Anno
2024
2 letters
Fri, February 23
Travel Notes

Yangzhou

The author recounts a trip to Yangzhou, visiting the China Grand Canal Museum, Pishi Street and Dongguan Street. Visiting He Garden in the off-season was a great experience. Wenchang Pavilion and Siwang Pavilion turned out to be little more than roadside pavilions, and rain at Daming Temple led to the cancellation of a trip to Slender West Lake. A traditional Yangzhou back scrub was a novel experience, though it fell short of expectations; as they were leaving, heavy snow began to fall. Yangzhou cuisine is generally light. The lion’s head meatballs were rather expensive, while the fried rice was worth trying. Dongguan Street’s Cu Cha Dan Fan offered good value, and its stinky tofu was a standout. Yangzhou is an affordable destination with plenty to see, and on a fine day, simply strolling around and sitting back to relax is a pleasure. The author hopes to return in March proper.

Letter №117Read full note →
Tue, January 2
Travel Notes

Wuzhen

During the New Year holiday, Wuzhen was pleasantly busy—not crowded, but far from deserted—giving it an atmosphere distinct from the usual Jiangnan scenery. The author stayed outside the scenic area and tried the guesthouses’ home-style cooking and local specialties. Xizha showcases the classic water-town views, while the old streets around Dongzha, though commercialized, feel more rooted in local culture. Two days and one night are enough to explore at a leisurely pace, stroll around, and get a sense of local life. It’s a more relaxed experience than a rushed day trip, and Wuzhen is well worth visiting.

Letter №107Read full note →
Anno
2023
8 letters
Thu, August 17
Travel Notes

Yantai & Weihai

In Yantai, the sea breeze tasted of salt, and the coastal roads were spotless.

Letter №118Read full note →
Fri, August 4
Travel Notes

Kaifeng & Zhengzhou

The text describes a travel experience in China, starting from Luoyang and heading west to Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. The author visits Songshan Shaolin Temple, noting the unattractive scaffolding and the basic vegetarian buffet. They find the paid monk performance underwhelming. In Kaifeng, they visit Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, which offers engaging performances and is considered the city's main attraction despite the high entry fee. In Zhengzhou, the author visits Erqi Square and the Great Corn Tower, commenting on the lack of attractions. The text concludes with a mention of planning to explore "Only Henan" in a future visit.

Letter №103Read full note →
Wed, August 2
Travel Notes

Laojun Mountain

The author describes their recent experience hiking Mount Lao Jun, which was surprisingly enjoyable despite initial reluctance. They initially considered a night hike, but due to weather conditions, opted for a daytime climb. Using a bamboo stick as a walking aid made the hike less tiring. They took a cable car for the first part of the ascent, which saved time and energy. The mountain's high altitude provided cooler temperatures, making the climb more pleasant. After about two hours, they reached the summit, known as Jin Ding, which was crowded and enveloped in mystical fog. The author also mentions the affordability and quality of local accommodations and food, praising the area as a great place to visit. Overall, the experience was unexpectedly delightful and satisfying.

Letter №105Read full note →
Tue, August 1
Travel Notes

Two Days in Luoyang

Many of Luoyang’s attractions are close to metro lines, making it easy to get around, and peony motifs can be found throughout the city. Visiting the Yingtian Gate Site Museum, Luoyi Ancient City, White Horse Temple, the Ancient Tombs Museum and the Longmen Grottoes offered a rich sense of history and distinctive scenery. Luoyi Ancient City is free to enter and especially beautiful at night, while White Horse Temple features architectural styles from India, Myanmar and beyond. I skipped Mingtang Paradise because of its ticket price and reviews. The trip was rushed, so I only briefly explored most of the sights. A guided tour would have made the Ancient Tombs Museum particularly rewarding. I hope to return one day and learn more about Luoyang’s culture.

Letter №110Read full note →
Sat, July 29
Travel Notes

Changsha

In Changsha, the trip included Wuyi Square, Du Fu Pavilion, Aiwan Pavilion on Yuelu Mountain, and Orange Isle. Wuyi Square was lively at night, though by 3 a.m. most shops were closed and the streets were quiet. Du Fu Pavilion was great for photos once lit up, while Orange Isle was best admired from across the river. The food made mixed impressions: Cha Yan Yue Se was good but not worth a special trip; Hunan-style crayfish fell short of the Sichuan and Chongqing versions, while stir-fried pork with chili peppers stood out. The Hunan dishes at Laoxujia Fish Market were light and fresh, showing another side of Hunan cuisine. The pickled cabbage and pork intestines were unremarkable.

Letter №114Read full note →
Tue, July 18
Time-lapse Photography

Timelapse · Dark Clouds Bear Down on the City, Threatening to Crush It

The phrase "黑云压城城欲摧" describes an ominous and threatening atmosphere, suggesting an impending disaster or collapse. The included iframe appears to be a link to a Bilibili video related to this theme.

Letter №116Read full note →
Sun, July 16
Travel Notes

One Day in Suzhou

Setting out from Shanghai, the author takes a packed day trip to Suzhou. An early-morning stroll along Pingjiang Road captures the charm of Jiangnan’s waterways, but the visit to Lion Grove Garden disappoints: without much background knowledge, its narrow paths and crowds make it hard to enjoy. Despite encountering ticket scalpers, an hour listening to Suzhou Pingtan at Pipa Yu proves relaxing. Hanshan Temple is a calm, moving stop, while an evening visit to Qili Shantang feels uncomfortable amid the crowds and commercialization. The plum blossom cake is delicious, and Suzhou cuisine is full of layered flavors, though it is too sweet for the author’s taste.

Letter №111Read full note →
Tue, July 11
Time-lapse Photography

Time-lapse · Burning Clouds

During their undergraduate years in Chengdu, the author rarely saw fiery sunset clouds. This piece recounts their first experience with time-lapse photography.

Letter №112Read full note →