The spring breeze is light, the apricot blossoms are like snow, and the spring in the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River always carries a touch of gentle and poetic atmosphere. In such a season full of life and vitality, I embarked on the path to Xinghua Village, and my heart was full of yearning and curiosity about this ancient land.
Walking into Xinghua Village, the first thing that catches your eye is those blooming apricot blossoms, which are either as white as snow or pink as the sun, gently swaying with the breeze, as if to extend the most sincere greetings to every guest who comes from afar. Under the apricot blossom tree, the stream flows by, and there are a few fallen flowers floating on the water, like a moving ink painting.
Along the bluestone paved path deep into the village, on both sides are rows of quaint houses, blue bricks and black tiles, wooden doors and window lattices, every detail reveals the unique ancient charm of the Jiangnan water town. The villagers are accustomed to seeing visitors, always with a warm smile on their faces, and occasionally invite you into the house for a cup of fragrant jasmine tea.
Here, time seems to slow down, and you can leisurely wander around every corner of the village, feeling the peace and harmony. Children chase and play in the lanes, and old people sit in front of the door to bask in the sun and chat, everything seems so natural and comfortable.
In the fields not far away, farmers are busy plowing their spring crops, the water in the rice fields reflects the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds, and patches of new green poke their heads out of the soil, heralding another good harvest. And in such a scene, you can better appreciate the life philosophy of harmonious coexistence between man and nature in the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River.
The afternoon sun shone dappled through the treetops, and I found a teahouse near the water's edge to sit and enjoy the tranquility. The owner of the teahouse is an old man who knows how to live, and he serves a pot of freshly brewed Biluochun, which is full of aroma and makes people feel refreshed. Taking a sip of tea, looking at the scenery outside the window, listening to the sound of water and birds, all the troubles seem to drift away with the fragrance of tea.
When night falls, Xinghua Village presents a different scene. Bursts of laughter can be heard in the brightly lit restaurant, and the villagers have finished their day's work and gathered together to enjoy the joy of family. Visitors are also attracted by the warm atmosphere and join in to share their stories and happiness.
Walking through Xinghua Village at night, I felt as if I had traveled back in time and space to that antique era. Every stone slab, every flower and plant here tells the vicissitudes of history and the gentleness of this land.
As I was leaving, I stood at the entrance of the village and looked back, and those apricot blossoms were still blooming in the night, as if I was saying goodbye. I know that this experience of walking through Xinghua Village and appreciating the customs of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River will become one of the best chapters in my memory.
Jiangnan Water Town, with its unique natural scenery and cultural landscape, has attracted countless tourists like me. And Xinghua Village, this poetic place, is even more unforgettable. Here, you can slow down, quietly feel the beauty of life, and experience the style that only belongs to the water town in the south of the Yangtze River.