Seeking the Flavors of Life: Exploring the Stories of Time in a Thousand-Year-Old Watertown

❤Before the morning mist dissipates, the sound of oars echoes through the spiderwebs on the awning boats. The bluestone slabs are soaked with dew, and moss climbs up the stone steps, like the winding veins on an old man's hand. ❤In the teahouse around the corner, the white steam from the copper kettle is filled with the fragrance of jasmine. Leaning against the bamboo craftsman's table, the blade scrapes out gold foil-like bamboo silk, and the debris falls into the morning light. ❤The oil pier is tumbling in the iron pot, and the old woman pokes open the golden crust with long chopsticks, and the freshness of the shredded radish wrapped in dried shrimps overflows. When the copper bell on the corner of the eaves is knocked by the wind, the wooden lattice window is sifting a butterfly-shaped shadow of the sun. ❤At the bend of the river, the sound of the laundry woman's mallet is in rhythm with the boat's oars. The water ripples over the drooping willow branches, wrinkling the white walls and black tiles into flowing brocade. ❤Dusk spreads over the stone arch bridge, and the lanterns light up one after another. A wooden door creaks open, revealing a half-length Pingtan, mixed with the sweet glutinous rice balls, falling into the gurgling water. ❤The Watertown has folded thousands of years into dense palm lines, and every wrinkle hides an unextinguished stove fire. The flavors of life are originally an unfinished book. 👉Travel Guide: I. Transportation Guide Self-driving: About 1 hour from Hangzhou (Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway → Deqing Exit), about 2 hours from Shanghai (Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → Shenjiahu Expressway). Public transportation: High-speed rail to Deqing Station/Huzhou Station, transfer to bus (Deqing Bus K188) or taxi (about 30 minutes) to the ancient town. II. Must-Visit Attractions Juehai Temple An ancient temple in the Southern Song Dynasty, with prosperous incense, ancient trees towering in the temple, and a quiet environment. Tickets: Free, Opening hours: 6:30-17:00. Ming and Qing Ancient Street (Xihekou) A stone road built along the river, with Ming and Qing shops on both sides, suitable for taking pictures and drinking tea. It is recommended to check in at the former site of "Lin's Shop". Zhong Zhaolin's Former Residence The former residence of the pioneer of electrical engineering in China, showing the architectural features of Jiangnan residential buildings. Tickets: CNY 10, Opening hours: 8:30-17:00. Grand Canal Landscape Belt Stroll along the ancient Grand Canal, enjoy the small bridges and flowing water, and the sunset reflects the water in the evening, which is especially beautiful. III. Featured Food Recommendations Xinshi Mutton Noodles: The mutton is crispy and tasty, recommended "Zhang Yipin Restaurant" or "Yuansong Mutton Shop". Tea Cake: Glutinous rice wrapped in fresh meat and steamed, best eaten while hot, recommended "Zhenchuan Tea Cake". Yamai Yuanzi: Green grass fragrant glutinous rice balls, limited before and after Qingming, often sold at street stalls. Crispy Duck Noodles: The duck is crispy and fragrant, and the soup is rich, and the "Xiantan Old Soup Noodle Restaurant" has a good reputation. IV. Accommodation Recommendations Homestays in the ancient town: Hidden Residence, Xinshi Ancient Town Hotel: Living by the water, quaint, about CNY 500/night. Juehai Yujian Homestay: Zen style, quiet and elegant, about CNY 300/night. Surrounding hotels: Deqing County Hotel (such as All Seasons Hotel), cost-effective, about CNY 200/night. V. Shopping Tips Zhang Yipin Sauce Mutton: Vacuum packaging can be used as a souvenir. Xinshi Silk Quilt: Local traditional handicraft, good quality. Traditional pastries: Such as orange red cake, crispy candy, can be purchased at the old street shops. VI. Precautions Best season: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November), avoid the plum rain season. Dress recommendation: There are many stone roads in the ancient town, wear comfortable flat shoes. Mosquito control measures: There are many mosquitoes by the water, prepare mosquito repellent. Cultural respect: Please obtain consent before shooting residential buildings. Itinerary reference One-day tour: Juehai Temple → Ming and Qing Ancient Street (mutton noodles for lunch) → Zhong Zhaolin's Former Residence → Afternoon tea by the canal → Return in the evening. Two-day tour: Add a night tour of the ancient town (the night view of the lights is quiet), and you can go to the nearby Xiazhu Lake Wetland Park the next day.