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The other aspect I loved about Anhui is its ancient villages.
I visited Hongcun Village on my second day in Huangshan city, Anhui. The village, which is nestled just about an hour's drive from the town centre, stands untouched by time and unravaged by modernity.
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| Nanhu Lake at the entrance of Hongcun Village |
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| Nanhu Lake at the entrance of Hongcun Village |
I've always loved ancient Chinese architecture which unfortunately is getting increasingly difficult to find in bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
However, in Hongcun, much to my delight, I was able to not only admire ancient Chinese styled buildings, but I was also able to trace the footsteps of the people who lived and walked the very same road about five hundred years ago.
A strange sense of tranquility descended upon me as soon as I stepped inside the village's compound. There was something oddly calming and peaceful about the way the village is arranged around a lake, with big shady trees lining its banks.
Walking through the village, I couldn't help but imagine what life was like five hundred years ago. In my mind, I saw sellers hawking their ware on the village's street. I saw tea shops and small snack shops. As I walked the footpaths now worn away by time, I could hear the footsteps of yesterdays past echoing through the passageway. I wondered how much change this village has seen and what secrets this village has hidden behind its walls.
I was broken from my reverie when I found myself back at the village’s main gate. Beyond the gate I saw a fleet of coach busses awaiting its passengers. I was back in the 21st century.
But I now know whenever I want a piece of old China all I’ve to do is revisit Anhui.
By Michele Ong (Chinadaily.com.cn)
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