Things to do in Liuyang

There were no assigned seats, so you could sit anywhere. We spent most of our time on the third deck enjoying the view and taking photos. Although it was very hot outside, there was a breeze on both sides of the deck, so it wasn't too bad. There were karaoke machines and vendors selling snacks and drinks on both the second and third decks. The air conditioning on the second deck was very strong. We arrived at the pier half an hour early, and there was already a queue.

Since we couldn't book through the official website, we chose this option. Entry was smooth, and the guide even led us into a classroom for a brief explanation before the tour. The explanation was very detailed and thorough. Even with many people inside, the guide repeatedly checked the number of people and led the group. Overall, they were very dedicated and responsible, and we learned a lot from the guide – definitely worth the visit.

Tan Sitong's former residence is located on Beizhengnan Road, Liuyang City, Hunan Province. It was built in the late Ming Dynasty. It was originally a Zhou family temple, and the main building covers an area of ​​more than 2,000 square meters. Later, it was bought by Tan Sitong's grandfather Tan Xueqin (who once served as a county official in Liuyang) as a private residence. In the ninth year of Emperor Xianfeng's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1859), Tan Sitong's father Tan Jixun passed the imperial examination and became the governor of Hubei. Because of his prominent status, he was ordered to name his house "Daifudi Official Residence", so Tan Sitong's former residence is also called "Daifudi".

During the National Day holiday, the crowds were immense. Our tour guide, Xiao Xiang, led us along the way, providing lively and engaging explanations that saved us from taking unnecessary detours and greatly improved efficiency. He also clearly outlined the key locations.

This year, the former residence has been renovated. Many scenic spots are very bright. There are many tourists. The rivers are clear. There are many cultural relics on display. They are very suitable for taking photos.

The exhibited artifacts were quite good; I've also been to joint exhibitions organized by museums like the Hunan Provincial Museum. The Kremlin artifacts here are well-prepared and thoughtfully designed. However, the souvenir and merchandise section was rather boring. I was thinking of buying a pendant or something, but that saved me some money.

The scenic area is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River Bridge and the Yellow Crane Tower. At the very top, watching the ships on the Yangtze and the cars and trains on the bridge, with the breeze blowing, is very pleasant, and it's not too crowded. The scenic area isn't large; a leisurely hour is about right to appreciate the scenery. Qingchuan Pavilion and Guishan Scenic Area are directly connected by the Iron Gate Pass, which leads to the West Gate of Guishan. Climbing the mountain and enjoying the breeze and osmanthus fragrance is a wonderful experience.

The surrounding environment is great; the park outside is definitely worth spending some time in. The museum itself has a fairly extensive collection. We rented a guided tour with the artists themselves, where you can hear their creative thoughts and background—it was quite interesting. However, sometimes the "sensing" function wasn't very effective; while standing in front of one painting, I'd sense the explanation of another, which could waste a bit of time. The gift shop has some nice designs; perhaps they could expand the selection. Overall, it's still worthwhile!

The price-performance ratio is high. I went there last year. Traveling is sometimes just a way to release your mood, just like a fish sinking to the bottom of the water, feeling bored before the thunderstorm comes, and eager to get to the surface to take a breath. Leaving one city and rushing to another, no matter whether the city gives you a good or bad feeling, what remains unchanged is that we always have a vision and curiosity for the unknown scenery.