Searching for the Millennia-Old Tucheng, Strolling the Four Crossings of the Chishui River!
Blue bricks, wooden tiles, ancient civilization—the Four Crossings of the Chishui River. Follow the Red Army's footsteps and set foot in Tucheng Ancient Town.
Looking at the ancient town from afar, there are no towering skyscrapers or splendid buildings. The structures here are full of ancient charm, built with wood, far away from the hustle and bustle. Wandering through them relaxes the mind and body. In the ancient town, I heard the cries of vendors, the exclamations of tourists, and the laughter of children—sounds that continuously reached my ears.
Entering the ancient town, the rustic and elegant Tucheng Ancient Town unfolds before my eyes. The town is bustling with people, and shop entrances are adorned with flags, indicating food, lodging, and travel for visitors. As I step inside, I become lost in thought.
On the lower street, both sides are lined with small shops filled with 'rare treasures' and specialty handicrafts. I couldn't resist playing with them and even more couldn't resist the urge to buy, leaving with a full haul.
Next, I arrived at the territory of the 'Number One Guild Under Heaven'—the Beggars' Sect. Here, I was reminded of many storylines from TV dramas: the Beggars' Sect always acts for the country and its people, with righteousness soaring to the skies. Such plots instantly transport me through time, as if I were drinking and chatting happily with Hong Qigong, the character written by Jin Yong, leaving me carefree and delighted.
I kept moving deeper into the ancient town, with its intricate streets and alleys dazzling the eyes. I couldn't help but explore the center. Following the street inward, I found exquisite courtyards, ancient towering trees, and a variety of flowers, birds, fish, and insects. This scenery stirred up all my poetic sentiments from within, leaving me only in admiration.
The grand courtyard, filled with historical atmosphere, houses sugar pressing machines from several generations, making one feel small in the vastness of time. This is the Sugar Guild!
'Small bridge, flowing water'—an otherworldly tranquility. Towering ancient trees, houses by the stream, ancient covered walkways, and flying fish totems appear before my eyes. Millennia-old cultural totems wash away the worldly dust.
The Red Army's stations, the former residences of great men, the Four Crossings of the Chishui River, and the Battle of Qinggangpo—left behind are the Red Army's footprints. It feels like time has reversed to 1935, as if I hear gunfire and battle cries. Standing on the suspension bridge, overlooking the Chishui River, the rolling waters cannot wash away the historical years nor take away the blood of the Red Army.
A thousand years of culture, the Four Crossings of the Chishui River—all absorbed in a single day, flowing into my mind, imprinting an indelible mark that lingers, making me reluctant to leave and savoring the memories!
