Hongcun: The old dream of a paradise in ink and color

Stepping into Hongcun, Anhui, is like gently opening a slowly unfolding long scroll of ink painting. Every stroke of the brush is tinged with the poetry of the long years, and every inch of land softly sings the moving stories of the past. The traces of time are quietly hidden among the mottled pink walls and black tiles, quiet and deep, leading every visitor to explore the Hui style dreams hidden deep in the years. At the entrance of the village, two ancient trees stand tall and straight, with their branches and leaves intertwined, like two loyal watchmen, quietly gazing at the sunrise and sunset, and the cycle of the four seasons in Hongcun. After hundreds of years of wind and rain, their bodies have become more vigorous, and the vicissitudes of time are engraved between the texture of their bark. In spring, tender green buds quietly sprout, adding a touch of freshness and hope to the ancient village, and giving birth to vigorous vitality in this ancient heritage. Strolling along the winding stone path, Nanhu Lake suddenly appears before your eyes. The clear lake surface is like a huge mirror, taking in the neatly-arranged pink walls and black tiles on the shore and the clear blue sky and white clouds, outlining a beautiful scenery of virtual and real coexistence. In summer, the lotus leaves on the lake are stacked layer upon layer like green silk spread out; the pink lotus flowers stand tall and graceful, some are in bud, some are in full bloom, swaying gently in the breeze, and set off by the surrounding quaint buildings, which is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated. By the lake, students who were sketching set up their drawing boards, dipped their brushes in paint, and concentrated on depicting the beautiful scenery before them. Their focused eyes and lively brushstrokes, interwoven with the scenery of lakes and mountains, form a unique humanistic painting, giving this landscape a vivid vitality. After crossing Nanhu Lake, you will enter the core area of ​​Hongcun. Chengzhi Hall, this Anhui-style architectural gem known as the "Folk Forbidden City", is magnificent with its carved beams and painted rafters. Wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, every detail is carved with extreme precision and is lifelike. The figures on the wood carvings are lifelike, and the flowers, birds, fish and insects are vivid, telling of the exquisite skills and infinite wisdom of the ancient craftsmen. When you step into it, you seem to be able to hear the laughter of the past, touch the prosperous and lively years, and feel the heavy atmosphere of history. Yuezhao, a crescent-shaped pond, is like a shining pearl inlaid in the center of Hongcun, becoming the finishing touch of the entire village. The water surface shimmers, and the surrounding buildings are reflected in it, with ripples forming as the breeze blows. In the early morning, the golden sunlight pours down, outlining a dazzling golden edge for the ancient buildings; in the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyes the Moon Pond orange-red, like a dream. Villagers were washing clothes and chatting on the shore, children were laughing and playing nearby, and the atmosphere of human life was everywhere around the pond. Strolling through the quiet alleys of Hongcun, you will feel the shining stone pavement polished by time under your feet and a narrow strip of sky above your head. On the walls, layers of moss spread and grow, like a code of time, recording the past. Occasionally, a few delicate flowers peek out from the wall, adding a bit of agility and playfulness to the quaint and quiet alley. Here, time seems to slow down its hurried pace, and everything becomes peaceful, quiet and beautiful. As night falls, Hongcun instantly takes on a different and charming look. The red lanterns lit up one after another, reflecting the bright moonlight, and the whole village looked like a mysterious dreamland. At this time, strolling in the alley, listening to the chirping of insects in the distance, the day's restlessness and fatigue quietly dissipate, and the heart returns to clarity and tranquility. Hongcun is a place where nature and humanity blend harmoniously and where the dust of time has settled into charming treasures. Whether you are in love with the beautiful natural scenery or obsessed with the profound cultural history, Hongcun can satisfy your wishes and make you deeply immersed in it and reluctant to leave.