishing fire are sleeping sadly. Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the passenger ship arrives at midnight." If the purpose of this trip was just a poem, would you believe it? Of course, if you know what makes it special, it may not be surprising. This poem grew up with me. When I was a child, I learned Liu Kai. I have written this poem many times. Liu Gongquan's style is especially matched with the artistic conception of this poem. It is full of setbacks but his style remains strong, which may be the way of life. This time, I must set foot on Maple Bridge in person. I am not following the footsteps of the ancients and savoring the sense of substitution in history. I just want to take a photo with Maple Bridge with my works, pretend to be a cultural person, and also give myself a lesson. Get a ceremony on the road to books. This scenic spot has been explored before, and the old scenery has disappeared. Today, the scenery is all artificial repairs, only the river water is still flowing quietly. Don't mention, this artificial scenery is quite impressive and it's quite comfortable to stroll around. Facing the Maple Bridge, in the distance is the stone tablet of "Mooring on Maple Bridge at Night". Choose the angle, adjust the camera, hurriedly spread out the ink, and take a group photo. I have no regrets on this trip. After visiting the three scenic spots, it was just past lunch time. I finally felt nervous. I was afraid that I would miss the last bus in the afternoon. Now that it was better, there was suddenly enough time, so I decisively decided to have a good meal. Still, I found a Kazakh-style halal restaurant by the mountain pond. I would like to have a cup of Sanfort to quench my thirst, and have some grilled chicken to quench my thirst. I would comfortably slow down the pace and quietly enjoy the afternoon for a while.

Photo taken by the ink and the original trace

After dinner, we will start the next wave of trips to the ancient town, and the destination is Zhouzhuang, a famous town in Jiangnan. The intercity bus here is also convenient. There is a direct bus to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou Bus Station. The journey time is not long. While resting, you can also experience the scenery near Jiangnan Water Town and Mogan Mountain. When you turn around Mogan Mountain, you see Zhouzhuang's propaganda archway, and Zhouzhuang is about to arrive. On this trip, Zhouzhuang was placed at the back because he wanted to relax and rest here. So the hotel also lavished on it and booked a high-rise building near the river, where you could see the scenery of the ancient town by opening the window. After arriving, the boss upgraded it to the best room on the top floor. Sure enough, it stood

There is also a small terrace where you can drink tea. It feels great. When I arrived in Zhouzhuang, it was already late. The boss came out to pick me up and took me to the inn. I knew that I had to slow down the pace when I arrived here, and that I had to stay here for two nights, so I didn't plan to go out at night. I nestled on the tatami on the terrace, ordered a pot of sake, and leisurely enjoyed the tranquility in the prosperity.

4.25 Zhouzhuang is cloudy to rain 22-14℃

We set out early the next day and integrated into this Jiangnan town. Zhouzhuang is the earliest world-famous ancient water town in Jiangnan. It is known as "China's No. 1 Water Town" and dates back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period. Waterways are crisscrossed in the town, and old buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasties were built along the river. The double bridges written by painter Chen Yifei depict the gentleness of small bridges and flowing water. The South Lake in the south of the ancient town is open and beautiful. At night, when the lights are on in Zhouzhuang, it has a unique artistic conception. This place belongs to Kunshan City, the birthplace of Kunqu Opera. There is a free stage in the ancient town, and the performers are professional actors from the Kunqu Opera Research Institute. I will definitely not miss this opportunity to enjoy a cultural feast. I spent two hours here, experiencing the charm of Jiangnan traditional opera in the babbling Kunqu opera. Today, we are singing the famous section "Peony Pavilion", which is the one we know best and best represents the style of Kunqu Opera. The actors 'graceful figure and soft singing are intoxicating. The graceful dancing movements bring time back in the past, allowing people to appreciate the old days when culture prevailed. After listening to Kunqu Opera, you can take a walk along the theater. This is actually a Kunqu Opera Museum with many works of art and photos. Then, I began to walk around this water town. I passed Shuangqiao, passed the swaying grandma Bridge, passed the stone road and the teahouse where the female writer San Mao walked, passed the former residence of the giant merchant Shen Wansan, various teahouses, former residences, temples, and ancestral halls dotted between this trickle of water, creating an interesting contrast and contentment. After all, this is a tourist attraction. Compared with the new city, it has more tourists, but it also has a bit more fireworks atmosphere. When you are tired from walking, sit on a black canopy boat and wander in the flowing water. I can hear the boat song sung by the boat girl. It is a beautiful enjoyment!

Zhouzhuang Ancient Theater

The previous trip has basically completed the check-in work for the ancient town of the water town. Now this ancient town is crowded with tourists. It is better to slow down and not set any goals, but just immerse yourself and experience it. This is the right path. When you have no distractions, then appreciate the beauty of the ancient town, as if this beauty is closer. Sitting on a bench by the river, or standing leaning against a railing, watching the small fish in the river swimming like elves, it seemed to hear their laughter. It is also a pleasure to smile slightly at the approaching old woman carrying a basket, wave to the child in her arms, and chat with the uncle selling snacks and souvenirs. Sitting in the tea bar in the old street, eating some fish in the old house, or having a cup of coffee in the dessert shop, the time gradually passes by. What is most intoxicated is the old houses in the Jiangnan water town. No matter how you look at them, you can't get tired of them. The wooden doorplates facing the street and the wooden second-story window mullions are so ancient and simple, exuding the flavor of a water town all the time. The black roofs and white walls and the angled eaves look so elegant, so simple, and so charming, as if splashed with ink. The moss covered stone road is wet and slippery. Every step is history and culture. Climbing the small bridge that has been moving for thousands of years and overlooking the ink paintings, it is like waking up from a dream. Unconsciously, night fell, neon lights were on, and red lanterns were lit up by the river. The town changed color again, as if a girl had changed into an evening dress. At this time, order a pot of sweet rice wine, listen to a nice guitar, and with the changing running water, the night is slightly tipsy. However, there was no beautiful woman to accompany him, only this water town was looming, but it never went far away. Full of wine and food, walking lightly, the journey also reached its climax. When I want to come, travel is so magical. It always brings people heartfelt, simple and fulfilling happiness, leisurely and complete relaxation. I just hope that the years will be peaceful and I will always be safe!

Jingou Inn·Linhe Bieyuan

4.26 Zhouzhuang/Suzhou, cloudy to cloudy, 27-14℃

Make a cup of Longjing, sit in the covered garden made of vines, and enjoy the last night of the ancient town. Early the next morning, we had to set off again to the next distant place, which was "Yangzhou" where fireworks fell in March. It still takes some twists and turns to get from Zhouzhuang to Yangzhou. You have to take a bus to Suzhou first, and then transfer to Yangzhou. The whole journey takes five to six hours. It was already noon before I hurried to Yangzhou. Travelers in Yangzhou generally pay attention to two key points. One is the Jiangnan Garden on Slender West Lake, and the other is the ancient town landscape on Dongguan Street. I am not very interested in the former. Just like I have no feelings for West Lake, I'd better stroll around the ancient streets. As the last stop on this trip, Yangzhou is more of a check-in trip here. Of course, I also hope to gain something unexpected. The hotel is a simple Lotto hotel, not far from Dongguan Street and within walking distance.

Dongguan Street is located in the center of Yangzhou City. It is a main street paved with stone slabs. Walking on it, you can see the salt merchant compound with blue bricks and gray tiles from time to time. It still retains the appearance of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and food and local specialty gadgets are concentrated here, making it the most representative historical old street in Yangzhou. The ancient canal in the east and the Guoqing Road in the west, with a total length of 1.1km. The Dongguan Ancient Ferry at the east end was the most prosperous dock in Yangzhou during the Tang Dynasty. The west side of the Dongguan Ancient Ferry Arch is the Dongmen Ruins, but the gate we see now is newly built. It can be climbed for free and have a panoramic view of Dongguan Street. There is also an exhibition introducing the cultural history of Yangzhou and Dongguan Street in the tower. Under the door opening of the city wall are the ruins of the Tang and Song Dynasties city wall separated by glass plates. After walking along this street, it is difficult to appreciate the prosperity of the past. Most of the buildings here have been renovated and do not have the charm of the ancient towns I have visited before. Stroll around, climb the tower, and stop strolling around casually. There are many halal restaurants here, but the dishes taste average, but this is the first time I have seen devout Muslims carrying blankets with them for worship. After dusk fell, I still couldn't stay in the hotel. I ran out again and returned to Dongguan Street to stroll. I suddenly saw many small shops selling "Yangzhou Pedicure" on the street. I think this is the birthplace of pedicure. I have never experienced it before, so I might as well give it a try. The shop is small, but it feels very clean. Take a comfortable soak in your feet and chat with the pedicure master for a while, and the gentle pedicure is completed. Although today's journey was not the focus, it ended with a pedicure, which relieved the fatigue of a day of hiking.

Dongguan Street·Climbing high and overlooking

4.27 Yangzhou/Nanjing/Beijing cloudy to overcast 16-27℃

I took the high-speed train from Yangzhou to Nanjing in the morning. I went to college in Nanjing and will meet him today. He is already waiting for me at Nanjing Railway Station. He said that today he would take me to taste the delicious food of Jinling. So I left my luggage at the high-speed rail station and went straight to the gourmet restaurant in Laomen East with him. In fact, I had basically eaten all the special snacks here a few days ago. Today, I was just checking for leaks and filling in gaps, so I felt nothing strange. After lunch, I made an appointment with another college classmate who was studying in Nanjing, so the three of us went together and sat at the teahouse by the Qinhuai River, sipping tea and chatting. The three young people were chatting about ideals, future, life, and love on the riverside, which was very similar to Cao Yong's scene in front of him. However, time was limited, and I had to catch a train back to Beijing, so I had no choice but to say goodbye quickly. This conversation was fixed at that time. That person and that scene also added a gorgeous chapter to this trip to Jiangnan.

Stepping on the train back to Beijing, the scenery of Jiangnan that I missed outside the window still deeply made me nostalgic. There were some more places in my heart that I dreamed of. Maybe this is the meaning of travel. After crossing the Yangtze River, the scenery of Jiangnan is no longer there. This trip to Jiangnan alone is not only a release of self after recovering from a serious illness, but also the beginning of a better future. Let those scenes of the water town, the old houses, and the delicacies be cherished in my memory and lead me to a better future ~

2020.12.31 Beijing Changying

Attachment 1: Recommendation List

Hotels: Zhishang Hotel (People's Square), Jingou Inn (Zhouzhuang)

Cuisine: Beef Soup Dumplings (Nanjing Hanyixing), Osmanthus Sugar Taro Seedling, Red Bean Small Lantern Festival, Shrimp Fried Eel Noodles (Xiantan Old Soup Noodles), Squared Chicken (Hangzhou Fuyuanju), Pine Pine Beef Siomai (Suzhou Hongxing)

Attractions: Xinshi Ancient Town, Qilishantang

Attachment 2: Expenditure List

Total 5314.4= large transportation 1294+ small transportation 225.4+ hotels 2140+ attractions 145+ food 1160.5+ entertainment 349.5