Stepping into Zhongcun Village in Lutting feels like entering a slowly unfurling landscape scroll.

Here, time stands still in this forgotten corner, preserving the purest simplicity and tranquility. The Baiyun Bridge at the village entrance, like a weather-beaten elder, spans across the Xiaolu Stream. Built during the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan era, its mottled surface bears witness to centuries of history. Standing on the bridge, you can see the clear stream flowing below, its rippling waters revealing darting fish and smooth pebbles that seem to whisper tales of a thousand years. Ancient trees on both banks stretch their lush canopies skyward, casting the entire village in refreshing shade. Following the flagstone path along the stream leads deeper into the village. Most buildings here are Ming and Qing Dynasty houses with whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs, each brick and tile etched with the marks of time. Occasionally, elderly villagers can be seen basking contentedly in the sun by their doorways, their satisfied smiles inspiring quiet admiration. The Xiansheng Temple, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty, features a remarkably preserved ancient opera stage where one can almost hear the echoes of traditional music and applause from centuries past. Here, history and present intertwine, showcasing the enduring charm of traditional culture. When weary, visitors can rest at a rustic riverside farmhouse restaurant, savoring authentic local dishes like bamboo shoots roasted with preserved vegetables and tender boiled chicken - each bite bursting with fresh, unadulterated countryside flavors. Zhongcun Village offers no urban bustle, but rather the most genuine way of life and breathtaking scenery. Here, time seems to slow, and weary souls find their peaceful haven.