Ink-washed Jiangnan, Hongcun still holds a special place in people's hearts

When misty rain drenches the three streets and ninety-nine alleys, and you step into the ancient village with its Hui-style architecture of blue bricks, grey tiles, and horse-head walls, how can it not be Jiangnan? Traveling in southern Anhui, I encountered the renowned Hongcun, known as the 'village in Chinese paintings.' It features typical Hui-style architecture, with white walls and black tiles, and the high-rising horse-head walls. The lake ripples, the arch bridges are like rainbows, and the surrounding mountains reflect off the lake against the white walls and black tiles. The mountains, water, dwellings, and people naturally blend into one, resembling a slowly unfolding landscape painting. With ink and colors, poetic and picturesque, it is also a place brimming with the vitality of everyday life. Dining in Hui-style, dining in Hongcun, the stinky tofu, dried vegetable cakes, and other dishes all exude an enticing aroma, making me feel the essence of 'a word of spring is not late, and you arrive at the true Jiangnan' in the season of drizzling rain. No matter when you visit, the 'village in Chinese paintings' is always comfortable. The beauty of Hongcun is both ancient and serene.