In the hinterland of Lixia River in Jiangsu Province, there is a poetic water town that has unique criss-cross fields and nurtures the world-renowned Duotian Flower Sea. It is the cradle of Water Margin, the hometown of Zheng Banqiao, and a place where virtuous personage and talents gather and call home, it is Xinghua.
When you are in Xinghua, you will be attracted by the picturesque view of the small city. The city has a water network woven by rivers and lakes, and there is watery scenery everywhere. You will also be touched by the leisurely pace of life in the small city, the rustic atmosphere so soothing. If you only have one day, how should you arrange your trip in Xinghua?
Lizhong Water Forest
When in Xinghua, the first thing you need to do is to visit the Lizhong Water Forest to have a refreshing rendezvous. It is the largest artificial ecological forest in Jiangsu, with 100,000 Metasequoias and pond cypresses, which are criss-cross into a "forest maze". Here is also a paradise for wild animals like owls, wild ducks, egrets, black cuckoos and parakeets that call this place home.
As you walk on the plank road, watch the light and shadows cast through the gaps in the forest, or sit in a pavilion and listen to the birdsong echoing deep in the forest, joy fills your heart. When you arrive at the misty forest, you feel like you have suddenly entered the secret realm in "The Wizard of Oz". The white mist rises in the forest, floating overhead and up to the treetops, as beautiful as in fairy tale.
If you want to immerse yourself in this secret forest, you have to try the bamboo rafting along the waterway to truly experience the stunning scenery of "water in the forest, fish in the water, birds in the forest". Walking under a natural tree bridge and watching the blue sky, white clouds, green trees and flying birds in dance, the time becomes relaxing and leisurely. Finally, you can also go to the little theater in the forest to watch a Huai opera and listen to the singing that joins the chorus with nature.
1600-acre Lotus Pond
When the heart opens up like a lotus flower, the breeze will come naturally. As the lotuses bloom in the 1600-acre lotus pond in Xinghua, it is hard not to be shocked by its grandeur. The lotus leaves waving in the water, the light fragrance and the pond full of lotuses dancing in different poses make people want to get close to them. Climbing up the three-story viewing tower, you can have a panoramic view of the vast pond.
If you take a raft to enjoy the lotuses, you will have the feeling that "you can't see anyone in the pond, but you can hear the song and realize that someone is coming". With layers of lotus leaves around and cool breeze blowing, only when you are there can you truly appreciate the elegant enjoyment of the ancients.
Xinghua Bazi Bridge Cultural Tourism and Leisure Block
If you haven't visited the Bazi Bridge, you haven’t visited Xinghua yet. The Bazi Bridge is the most famous ancient bridge on the East Street of Xinghua, and it is also an important witness to the cultural charm in Xinghua. Nowadays, the Bazi Bridge Cultural Tourism and Leisure Block is home to Xinghua Museum, Liyuan Boat-shape Hall, Xinghua County Office, Four-Archway Building, Bazi Bridge Square, International Chess Museum, and other attractions, and is a lively night tour destination in Xinghua.
Strolling through the ancient markets and alleyways, it's like suddenly traveling back a hundred years to the era of poetry and literature. You can visit the Four-Archway Building with a history of more than 400 years and marvel at the prosperity of Xinghua's literature. You may start a journey to see the eye-catching traditional Han Chinese clothing and dresses, and relive the prosperous days of the ancient times. You may also listen to the song “Folk Stories of Banqiao" at the Liyuan Boat-shape Hall, feel the vigorous style of Mr. Zheng Banqiao and the cultural atmosphere nourished by this land of Xinghua. The large live-action performance "The Ballad on the Field" is held at the Bazi Bridge Square, where you can feel the spirit of "Many a little makes a mickle" from the people in the water town. Just watch the "Banqiao Opens Grain Depot" and "Fan Settles a Lawsuit" to experience the excitement of a series of Huai opera.
There are also theme bars, feature restaurants and Ming- and Qing-style tea houses in the block. The nightlife experience is enriched by various tastes and cuisines, which makes the time after nightfall relaxing and pleasant. The strong sensitivity of everyday life through the past and present brings you soothing comfort.
