Xinghua Travelogue (1) – Water Forest
Xinghua is under Taizhou City, located between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, and is a famous historical and cultural city on the northern wing of the Yangtze River Delta. Shi Nai'an, author of Water Margin, and Zheng Banqiao, the foremost of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, were both born here.
On September 20, we took a bus from Taizhou to Xinghua early in the morning. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we took a bus to the Xinghua Water Forest. By the time we arrived at the scenic area, it was already lunchtime, so we ate at a farmhouse restaurant outside the area. The scenery in the vicinity was quite beautiful.
Since it was the off-season, there were few diners. Besides us, there was only one other table. The owner was very friendly, and the food quality was decent. After lunch, we walked into the scenic area.
The Water Forest covers an area of 1,050 mu. Originally a barren floodplain, in the early 1980s local residents transformed it into ordered plots of land and planted trees suited to aquatic environments, such as pond cypress and dawn redwood. It has now become a vibrant water garden.
Walking along the wooden boardwalk and enjoying the water forest is truly a delight. At that moment, a couplet by Su Shi came to mind: "Clear water reveals stones and countable fish; deep forest, no people, but birds call to each other."
In this forest, water vapor is periodically released from the ground, creating a dreamlike, almost ethereal atmosphere.
The scenic area is large, but with wooden boardwalks and signs, it's impossible to get lost. There are very few visitors, providing ample space and time for strolling, resting, and daydreaming...
After a full circuit and passing by a lotus pond, we concluded our visit to the scenic area. Then we took a bus back to the city center.
For dinner, we chose a tea restaurant in the city. We ordered mixed fish, fava beans, and salted goose. Having lived long in the north, I have a special fondness for the fava beans. Moreover, the Qingfeng mixed fish was unexpectedly generous in portion and delicious, making for a hearty meal.
Walking on the bustling streets, I found the night scenery to be quite beautiful as well!
