Bump into Autumn in Chai Xu
After being scorched by the blazing sun all summer, I felt completely languid and listless. I just wanted to find a place to relax, so I casually scrolled through Ctrip and came across a recommendation for the Kou'an Diaohua Lou Scenic Area. The reviews were quite good, so I thought, 'Alright, let's go here.' Suddenly, I felt really excited.
So I booked tickets on Ctrip, and my husband and I drove there. Actually, it wasn't that far—just over an hour by car.
Soon, we followed the navigation to the parking lot of the Kou'an Diaohua Lou Scenic Area. Getting out of the car, we saw lush green trees, and I immediately felt relaxed. Arriving at a square, the visitor center and the main attraction, Diaohua Lou, were nearby. A tall screen wall indicated the high social status of the building's original owner. The visitor center was well-equipped: parents could rent strollers for their children, and free drinking water and resting areas were provided.
Entering the ancient Diaohua Lou, we were greeted by a three-section traditional residence, with all kinds of flowers and trees planted in the courtyard. In the East Garden, there was a pond with rockeries, directly facing the gate of Diaohua Lou. According to the guide, this was meant to symbolize 'seeing the mountain right at the door.' Oh, by the way, hiring a guide costs 80 yuan per session, and the explanation was detailed and vivid—things you wouldn't notice on your own. Diaohua Lou is a brick-and-wood structure, first built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Later, during the Republic of China period, it was taken over by a businessman named Boss Yao, who expanded and rebuilt it, giving it its current appearance. The highlight inside the building is the carved tower in the courtyard—exquisite and full of profound meaning. You can't help but admire the ingenuity of the ancient craftsmen.
There were many osmanthus trees in the garden, and a faint fragrance of osmanthus flowers was already in the air, truly refreshing. It was so comfortable here!
Afterward, we visited several other attractions. Each had its own unique features and was well worth seeing, especially suitable for children to learn more about history.
