On a summer night intoxicated by the breeze, I had a dream in the water town
🌙 Some places make you never want to leave once you arrive.
I've always believed
the best travel isn’t just ticking off sights,
but finding a place you love,
settling down, and slowly soaking it all in.
This June, I stayed in the water town for three days,
enjoying lotus viewing, tea drinking, and daydreaming every day,
· ife moving as slowly as a poem.
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🍃 Here, time is meant to be wasted
Awakened by birdsong at dawn
No alarm clocks,
mornings start with the birds singing outside the window.
Opening the window, a pond full of lotus flowers comes into view,
the air filled with the fragrance of lotus and fresh grass,
and just like that, a beautiful day begins.
Morning stroll by the lotus pond
Walking slowly along the lotus pond boardwalk,
watching dewdrops roll on the lotus leaves,
dragonflies flitting among the flowers,
occasionally stopping to snap a few photos,
no rush, no itinerary to follow.
Afternoon tea in the courtyard
At the hottest time of noon,
I drink tea in the guesthouse courtyard,
with the lotus breeze, reading a leisurely book,
napping when sleepy,
this kind of comfort is something the city can’t offer.
Evening sunset at the ancient bridge
When the sun sets in the west,
I go to the ancient bridge to watch the sunset,
the evening glow dyes the sky orange-red,
reflecting in the lotus pond,
the whole world softens.
Nighttime, falling asleep with the scent of lotus
The water town is especially quiet at night,
only frogs croaking and the wind blowing,
sleeping with the window open,
the scent of lotus drifts into the room,
even dreams are sweet.
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🎋 Insider tips revealed
Go fishing with the locals at dawn
This is my top recommended experience!
At 5 a.m., follow fishermen to the lake to fish,
watching them cast and haul nets in traditional ways,
the freshly caught fish and shrimp are lively and jumping,
the freshness is truly amazing.
Visit elders in the ancient village
Many elders live in the ancient town,
they have lived here all their lives,
sitting at their doorsteps fanning themselves,
warmly greeting you,
sharing stories and legends of the place.
Experience water town morning tea
The morning tea culture here is fantastic!
One cup and two snacks, slowly enjoyed all morning,
scalded dried tofu strips, crab roe buns, steamed dumplings...
everything is delicious,
this slow lifestyle is so enviable.
Night tour of the lotus pond
The lotus pond at night is a different scene,
moonlight shining on the lotus leaves,
fireflies dancing among the leaves,
frogs croaking in chorus,
· ike a natural symphony.
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📸 Moments that healed me
The old grandma selling lotus seed pods
I met an old grandma selling lotus seed pods in the ancient town,
all her pods were picked from her own lotus pond,
very fresh, 5 yuan for a big bag,
she enthusiastically taught me how to pick them,
her simplicity really touched me.
Little ducks in the lotus pond
Watching a group of ducklings swimming among the lotus leaves,
diving into the water to catch fish from time to time,
free and carefree,
watching them, all my worries seemed to vanish.
Lotus pond in the rain
Caught a light rain,
the lotus pond in the rain was even more beautiful,
raindrops rolling on the lotus leaves,
· ike pearls,
misty rain like an ink painting.
Cats in the ancient town
There are many stray cats in the ancient town,
they are not afraid of people,
· azily lying by the roadside basking in the sun,
if you squat down, they will come to rub against your hand,
so adorable.
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🍵 Food is the best cure
Must try morning tea
Scalded dried tofu strips: finely cut tofu strips blanched in hot water, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil, refreshing and tasty.
Crab roe buns: thin skin, generous filling, bursting with soup in every bite, so satisfying.
Steamed dumplings: thin skin, rich filling, juicy, one bite is pure delight.
The lotus flower feast is stunning
Lotus flower chicken: steamed fresh lotus flowers with chicken, the chicken carries the fresh fragrance of lotus, especially delicious.
Lotus leaf steamed pork: steamed pork wrapped in lotus leaves, rich but not greasy, with the fresh scent of lotus leaves.
Lotus seed soup: soup made from fresh lotus seeds, sweet and refreshing, perfect for summer heat relief.
Don’t miss the snacks
Lotus root starch balls: chewy and bouncy, sweet but not greasy.
Plum blossom cake: crispy outside, sticky inside, sweet.
Stinky tofu: crispy outside, tender inside, smells strong but tastes great.
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💌 Some advice for you
Slow down, then slow down even more
Here, there’s really no need to rush your itinerary,
no need to check off every attraction,
find a guesthouse you like and settle in,
sleep until you wake naturally,
eat when you want, stroll when you want,
this is what a vacation should be.
Chat more with locals
Locals are truly warm and simple,
talking with them, you’ll learn a lot
about the history, culture, and stories here,
this is the most meaningful part of travel.
Bring a favorite book
This place is perfect for reading,
by the lotus pond, in the courtyard,
everywhere is a good spot to read,
in such an environment,
even the words become gentle.
Put down your phone
Try putting down your phone,
fully feel the moment,
· ook at the scenery, feel the breeze,
chat with the people around you,
you’ll find
days without your phone
are actually happier.
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🌙 In closing
In three days,
it felt like I had a gentle dream.
A dream with a pond full of lotus flowers,
gentle evening breeze,
simple smiles,
and slowed-down time.
If lately you
feel life is tiring, work is busy,
why not come here?
Let the gentleness of the water town
heal all your fatigue.
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Accommodations
🏨 Yancheng Red-crowned Crane Fangcaodi Resort Hotel
Private hot spring villas built along the lake, white walls, gray tiles, and natural wood style, opening the door reveals a natural village with small bridges and flowing water, fully equipped for families, the top choice for a vacation.
🏨 Huanghai Forest Huajian Pavilion · Jinglin
A hidden hotel in the forest, with windows opening to thousands of acres of dawn redwood forest, fully smart home system, high-quality bedding, excellent stay experience, and the hotel restaurant serves outstanding local dishes.
🏨 Huanshu Wild Luxury Pine Villa (Dongtai Huanghai Forest Branch)
Light luxury Nordic-style detached villas, each with a private courtyard and terrace, perfect for friends gatherings and family trips, with options for barbecues and parties.
🏨 Funing Secluded Mugou Guesthouse
A boutique guesthouse hidden in a thousand-year-old ancient village, preserving the original charm of old houses while integrating modern design, each room has a different theme, full of surprises.
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