Living in Yun Shui Yao, Encountering Poetic Mountains and Sea

When weary from the hustle and bustle of the world, the heart always longs for a place where the soul can rest. Yun Shui Yao, an ancient village hidden in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, shines like a dazzling pearl, exuding captivating charm and becoming a place of yearning for countless people. Yun Shui Yao, originally named Chang Jiao, was once obscure but gained fame after the movie "Yun Shui Yao" was filmed here, which led to its renaming. This place is a dreamlike scroll where nature and culture intertwine, with every inch of land permeated by the fragrance of time. The journey to Yun Shui Yao is filled with anticipation. If you choose to fly, after arriving at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, you can take a bus or taxi for about a two-hour drive, during which the scenery gradually transitions from a bustling city to a tranquil countryside. If traveling by train, it's just a short one-hour transfer from Nanjing Station to reach this enchanting place. Driving yourself offers even more freedom to enjoy the journey; from Xiamen, it's about a two-hour drive along the Shenhai and Zhangwu Expressways before Yun Shui Yao appears before your eyes. Stepping into Yun Shui Yao feels like entering a world forgotten by time. He Gui Lou, a square earthen building built during the Qing Dynasty, stands like an elder who has weathered many storms, silently telling stories of the past. It stands firm and steady, carrying traces of years gone by, and is one of the landmark buildings of Yun Shui Yao. Huai Yuan Lou attracts attention with its rounded shape and is also from the Qing Dynasty but remains extremely well-preserved. Inside, the exquisite craftsmanship is awe-inspiring, with every detail showcasing the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Walking along the ancient path of Yun Shui Yao, the cobblestone path beneath your feet makes crisp sounds. On both sides of the ancient path, the scenery is picturesque, with lush trees providing shade and streams flowing gently. The beautiful scenery along the way is like a flowing landscape painting, making you stop to take photos. The thousand-year-old banyan tree, with its huge canopy, creates a cool space. With its long life and lush foliage, it seems like a messenger sent by nature to protect this land. People rest in the shade under the tree, feeling the tranquility and peace it brings. There's also the Lovers' Bridge, a wooden bridge spanning across the stream, swaying gently in the breeze. Couples walk hand in hand across it, leaving behind sweet laughter, making it a romantic spot for couples to visit. Staying in Yun Shui Yao is also a unique experience. Choosing a guesthouse in Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town allows you to deeply experience local customs, interact with warm and hospitable residents, feel that simple warmth, and enjoy affordable prices without any burden. If you want to experience a unique cultural atmosphere, the earthen building-themed hotels are the perfect choice. Staying in an earthen building feels like traveling through time back to the past. High-end resorts offer comfortable accommodations and quality service, allowing you to fully relax during your tiring journey. Of course, when visiting Yun Shui Yao, the food is not to be missed. The classic Hakka dish—salt-baked chicken—has golden skin, tender meat, and a fragrant aroma; stuffed tofu has a smooth texture with perfectly blended bean and meat flavors; and preserved vegetable pork belly is rich without being greasy and melts in your mouth. Minnan snacks also have distinctive flavors: the crystal-clear bamboo jelly has a chewy texture, and the oyster omelet has a tantalizing aroma with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Every bite of food is a passionate taste of this land. In Yun Shui Yao, time seems to slow down and become gentle. Looking up, you see the continuous mountains, like nature's protection. Here, we live in the scenery, converse with the mountains, accompany the waters, and embrace ancient culture. Yun Shui Yao is not just a tourist destination but also a spiritual home that makes people reluctant to leave once they arrive, immersed in endless beauty.