Hidden in the Deepest Part of My Heart

Studying away from home, I miss my hometown all the time, hidden in the deepest part of my heart. My hometown — Kou'an, every street and every building here is deeply engraved in my heart.

My school is far from home. I haven't been back for two years. Every time I hear my parents describe my hometown on the phone, it makes me yearn for it, so I decided to go home for the Spring Festival this winter vacation. On the second day after arriving home, my first goal was the national AAAA-level scenic spot that my parents often mention — the Kou'an Diaohua Lou Scenic Area.

Entering from the south entrance of Xiangyang Bridge, the first thing that came into view was a carved screen wall, adding a touch of mystery to Diaohua Lou.

Going around the screen wall, I arrived at Diaohua Lou. It is said to be the core attraction of the Kou'an Diaohua Lou Scenic Area. The four large characters "Ancient Diaohua Lou" in gold on a red background are hung high above the solid wood door that bears the marks of time. Stepping over the high threshold with its worn-off corners, I felt like passing through a time portal, witnessing the past, present, and future of Kou'an.

After passing through the ticket check, I entered the interior of Diaohua Lou and was immediately stunned. Courtyard, rockery, ancient trees, pond, small bridge... every single one is imprinted in my mind, giving me a new understanding of my hometown.

Walking along the corridor for a full circuit, it truly deserves the name Ancient Diaohua Lou — carvings everywhere. The ancient buildings, ancient decorations, ancient trees brought me to an ancient era. I heard that a TV series was filmed here: "From Slave to General".