A Journey for Eye Protection Amidst the Greenery
Walking along the main street of the ancient town, we arrive at the foot of Hui Mountain. We enter directly with our ID cards and discover an ongoing azalea exhibition. However, it seems that the azaleas are past their prime blooming period.
Continuing forward, we reach Jichang Garden. Upon entering the garden, we are immediately attracted by the artificial hill on the right hand side. Climbing up, we find ourselves surrounded by greenery. Back on the ground, I notice that the paths are mostly paved with blue bricks, and towering trees are everywhere, giving the illusion of being in a forest. In the lakeside corridor, the flower windows cast green shadows, dancing with the bamboo and banana plants. The lake's surface is dotted with leaves of various sizes and shapes, and many visitors gather by the lake. A tree lies horizontally across the lake, lush and leafy. Tourists holding creative ice cream, wearing hairpins, and dressed in Hanfu are taking photos under the tree. The tree is really big; it feels like it would take three or four people to embrace it. While marveling at the size of the tree, suddenly a child shouts, 'Look, a squirrel!' Following his finger to the branches, I see nothing. 'Quick, it ran over there!' other passersby also call out. I push up my glasses and join in the search. Haha, finally spotted it! Moving on, we discover a different scene, with two hydrangea trees blooming outside the flower window. Unknowingly, we come to the most crowded spot, 'How can a fish know the joy of fish?' Indeed.
Without realizing it, we seem to be closer to the mountaintop. Suddenly, clouds and mist swirl around us; it turns out to be a place of bustling incense burning. We seem to have entered an ancient temple, with the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings looking majestic, and the stone bridge over the gateway is very gentle. The ornate caisson ceiling, the clear inscriptions. Outside the Imperial Stele Pavilion, there are more people in a hurry, eager to make the most of their time to climb the mountain.
Took a photo in front of the 'Second Best Spring in the World' sign. Looking at the spring water that hasn't dried up, I recall Lu Yu's 'The Classic of Tea' and wonder if anyone is enjoying tea here. Then I see several sets of tables, chairs, and tea sets on the slope behind, suggesting that more than one or two people have enjoyed tea here.
Tips:
1. There are connected attractions on both sides of the main road; you can go up the mountain on the right and down on the left.
2. Tickets can be purchased in advance. I bought mine on Ctrip, which was five yuan cheaper than those bought by tourists on other platforms on-site.
3. There is also Xihui Park nearby, but if you have average stamina, especially with children, it's not recommended to try to visit everything in one go.
4. If you want to check in at Chunshenjian, it's not recommended to go now, as there is no water, and you can only see scattered rocks. (Coincidentally met some gardeners planting irises, who said that water would flow only after heavy rain)
5. For dining and shopping, it's recommended to do so in the ancient town, as there are more choices and the prices are cheaper than on the mountain.
6. Food recommendations: Silver thread noodles, tofu pudding, ribs, zanzi, xiaolongbao.