Hangzhou has its own 'Altay'!
'My Altay' has quite an aftertaste, so strong that it makes you want to rush to the grasslands immediately! However, I stumbled upon a tranquil village near Hangzhou and decided to take a look~
Since I was traveling alone and couldn't drive, I took a taxi directly (35 minutes by car from Yuhang), watching the plowed land along the way, thinking 'I'm afraid I've already missed the most beautiful grasslands here'~
When I arrived at the entrance of Xiadoumen Village, the greenery began to unfold before my eyes, the S-shaped rainbow road, the large grassy slopes caressed by the breeze, the quietly flowing river, and the colorful houses standing by the riverbank with golden wheat fields
With the addition of a sunny day, blessed with blue skies and clouds, this place truly became a scene out of a fairy tale. Coming here feels like my heart is filled~ (Really, no exaggeration!)
I walked along the pedestrian street, stopping here and there, and when I got tired, I sat down under a big tree to cool off. I brought a book with me before setting off, thinking that I could read by the river when I got bored alone; however, in the face of nature, books became dull, and just sitting quietly by the river was enough to make one feel content.
And the arrival of rain made the whole trip extremely interesting, even hiding from the rain with the local farmers felt meaningful; although it was just a simple exchange of pleasantries, it felt warm. When the rain stopped, we said goodbye to each other, the farmers went back to their work in the fields, and I, as a passerby, prepared to end my trip and catch the last bus back~
The village after the rain was even more refreshing, with breezes blowing
, carrying the scent of wheat~ And at that moment, the twilight shone through the clouds, casting beams of light, like a perfect curtain call after a performance.
I thought today's journey would end like this, but another timely rain completely disrupted my return plan. There were no houses nearby, so I had to take shelter in a hydropower station by the river. The heavy rain lasted for a full hour, and my phone ran out of battery. I thought if it kept raining all night, I would prepare to stay here overnight. When I had this thought, I didn't feel lost, but rather looked forward to this unexpected little adventure.
At that time, it was still pouring outside, but my heart was incredibly calm, as natural as raindrops falling on the surface of a lake.
Later, I went home (not to elaborate), but I slept all day the next day because I got a bit of heatstroke from the sun and the rain, but my heart was incredibly joyful and satisfied. Just a small trip and a simple encounter can bring an extra sense of anticipation when returning to everyday life.
I think the so-called 'meaning of travel' has nothing to do with 'faraway places,' but is a perspective of regaining energy and the ability to deeply feel life.