Chasing Light and Shadow in Xiapu
Xiapu is by the sea. Locals live off the sea, with thriving aquaculture. Unexpectedly to them, the fish rafts, kelp, and nori that sustain their livelihood have become the focus of many photography enthusiasts, turning Xiapu into a hot spot. Seafood and tourism soar together—delicious seafood and charming tidal flats.
I stayed overnight in Beiqi because of its famous sunrise. At dawn, I walked to the seaside, hoping to capture a masterpiece like the masters. But the sun doesn't always leap out from the sea; today, it lazily rose from behind the mountain that extends into the bay. The ideal scene of a red sun emerging from the sea was blocked by the mountain. Splendid views are hard to come by; regrets are common in life, but a joyful mood is what travel truly seeks.
Gathering myself, I headed to Shajiang Village. To see the mountain and sea views, I paid to climb to the rooftop. Under a clear sky, the tide revealed the tidal flats. A vast array of orderly bamboo poles draped with kelp—that was the painting made by those who live off the sea on the tidal flats. Whether intentionally or not, the bamboo poles left two S-shaped water channels, one large and one small, known as Shajiang's S-bend. A small boat slowly sailed in, adding a beautiful stamp to the harmonious painting of man and nature.
Driving to Dong'an, I took a fishing boat to Youcai Islet. At the islet's highest point, the noon sun scattered golden sparkles across the sea around Youcai Islet. The famous Dong'an fish rafts spread one after another around the islet; each net cage is a cornucopia, and countless cornucopias together form a sea of wealth. The houses on the rafts are the fishermen's homes on the water, also paintings in the eyes of photographers. Fishermen patrol and feed during the day, and drift to sleep with the sound of waves at night. Raising fish on the East China Sea, counting stars at leisure—can Tao Yuanming's realm be replicated? A boat passed, blooming a long strip of white flowers on the water.
Sunset at Dongbi is a glorious moment. Gold passion burns on the water of the bay, seemingly ready to ignite the anchored boats; clouds of varying shades drift across the sky, pulling the sun's golden-red round face into an irregular, dazzling block of light. The light filtering through the clouds dyes the sand and coastal reefs yellow, stretching long shadows of people on the beach. The setting sun is infinitely beautiful. If Li Shangyin had visited and seen the vibrant Xiapu, would he have changed his sigh of 'only near dusk'?
Haha, random thoughts.
