Too Hot? Come Cool Off in the Ancient City

The sun prolongs the light and shadows,

A gentle breeze rolls on with the heat,

Beneath the boundless blue sky,

Summer slips in unnoticed.

(Image from the internet)

When summer is mentioned, the first word that comes to mind is 'hot'. The swiftly rising temperature casts off spring's gentleness, spreading between heaven and earth with a bold, high-spirited momentum.

People love summer for its exuberant growth, as if everything is laced with fire—vibrant and intense. But they also dislike summer for the scorching sun that sears like being melted into flames, making every breath dry and hot.

Yandu Ancient City stepped into summer when flowers were in full bloom. By the time you notice, layers upon layers of leaves are a glossy green, the crimson gates and painted details more vivid. Gazing into the distance, the sky is brushed with wisps of cloud, the distant hills a delicate dark blur—everywhere, a splendid summer scene.

But scenery aside, in summer, escaping the heat is what truly captures the heart.

Northern heat has a clear-cut character. Even when the sun blazes outside, you can always find a touch of cool comfort indoors or under the shade of a tree.

The ancient city abounds with greenery—every few steps, there is green. Find a lush, leafy tree, sit down, fan yourself with a palm-leaf fan, and chat with a couple of neighbors, or set up a chessboard and play a game with a friend. That makes for a leisurely and delightful summer afternoon.

When temperatures soar, many lose their appetite and start to suffer through the summer. At such times, a cooling, appetite-tempting meal can reawaken the memory of craving good food.

Inside the ancient city, Xuheng Hotel hides a special restaurant that serves local delicacies as well as dishes from Yunnan, the Land of Colorful Clouds.

Adventurous eaters can try the Dai-style okra or hand-peeled bamboo shoots from the Yunnan mountains. The tangy, spicy flavors combined with the freshness of mountain greens create a unique taste. Those who prefer tradition will find a dish of seasonal garden vegetables with sauce easily dispels the summer heat.

When night falls and the blazing sun is gone, you can take a stroll on the waterside platform to enjoy the scenery. The hills and the river melt into the night, and only rows of ever-burning lanterns turn into earthbound stars, bringing the gentlest 'light' of summer to the people cooling off.

The summer day is long, with deep green shade; towers and pavilions cast their reflections into the pond. Cooling off in Yandu Ancient City allows you to feel, amid everyday life, a different kind of leisure this season brings.