The Flavor of the Countryside: A Return to the Essence of Living, or a Sublimation of Rural Retreat?

Always busy rushing about, yet seldom taking my wife and child to see the scenery. After the pandemic, it dawned on me that health and family are the true foundation to chase.

The urge to travel with my wife and child grew ever stronger in this middle-aged heart.

It is the time of White Dew. Looking back, memories of spring flowers and summer dreams have long scattered in the wind. Driving less than two hours from Baoding, we arrived at Taihang Water Town, a place shaped by four springs and autumns, to savor its distinctive countryside flavor.

From pear blossom white to heavy snowfall, from first light to moonrise, all day long the streets bustle with vehicles and crowds.

It records countless beautiful moments, day after day, as rivers flow to the sea—beauty here has become routine.

Taihang Water Town is a model project of meticulously crafted rural complex construction, also a key new rural business format fostered by the First Hebei Tourism Development Conference. There is no primary admission ticket; consumption is scenario-based; seasonal folk activities are held year-round, with well-developed holiday facilities.

Stepping into Lianxiang Village, the familiar calls of vendors instantly stirred childhood memories.

Continuously incubating cultural and creative commercial brands, cultural courtyards such as Jizai Xili, strange stones, wedding customs, homespun cloth, and Yan Warring States roof tile end old teapots will definitely refresh your eyes.

A colorful life exists not only in a kaleidoscope but also under the sun. The sky is bright, the trees lush—who says the human world isn't worth it?

Various local snacks in the alleys dazzle adults and children alike.

Not sure what to eat for lunch? Then just get a bowl of noodles. Even if it's just plain boiled noodles, they sprinkle scallions, cilantro, fried sauce, soup, and various other toppings like masters armed with eighteen martial arts. One staple, eighty flavors.

Mid-feast, the whole family was captivated by a few cheerful girls enthusiastically introducing the adventures at Corn Adventure Village Eco-Farm.

Corn Adventure Village Eco-Farm is a leisure farm integrating three industries with corn as its theme.

By mining the elements of ancient Beifudi rural production and life, the project integrates industrial convergence functions, using the site's unique farmland, flower fields, ponds, lake surfaces, forests, mountains, and other quality rural resources to create a distinctive Taihang countryside leisure destination that blends joyful experiences, agricultural cultivation, and produce research, operating year-round and day and night, with clear themes and constant activities.

Following instructions, we boarded a free shuttle bus.

The driver proudly told us about the origin of Corn Adventure Village:

Unafraid of COVID, overcoming difficulties, marching forward in protest, born from the pandemic.

As the shuttle moved, the cheerful girl described the scenes that awaited us.

Amid eager anticipation, we arrived at the entrance of Corn Adventure Village.

A misty passage made the child pull adults' hands with extra force.

The first sight was a golden grain drying ground. Guided by staff, we embarked on a mission journey, experiencing traditional farming culture while shelling corn and enjoying the joy of a bountiful harvest—endless fun.

In an old-fashioned clay workshop, making pottery cultivated children’s confidence, patience, and willpower.

We felt the joy of a countryside train ride and tasted noodles made from corn starch.

Then, at the mud kiln, we roasted a corn or sweet potato by hand.

This primitive farming culture made both parents and children linger and reluctant to leave,

experiencing the countryside, experiencing that long-lost purity.

Water rocker, archery range, unpowered playground—simple facilities close to nature.

Adults can rediscover the simple joys of childhood, and children can freely release their active nature.

Drifting in a kayak to the Double Heart Stone area, take a photo with your beloved on the Double Heart Stone for Cupid’s blessing.

The Cute Pet Home is also adored by children: sika deer, alpacas, miniature pigs, and bunnies—feed them and enjoy close interaction.

On the flowery land, all kinds of blooms compete,

and from an 8-meter-high trending swing you can admire the most beautiful flower sea.

When tired, head to the hilltop flower shop for a thick cup of corn juice; the three walls of floor-to-ceiling glass let you keep an eye on the little rascals.

Spanning 300 mu, Corn Adventure Village Eco-Farm offers 25 farm tasks, over 40 cute animals, and a 45,000-square-meter ecological pasture where cattle and sheep are adorably guileless.

Yearning for lake views and mountain scenery, we drift with the mist to Taihang Water Town. Along the Yi River, with green mountains on both banks, the ancients compared mist to melancholy; today we lament that we cannot savor such views every day. Wave sounds lapping the shore startle the ducks in Xiangtao Courtyard and the waxwings at Corn Adventure Village.

Travel doesn’t have to be far. Come to Taihang Water Town to find the flavor of the countryside. Lianxiang Village is a return to the essence of living; Corn Adventure Village Eco-Farm is a sublimation of rural retreat.