On a Warm Spring Day, a Dreamy Blooming in Xinghua with My Little One

📍 Queenstown · 👁 3289 reads

No winter lasts forever,

No spring fails to arrive.

The mountains and rivers are safe, the days are peaceful,

My dear little one,

I want to take you into the world of flowers in Xinghua

For the first trip of 2020.

Let the vastness of nature awaken the soul,

Let the unique grace of this world warm the spirit.

Amidst a flower or a leaf, feel the hope of spring,

Amidst a brick or a tile, grasp the文人 spirit of a thousand years.

Xinghua is not far; it lies in nearby Taizhou City, a rich Jiangnan town, a fertile land of fish and rice, and a brilliant pearl in this world.

After a gloomy Spring Festival, as the earth returns to life, before school starts, I decided to take my dear little one to feel the enchanting spring in Xinghua.

I love taking my child to museums, calming down together, and learning about the city through each object. A place of spiritual energy nurtures outstanding people. The small Xinghua Museum holds over six thousand years of civilization. Scrolls of paintings and calligraphy are the glory of Xinghua and treasures of Chinese art.

Spring is the season for flowers. With unique landforms and magnificent scenery, I once chased dazzling gold in Anhui and Yunnan, unaware that the "Four Great Seas of Flowers"之一的千垛景区 was right beside me—the world's most beautiful rapeseed flower sea. But even after traversing mountains and rivers and seeking all the world's beauty, I only want to see your joyful smile.

After being cooped up in square rooms in the city, I long to run wild in nature and breathe fresh air. Everyone should have an idyllic dream: a water, a courtyard, a house, embracing the truest happiness in simplicity. Bishui Dongluo is where this dream comes true.

Poetic and picturesque, dreamlike and illusory, Lizhong水上森林公园 is full of surprises—harmony between humans and nature, a thrilling and wondrous experience, and a unique adventure.

Every city has an old street its locals can't bear to leave. Every brick and tile here carries the weight of years. It may not be as shiny as skyscrapers, but the city's long-infused character cannot be replicated by any designer. It might even seem a bit primitive, but it remains a haven for a generation.

Day 1: After arriving in Xinghua, check in at the hotel and have lunch—visit Xinghua Museum and Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence to appreciate Xinghua's cultural depth—head to Xinghua Jindongmen Old Street, strolling amidst ancient charm.

Day 2: Enjoy the vibrant spring at Qianduo Scenic Area, experiencing the allure of a world-class flower sea—visit Bishui Dongluo, a beautiful countryside by the flower sea—experience the magical mist forest at Lizhong水上森林公园.

This itinerary was planned mainly because I had a child with me. I believe the most comprehensive education from books is not as effective as real experiences. Going to museums and former residences lets my little one feel art and knowledge; going to flower seas and forests lets him truly get close to nature. Nurture and wisdom are hidden in the details.

1. Self-driving is the most convenient; roads in Xinghua are good and parking is easy.

2. Currently, Xinghua has no train or high-speed rail station, only a bus station. You can take buses from Taizhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Kunshan, etc. Since Xinghua is part of Taizhou, taking a dedicated car from Taizhou is most convenient. A group of four can directly take a taxi, which offers good value.

3. Xinghua has direct shuttle buses to scenic areas, convenient and inexpensive, with short waits. However, the last shuttle is around 5:30 PM, so watch the return time. City taxis are also affordable for daily travel.

Many people never expect that small Xinghua has a museum. But once in Xinghua, you deeply feel that this thousand-year-old ancient town deserves a museum to record what happened on this land. I always insist on taking Hamburger to museums everywhere, because one must read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles. As descendants of the Yellow Emperor, it's necessary for everyone to understand what happened on this divine land—and of course, start from childhood.

The Xinghua Museum is not large or ancient; the three-story imitation ancient building was built in 1993. But it has sculptures, murals, small bridges, flowing water, lush greenery, and exquisite architecture, very much in the style of Jiangnan beauty. The most planted are bamboos, Zheng Banqiao's favorite, full of character. Little Hamburger stands before a large sculpture, gazing at it with reverence. Young one, do you also want to become a master of your generation?

Although the museum was established not long ago, it houses quite a number of artifacts, reportedly over 2,000, including pottery, jade, calligraphy, and paintings, with some national-level cultural relics, very helpful for studying the history of the Taizhou area.

Among the artifacts, Zheng Banqiao's authentic calligraphy and paintings are very precious, and Zheng Banqiao is a crucial figure for Xinghua culture. Passing a pond of koi and a garden of greenery, we arrived at the Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, also part of the Xinghua Museum.

The Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall is a specialized museum built to commemorate the Qing dynasty painter, calligrapher, and writer Zheng Banqiao. Zheng, a master of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, had influence on literature, art, and politics of his time. The hall displays his life and artistic achievements.

There are over 30 pieces of Zheng Banqiao's calligraphy and paintings, as well as works from other members of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou," and commemorative works by contemporary celebrities. Overall, it has great artistic value. Those who love calligraphy and painting will certainly benefit greatly. Although understanding these is a bit difficult for Hamburger's age, I still explained each character to him carefully. This will be a rare experience; who knows if such moments will come again? I seize every minute to let him appreciate the profound and long-standing Chinese art. I believe this memory will become a shining gem on his life path.

A little head full of big questions. Don't worry, my boy; these civilization marks that have lasted thousands of years will become as natural as breathing, part of your life.

After visiting the Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, don't leave yet—the museum has more hidden gems. Turn a corner, and the Xinghua County Office is right before you.

Compared to the Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, Hamburger liked the Song Dynasty County Office more, because there were more fun things for him. The Xinghua Song County Office has a thousand-year history, famous because Fan Zhongyan served as an official there for three years during the Northern Song. After renovation, it still retains its ancient charm and character, showing the scenery of those days.

Unlike the orderly museum, Hamburger started running wild, climbing up and down, incredibly lively. The scenery of the Xinghua Song County Office is also great for portraits; I couldn't help taking many photos of Hamburger.

After all, it's a parent-child trip, so I also need to be in the frame. When I'm with Hamburger, I can't help but smile, feeling light and agile. Under his influence, I return to my youth. Friends with babies, note that this is a good time to teach the child: "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures."

This is the hall of the Xinghua County Office.

The Qinmin Hall in the Xinghua Song County Office was where court sessions were held, just like on TV. But it's all cordoned off for viewing only. For Hamburger, that doesn't matter; he was very excited to beat the complaint drum at the entrance, even though he had to stand on tiptoes. Children's happiness is so simple.

The displayed eight-carried sedan chair also became one of Hamburger's "toys," posing actively for photos. This time, because you're young, I'll forgive you. Next time, you must absorb the cultural熏陶 properly.

1. Xinghua Museum and Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall are free. The Song County Office charges a 20 yuan ticket.

2. Open year-round, rare for a museum not to close on Mondays, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

3. Address: No. 2, Pailou North Road, Zhaoyang Town, Xinghua City.

Since we're in Xinghua, Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence is a must-visit. For Zheng Banqiao himself, no introduction is needed, but many don't know he was from Xinghua, Jiangsu. Zheng was a representative of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" in the Qing dynasty. His former residence has great historical and scenic value.

The architecture is typical of Qing dynasty residential style: mottled brick walls, aged steps, and exhibits of Zheng's daily items, all with a sense of age. It is said Zheng only lived here in his youth and old age, and it wasn't solely his but the family mansion. Today, that doesn't matter; Zheng's own value is undeniable.

Zheng Banqiao represents the cultured scholars of Xinghua. If you're not interested in the interior exhibits, I suggest stepping into the courtyard to enjoy the spring scenery within the square garden. Pink flowers, green willows, small ponds, rockeries, fish in water, rustling orchids and bamboos—a serene courtyard. The Zheng family was a scholarly clan, and the house has a refined, elegant style. An old Zheng Banqiao, looking at the garden full of green bamboos, must have felt no regrets about his life.

Practical Tips:

1. Ticket: 20 yuan. Open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round.

2. Address: No. 7-8, Zhengjia Lane, East City Outer, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province.

Even if you're tired of characteristic streets in various cities, I still recommend a walk down Xinghua Jindongmen Old Street. A 1,200-meter street bearing a thousand years of history and countless memories.

Jindongmen is known as the No.1 Old Street of Central Jiangsu in Ming and Qing dynasties. Since the Ming and Qing, commerce flourished here, generating wealth daily. Because it's near the east gate, it was named Jindongmen (Golden East Gate).

The street preserves a complete complex of Ming and Qing ancient buildings with a clear fishbone-like lane layout, very much in the traditional style of that era. There are many residents and buildings along the street, but the most famous is the Shangchi Drug Store, an old building from the Kangxi era, a century-old brand in Xinghua, and a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

A century of heritage, spreading medical virtue. Full of gold-lettered plaques, traditional black lacquer counters, pharmacy in front and workshop in the back. Although traditional Chinese medicine shops have modernized, Shangchi remains unchanged, holding onto tradition.

When we visited, some elderly locals still came to buy medicine here, using abacuses and scales. Like this old shop, they believe in the power of traditional Chinese medicine. Indeed, Western medicine is indispensable in our lives, but the traditional Chinese medicine culture condensed from Chinese civilization has its own essence. Since its opening, Shangchi has strictly adhered to professional ethics, earning good reputation and credibility in Xinghua.

Chen Lianfu's Tinware Workshop on Jindongmen Old Street is part of Taizhou's intangible cultural heritage. The Chen family is one of the three major tinware craftsman families in Xinghua. Their exquisite skills have been passed down through generations, reaching new heights under Chen Lianfu, producing extraordinary and beautiful tinware.

However, with the discovery of new materials and market shifts, tinware is gradually fading from view. But Chen Lianfu persists; this old craft must not be lost, and the Chen family's original intention must not be forgotten. Watching him work seriously, as a craftsman myself, I couldn't help giving him a thumbs up in my heart.

Little Hamburger had a great time on this street—he hadn't seen anything like it before. Curiosity energized him. When we watched an old man shaving in the traditional way, the old man was amused by him. It's okay; happiness matters. Growth comes step by step. One day, you'll know more than your dad.

Practical Tips:

1. The old street is free of charge, but entering Xinghua County Office costs 20 yuan.

2. Open year-round, full of life. Besides old buildings, there are many small restaurants for meals.

3. Address: East side of the ancient city, Xinghua City.

With the development of rural construction in our country, beautiful pastoral villages that were once hidden are now well-known. Dongluo Village is one such place. Near the Qianduo Scenic Area, it boasts large fields of rapeseed flowers, and abundant water resources from two rivers and two lakes, hence the name Bishui Dongluo (Green Water East Luo).

Dongluo Village is clean and tidy. Every house is interesting. The large 24-solar-term murals on the walls depict the scenery of each term. The beauty of the water town leaps onto the walls, becoming a popular photo spot for tourists.

The most famous building in the village is "Dongluo Qiushi" (Dongluo Autumn Harvest), an imitation ancient building with blue bricks and small tiles. It is said the entire building uses mortise-and-tenon joinery without a single nail, quite unique.

"Dongluo Qiushi" serves as the village history museum, preserving a complete memory of Dongluo Village, displaying its cultural elements through various objects. Both Hamburger and I found this very novel. Only in times of peace and prosperity can the nation be safe and the people happy. In recent decades, the government has provided many favorable policies, enabling us to enjoy such a beautiful new-era countryside.

To the east is Qiandao Flower Sea, to the west is Water Forest. Dongluo Village itself is also a nice attraction, so its tourism facilities are well-developed, with excellent homestay options. Yunduo is a good local homestay.

Facing fertile farmland, the spring blooms touchingly. Yunduo Homestay adopts the popular natural wood style. The guest room furnishings are close to nature, making one feel relaxed and comfortable.

Spring plowing, summer weeding, autumn harvest, winter storage. The village embodies the simplest and most fundamental life wisdom. We all come from the countryside, and sometimes we need to return to the countryside to find our original heart.

Practical Tips:

1. The village canteen offers authentic Xinghua cuisine.

2. There is a dedicated small forest children's playground and a farming experience area. You can also participate in special folk festivals during the rapeseed flower season. Lots of entertainment.

There was originally no water forest in Xinghua's Lizhong. But humans said let there be one, and the former wasteland became the largest man-made ecological forest in Jiangsu Province.

Lizhong水上森林公园 can be called a man-made miracle. It is a constructed wetland park after treatment. The scenic area is not very large, but extremely distinctive, a rare water forest. Over 100,000 trees, including metasequoia and pond cypress, are planted upright and tall, standing like guards, magnificent.

Besides the water forest, large patches of February orchids and the mist effect are very attractive. In spring, blooming February orchids are charming—small yet beautiful, together creating another kind of beauty, adding a touch of gentleness to the sturdy forest.

In the mist forest experience area, the man-made mist effect is the finishing touch. The originally magnificent forest and flower sea become mysterious and hazy under the mist, like a fairyland, extraordinarily moving, adding fun for visitors.

The water forest park has a dedicated dining center with ingredients from the park's canals. There are various ways to explore: by wooden raft, along boardwalks. Facilities are quite complete.

The water forest park has beautiful scenery all year round; neatly arranged trees offer picturesque photo opportunities. It is a natural oxygen bar and a bird paradise, a scenic area worth visiting.

Practical Tips:

1. Ticket: 90 yuan. Open 8 AM to 5 PM.

2. Located in Lizhong, Xinghua. Direct shuttle buses available.

3. Wear a hat to prevent mist from wetting hair and bird droppings from above.

Early morning, we took the direct shuttle from Xinghua city to Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area. Known as one of the world's "Four Great Seas of Flowers," this was the highlight of the trip.

Gold, gold as far as the eye can see. With duotian (raised fields) as islands, flowing water as roads, and small bridges as belts, connecting thousands of rapeseed flower clusters. I've seen rapeseed flowers covering mountains, but never experienced boating through a sea of flowers. Being in it, my heart swayed.

"The river has many bends of clear water; every field is blooming yellow." The scenery is truly beautiful. This is perfect for children who have been in the city for long. Fresh air, delicate floral scent—they can laugh, run, and play without restraint. We just avoided a disaster. Seeing such grandeur, I only want to roam freely in the sea of flowers with my dearest ones, enjoying the spring color of every flower.

Qianduo Scenic Area is globally famous for its unique "duotian" landform. The industrious and wise people of Xinghua used human strength to contend with nature, transforming swamps into cultivable duotian. This is an important agricultural heritage of the world, passing down the struggle and effort of a generation. From barren to fertile, fruits and vegetables fill the rivers. Today, Qianduo is beautiful in scenery, in people, and in every harvest. Bringing Hamburger here and telling him the admirable deeds that happened on this land is a good education.

A gentle breeze, perfect sunshine, floral fragrance lingering. Stone paths, flower clusters—the long-bound body and mind can be released. Every spot is a fairyland, every angle a great photo subject.

Hamburger, still young, saw this vast sea of flowers; his first reaction was "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful," then smelling the flowers, enjoying his happy childhood. As a photographer father, I instinctively raised my camera and started clicking. I want to capture every moment of you—crying or laughing, every frame is a precious memory. I want to keep your growth memories. Flower clusters and a little child match perfectly; no matter how you shoot, it looks great. Delicate flowers and a child's tender face, eyes shining, heart shining.

May you be warm in winter, never cold in spring, may you be as brilliant as blooming flowers, may you harvest autumn fruits, may your heart be full, may you be joyful all your life, may you be warm and pure. Intoxicating scenery easily disturbs the heart. Time, please be a bit slower, a bit better, let my father-son time last a little longer.

Practical Tips:

1. Ticket: 90 yuan. Open 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Rape flower festival is from March to May.

2. Located in Qianduo Town, Xinghua City. Direct shuttle buses available.

3. Use a drone for panoramas, camera for close-ups. Great for portraits.

4. There are observation decks to overlook the flower sea.

1. Xinghua Home-style Cuisine

Every land has its own food code. Xinghua, with crisscrossing rivers and fertile fields, has abundant produce. Wise Xinghua people mark each ingredient with a unique Xinghua imprint.

Xinghua dishes are not very trendy; from the name you know what the dish is. Behind the unpretentious names is meticulous craftsmanship. Xinghua home-style cuisine preserves the original taste of ingredients, lightly seasoned to create a delicious Jiangnan dish. The food is healthy and mild, suitable for growing children. Tasting all the world's delicacies is also a form of aesthetic education.

This Xinghua Fish Head and Vermicelli Pot uses a local fat bighead carp head. The fish meat is delicate and tasty; the broth is light but flavorful. All essence is in this small pot. Adding vermicelli and simmering briefly makes the ordinary noodle stand out.

Xinghua is a water town with abundant aquatic products. Xinghua pufferfish is famous. Small pufferfish are tender and delicate, whether braised or in soup—superb. Rich in protein and vitamins, it's a health product especially suitable for children.

Our little foodie's favorite was this roast duck. The chef sliced the duck and arranged it on a plate; the red skin looked extremely tempting. The little one couldn't wait to dig in.

Little Hamburger, please control your drool; don't fall in love with this roast duck.

Home-style cuisine is to be savored, but a cultural banquet cannot be missed. Everyone knows Zheng Banqiao as a master of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, but not many know he was also a gourmet. His poems and essays hide many delicacies.

The Banqiao Banquet is designed based on Zheng Banqiao's poems and essays, combined with local Xinghua characteristics. Poetry in dishes, dishes with poetry. It doesn't skimp on aesthetics, balancing color, aroma, and taste. Truly a feast. Even Hamburger exclaimed how beautiful it was. This meal will definitely leave a deep impression on him.

Since ancient times, elegant and pure bamboos have been loved by scholars. Zheng Banqiao was also a master of painting bamboos, leaving the eternal line "Bite the green mountain tight and never relax, rooted in the broken rock." This dish "Orchid, Bamboo, and Stone" represents Zheng Banqiao's own noble and distant personality.

A small cup of chrysanthemum tea with popped rice is the welcome gift for Xinghua people to guests. Warm and simple, but sincere.

Shrimps and crabs are common for Jiangnan people, but such careful presentation is touching. Many think it's not the season for crabs and crawfish, but actually, in this season, they have a different, lesser-known flavor.

Lotus and Duck is probably the most beautiful duck dish I've seen. "A hundred sixty miles of lotus fields, tens of thousands of families by fish and ducks, boatmen can't pole through, pink faces shine pitifully charming." Lotus at the bottom, fresh duck as the main ingredient—a dish that fully interprets the beauty and abundance of Xinghua's water town.

"If you can't be an official who serves the people, go home and sell sweet potatoes." Peel sweet potatoes into elegant olive shapes, arrange them like chrysanthemums. This dish combines Zheng Banqiao's artistic ideas and his philosophy of officialdom. The honey-glazed olive yam—wonderful.

For this two-day-one-night spring trip, we stayed at Xinghua Tianbao Garden Hotel. First, because it's beautiful. At first glance, it is a lush, pleasant garden with a Spanish-style building. The feeling deepens as you enter the spacious and gorgeous lobby.

Second, because it's convenient. Staying in a hotel is like buying a house—location matters for convenience. Tianbao Garden Hotel is close to the bus station and highway exit, with complete surrounding facilities. If any issue arises, solutions are quickly available.

Third, because of its cost performance. The rooms are low-key luxurious and refined, with good quality linen and amenities. Every detail shows the hotel operator's care. It's reassuring to stay here with a child. It's indeed the best hotel in Xinghua and the most popular wedding banquet hotel in Taizhou.

Travelogue Contents

1. Preface

2. Impression of Xinghua

3. Xinghua Tips

4. A Museum, A City: At Xinghua Museum

5. The Charm of Xinghua’s Culture – Zheng Banqiao’s Former Residence

6. Stroll through Xinghua Jindongmen, Check in Thousand-Year-Old Street

7. Experience Beautiful Pastoral Village at Bishui Dongluo

8. Lizhong Water Forest Park: A Garden Blooming on Wasteland

9. Sink into Golden Flower Sea, Get Drunk at Qianduo Scenic Area

10. Taste of Xinghua

11. About Accommodation