Li Xiao smiled and replied, "Chizhou is famous for its scenery. It’s filled with natural landscapes and historical and cultural sites. We can really take our time to experience it all."
Their first stop was Jiuhua Mountain. This famous Buddhist mountain was magnificent, shrouded in clouds and mist. They slowly ascended the mountain path, admiring the beautiful scenery around them.
"Wow, Jiuhua Mountain is so spectacular! It feels like we’ve stepped into a fairyland," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.
Li Xiao was also captivated by the beauty of Jiuhua Mountain. "It’s true. Jiuhua Mountain not only has beautiful natural scenery but also a profound Buddhist cultural heritage. The temples and Buddha statues here are very distinctive."
They visited some of Jiuhua Mountain’s famous temples, such as Huacheng Temple and Baishi Palace. Curling incense smoke and the melodious chiming of bells filled the temples, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
"These temples feel so historical. It makes you feel a sense of reverence for the culture of Buddhism," Huang Pengfei said.
Li Xiao nodded in agreement. "The culture of Buddhism is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. As a famous Buddhist mountain, Jiuhua Mountain is a vessel for so much of that history and memory."
On Jiuhua Mountain, they also admired the beautiful natural scenery. The strange peaks and peculiar rocks, the waterfalls and streams, made them want to linger forever.
"Look at that mountain peak, its shape is so strange! And that waterfall, it’s just so beautiful," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.
Li Xiao was also lost in the beautiful scenery. "You’re right. The beauty of Chizhou’s mountains and waters is breathtaking. The natural landscapes here are masterpieces of nature."
At noon, they had a taste of Chizhou’s specialty cuisine at a restaurant on the mountain. They feasted on Chizhou-style small cakes, Dongzhi rice dumplings, and Shitai tea.
"This Chizhou-style small cake tastes amazing. The outside is crispy, and the filling is savory and delicious," Huang Pengfei said as he ate.
Li Xiao was also full of praise for the Shitai tea. "This tea has a rich, mellow flavor and a wonderful aroma. Chizhou’s food and local products are truly unique."
After eating and drinking their fill, they arrived at Pingtian Lake. The lake’s water was crystal clear, surrounded by rolling hills, creating a charming scene.
"Wow, Pingtian Lake is so beautiful! The water is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding scenery," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.
Li Xiao was also captivated by the beauty of Pingtian Lake. "It is. Pingtian Lake is a pearl of Chizhou. The natural scenery here brings a special kind of peace to the heart."
They strolled along the shore, admiring the glistening lake and the mountains. Occasionally, they would see water birds playing on the surface, adding a touch of life and vitality to the beautiful scenery.
"It’s so peaceful here. It feels like we’re far away from the hustle and bustle of the world," Huang Pengfei said.
Li Xiao nodded in agreement. "That’s right. Pingtian Lake is a great place to relax your mind and body. We can just enjoy the beauty of nature here."
In the evening, they returned to the city and watched a local folk performance in Chizhou. The show featured programs like Huangmei Opera and Nuo Opera, which were absolutely brilliant and gave them a taste of Chizhou’s cultural charm.
"That performance was incredible! It gave us a much deeper understanding of Chizhou’s culture," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.
Li Xiao was also deeply moved. "Yes, Chizhou’s folk culture is rich and colorful. These performances gave us a better appreciation for the local customs and traditions."
After the show, they went to a souvenir shop and bought some of Chizhou’s local specialties, such as Jiuhua Huangjing and Shitai Fragrant Bud Tea.
"These local products are so unique. We can take them back for our friends and family to try," Huang Pengfei said.
Li Xiao also thought the souvenirs were meaningful. "Good idea. Let them also experience the beauty and charm of Chizhou."
Having concluded their trip to Chizhou, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei began to look forward to the beautiful sights of their next destination. They believed that many more surprises awaited them in the lands of the Xia Kingdom. Continuing *A Tour of the Xia Kingdom: The Ancient Charm of Shaoxing, the Style of a Water Village*.
After bidding farewell to picturesque Chizhou, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Shaoxing, a city steeped in ancient charm. The moment they set foot in this land, they were captivated by its rich cultural history and the unique atmosphere of a Water Village.
"Old Li, Shaoxing is a famous cultural city! We can finally experience its deep historical roots," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.
Li Xiao nodded with a smile. "That’s right. Shaoxing has a long history and a rich cultural heritage. The former residences of famous people, the ancient towns, and the water villages here are all very distinctive."
Their first stop was Lu Xun’s Hometown. This was the area where Mr. Lu Xun once lived, and many buildings and artifacts related to him have been preserved here. They stepped into Lu Xun’s Former Residence and gazed at the quaint houses with their carved doors and windows, feeling as if they had traveled back in time to Mr. Lu Xun’s childhood.
"Wow, Lu Xun’s Former Residence has such a great atmosphere! I feel like I can picture Mr. Lu Xun living here all those years ago," Huang Pengfei remarked.
Li Xiao was also moved by the atmosphere. "Indeed. Mr. Lu Xun’s works had a profound impact on modern Chinese literature. Coming to his former home, you can feel his ideas and spirit even more strongly."
They visited the Lu Xun Memorial Hall to learn about Mr. Lu Xun’s life and literary achievements. The hall displayed many of his manuscripts, photographs, and personal artifacts, giving them a deeper understanding of the great writer.
"Mr. Lu Xun was truly a remarkable figure. His writings are full of social criticism and concern for the people," Huang Pengfei said.
Li Xiao nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Mr. Lu Xun’s spirit is something we should always strive to learn from."
After leaving Lu Xun’s Hometown, they arrived at Shen Garden. This ancient garden was filled with the charm of a Jiangnan Water Village—its pavilions and terraces, its small bridges over flowing streams, were utterly intoxicating.
"This Shen Garden is so beautiful! It’s like a living ink wash painting," Huang Pengfei exclaimed in admiration.
Li Xiao was also drawn in by the beauty of Shen Garden. "Indeed. Shen Garden is a place steeped in romance. The famous poem, ’Phoenix Hairpin,’ by Lu You and Tang Wan was written right here."
They wandered through Shen Garden, admiring the beautiful scenery and reflecting on that poignant love story.
Around noon, they sampled the local specialties on Shaoxing’s Old Street. They feasted on Shaoxing stinky tofu, braised pork with preserved mustard greens, and yellow wine until they were completely satisfied.
"This Shaoxing stinky tofu is amazing," Huang Pengfei said as he ate. "It smells awful, but it tastes incredible!"
Li Xiao was full of praise for the braised pork with preserved mustard greens. "This pork is rich but not greasy—it’s delicious. And when you pair it with this yellow wine, it’s simply heavenly."
After eating and drinking their fill, they arrived at Ancang Ancient Town. The town, full of well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, was quaint and elegant. They strolled along the river, admiring the scenery on both banks.
"This Ancang Ancient Town has so much character! It feels like we’ve gone back in time," Huang Pengfei remarked.
Li Xiao was also moved by the town’s tranquility and simplicity. "You’re right. Ancang Ancient Town doesn’t have an overly commercial feel, so you can really experience the lifestyle of a Jiangnan Water Village."
In the town, they visited some traditional craft shops, watching artisans pull white sugar candy and make cured sausages. These handicrafts were skills passed down by local residents and were very unique.
"These handicrafts are so beautiful. Each one is like a work of art," Huang Pengfei said in admiration.
Li Xiao also found these crafts very meaningful. "They are. These traditional skills are a precious treasure of our nation. We should protect and pass them down."
In the evening, they returned to the city and watched a Yue Opera performance in Shaoxing. The beautiful singing and delicate acting of Yue Opera allowed them to feel the cultural charm of Shaoxing.
"That Yue Opera performance was incredible! It’s given us a much deeper understanding of Shaoxing’s culture," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.
Li Xiao nodded in agreement. "Yes, Shaoxing’s culture is rich and diverse, and Yue Opera is one of its brightest jewels."
After the performance, they went to a souvenir shop and bought some