A Flower Viewing Trip in Wanzhi, Staying at the Meilin Hotel
The flowers in Wanzhi are in full bloom in spring. I took two days off and packed my bags to go to the Meilin Hotel, which I had been longing to visit.
Wuhu Meilin Hotel (Wanzhi High-speed Railway Station Wuxuan Airport Branch) is indeed extraordinary. The lobby is uniquely decorated and offers complimentary coffee and fruit. The receptionist had a sweet smile. As she handed over the room card, a faint scent of jasmine brushed past my fingertips. The room was spacious, and the bed was soft. The best part was the floor-to-ceiling window, which faced a field of rapeseed flowers that rustled in the breeze.
The next morning, I went to the Liulang Flower Sea. The name Flower Sea is well-deserved. Flowers of various colors spread out, red, yellow, blue, and purple, like an overturned palette. Tourists flocked here, many with cameras, darting through the flowers and striking various poses. Several women, dressed in brightly colored clothes, posed coquettishly in front of the flowers, competing with them for beauty. I thought, flowers are inherently ignorant, but people are intentional, which is interesting.
In the afternoon, I went to the Xiaotao Village Market. The market stalls were filled with local products, with a few stalls selling handicrafts. An old woman squatted behind her stall, displaying some bamboo-woven items, which were exquisitely crafted. I also checked out a popular cafe.
In the evening, when I returned to the hotel, afternoon tea was served. A piece of cake and a cup of black tea, sitting on the terrace watching the sunset. The cake was cloyingly sweet, which complemented the twilight.
The next day, I went to the Cherry Blossom Garden. The cherry blossoms had passed their peak, and some withered flowers were scattered on the branches. As the wind blew, they fell like a pink snow. Under the trees, people spread out picnic mats, and families sat around eating and drinking. Children rolled around in the petals, their laughter piercing the tranquility of the garden.
Longweizhang is a small village with green bricks and black tiles. Next to it is Nanhu Park. The park and the village are integrated. There are cafes, tea restaurants, and various craft halls in the village, which are perfect for strolling.
Jiuzi Bay was the last stop. The lake water was green, and a few small boats were parked on the shore. I rented one and rowed to the center of the lake. There was no one around, only the sound of water and the occasional chirping of birds. I took a small train through the rapeseed flower fields, as if I had returned to my childhood.
Back at the hotel, supper was ready. A bowl of small wontons and some snacks. After eating, the waiter sent a cup of warm milk, saying it would help me sleep. I thought, this service is too thoughtful.
Two days passed quickly. I saw the flowers, walked through the village, and stayed in a good hotel. The flowers in Wanzhi are still blooming, tourists come and go, and the hotel rooms have new guests. Everything is as usual, but my memory has more colors and smells.
Flowers bloom and fall, which is normal. People come to see the flowers, but the flowers never see people.