A white robe into Gusu, experiencing poetry, wine, and the world of martial arts.

Gusu is a historic and picturesque cultural city. Everyone sees Gusu differently. In the eyes of poets, Gusu is an endless source of inspiration. For painters, it's a vibrant landscape of ink and wash. For martial artists, it embodies chivalry and heroism. Since ancient times, Gusu has been an important town in the Jiangnan region, encompassing most of present-day Suzhou. The harmonious blend of culture and nature has inspired countless poets to create timeless verses. "Outside the city of Gusu, by Cold Mountain Temple, the midnight bell reaches the traveler's boat" describes Hanshan Temple, a famous temple in Gusu originally built during the Southern Dynasties. Although most of the current structures were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, the overall style retains the solemnity of the Southern Dynasties. The traditional Jiangnan town style of the surrounding Fengqiao Town also captivates many visitors. While most people associate Gusu with its beautiful landscapes, the renowned novelist Jin Yong saw it as a representation of the world of martial arts. In his novel *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, the Murong family's Yanziwu is located in Gusu. The real-life inspiration for Yanziwu is Xuanmu Mountain in Suzhou's Wuzhong District. South of Xuanmu Mountain, one can overlook Taihu Lake. To the east and west, two mountains connect to it, creating a picturesque location with excellent feng shui. The mountain boasts the Feizhu Spring with its splashing water, and on the back hillside stands the thousand-year-old Sheng'en Temple. Visiting this place evokes a sense of stepping into the world of martial arts. Both poetry and martial arts are often accompanied by fine wine. Many poets who visited Gusu wrote verses praising the local wines. "Poured like bamboo leaves, filling the cup with green, drunk like peach blossoms, blushing red on the surface" are lines from Bai Juyi's poem *Thanking Li Suzhou for Sending Five Wines*, praising Gusu rice wine. The local rice wine has a thousand-year brewing history, with a slightly sweet taste and a delicate fragrance. Enjoying squirrel-shaped mandarin fish with friends, sipping fragrant rice wine, and reminiscing about youthful dreams while enjoying the cool breeze is a true pleasure in life. In the midst of summer, Gusu's beauty is at its peak. Why not don a white robe and journey to Gusu, to experience poetry, wine, and the world of martial arts?