Mist and Rain at the Old Summer Palace: Jiangnan Charm and Historical Sorrow

Ruins Recall the Past, Misty Rain Adds Melancholy Walking along the damp stone paths, the once-glorious palaces now stand as mere ruins. Rainwater slowly slides down the weathered bricks and stones, like silent tears recounting the splendor and hardships of the past. The remnants of carved beams and painted eaves appear even more poignant under the veil of rain, as if time has pressed pause here, throwing the weight of history directly before our eyes. Every collapsed corner, every worn step holds a story. The bustling scenes of yesteryears surge like fleeting dreams in the mind, while the drizzle seems like heaven's compassionate tears, mourning this painful history and stirring waves of emotion in the heart. Bridges and Streams, Wild Charm Abounds Wandering through the garden, small arched bridges span over clear waters, their surfaces covered in moss, washed to a vibrant green by the rain. Beneath the bridges, streams flow gently, carrying petals and fallen leaves to unknown destinations, composing a natural symphony. Wildflowers bloom along the banks, swaying stubbornly in the wind and rain. Though lacking meticulous care, they exude a vigorous vitality, akin to the resilient artisans of the common folk, adding a touch of rustic charm to the garden. Strolling here feels like stepping into an unpolished paradise, far from worldly distractions, filling the heart with a sense of natural tranquility and peace. Victoria Water Lilies Catch the Eye, Greenery Fills the Heart Reaching a water area, large Victoria water lilies spread across the surface, resembling jade-green plates arranged in a harmonious pattern. The leaves are thick and broad, their surfaces smooth as mirrors. Raindrops fall, creating tiny splashes before gathering into rolling beads that shimmer brightly. This vibrant scene seems to symbolize the indomitable spirit of the Old Summer Palace. Despite enduring hardships, it continues to thrive on this land, stretching towards the sky and water, injecting vitality into the misty rain-filled landscape. Boating on the Water, A Scroll Unfolds Renting a small boat and pushing off with a bamboo pole, one glides gently into the water. The bow cuts through the rain curtain, creating ripples that break the mirror-like surface of the lake. Dressed in a raincoat, sitting under the boat's canopy, surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and pattering rain, a melodious tune emerges. The scenery unfolds like a painting: willows on the shore sway gently, as if bidding farewell to passing visitors; distant mountains rise and fall, appearing ethereal in the misty rain, like a dreamlike realm. At this moment, the body and soul are immersed in this world, carefree and content, as if all worldly worries have drifted away with the flowing river. After a fulfilling visit, one abandons the boat and steps ashore, turning back to gaze at the Old Summer Palace. It still stands quietly in the mist and rain, bearing history and radiating vitality. This rainy encounter leaves the Old Summer Palace etched in the mind as a miniature of Jiangnan's water towns, a stunning landscape that lingers deeply in the heart.