Where Is the History of an Ancient City Hidden?
Time passes over vast lands, leaving winding and profound traces — this is history.
In China’s millennia-long civilization, history can be found everywhere. Yet, as seas turn to mulberry fields, the past becomes unreachable. To recall bygone days, only ancient artifacts and timeworn buildings allow us a glimpse of the other side of time.
In Yixian County, Hebei, once part of the ancient Yan and Zhao states, there is a city that draws on local culture for its soul, follows its deep heritage to shape new bones, gathers the wisdom and spirit scattered in the bustling world, and rekindles a faded brilliance.
The name Yixian is known far and wide. And Yandu Ancient City is also known to many. But many who come here, drawn by its fame, only admire the surface splendor, missing the unique historical essence hidden in fleeting moments.
The history of the ancient city is contained within carved beams and painted rafters. If touching the vermilion pillars cannot bring you to the remnants of time, then Babai Tower, with its upturned eaves and delicate structure, holds the maxims of history and the magnificence of wisdom within its exquisite chambers.
Pieces of calligraphy, precious artifacts, are solemnly stored here. Money has its price, but spirit is priceless. Only those who truly feel with their hearts can perceive that silent inheritance.
The history of the ancient city settles into late autumn and deep winter. When all is hushed, the clear sky stills over green waters — this quietness, mirrored by the cool bricks and tiles of the town, adds a profound and far-reaching charm.
Ginkgo leaves flutter in the firmament, white snow drifts over roof ridges. New life moves toward twilight, heat turns into bleakness. Only this scenery and emotion truly resonate with the ancient city of history, only then can one glimpse the countenance of time.
Yandu Ancient City · Autumn
Yandu Ancient City · Winter (Photo by Yu Zhengwan)
The history of the ancient city lies in the mountains, rivers, heaven, and earth. Perhaps long before pen and paper, there were mountains outlined in indigo and rivers washed in pale ink. And it is these very landscapes, standing since ancient times, that allow thoughts to journey through the ages.
Photo by Yang Zenghong
Standing on the misty platform of Huagai, bathed in sunset glow, listening to the soft calls of birds returning late, gazing at the vast Yi River, perhaps in this solemnity, one can recall a hint of the tragic grandeur of Jing Ke’s departure.
Time never halts its pace, and history continues to write new chapters. The ancient charm hidden in every brick and tile of Yandu Ancient City will, with the accumulation of time, brew an ever richer flavor.
