"Life is always busy, leaving little time for reflection. Before we knew it, three or four days had passed since we left the small village of Songzhuang.
We arrived on Saturday noon on the Yinyuan line bus from Songyang Bus Station in Sandu Township. The journey was bumpy, but along the way we saw many green tea plantations, bamboo groves, and paulownia trees—scenery rarely seen in Lingnan, seemingly ubiquitous in southwestern Zhejiang. The autumn sun shone on the mountain road, and the persimmon trees on both sides were laden with fruit. Vitality isn't exclusive to spring; Songzhuang's autumn is also exceptionally full of the power of growth. Besides the emotional impact of the drama festival deep in the mountains, the most exciting part of our two-day journey from Shenzhen to Songzhuang was this guesthouse.
Firstly, Songzhuang only has guesthouses. Secondly, only about three guesthouses are available for booking on the platform. If, like us, you're not fixated on hotel-style service, don't crave trendy photo spots, and don't have a particularly authentic atmosphere, then this is undoubtedly the best choice. The price is the lowest among the options, so a one- or two-day trip won't break the bank; the location is the best, right next to the stone bridge. Even the lowest-class room (only the room without a bathroom was available when we booked) at this place guarantees basic sleep, washing facilities, and meals. Entering through the entrance, passing a small shop and a cooking area, you reach a large hall typical of rural houses, but with a skylight letting in some natural light. Our room was located in this space. There's a lot of wood used here, giving it a faint tung oil smell; the bed is a bit firm, which is good for your back; the blankets are very soft and warm, making it easy to fall asleep. If I had to point out a drawback, it would be having to use the external bathroom for washing and the slightly poor soundproofing, but personally, I didn't seem to notice. After watching a show and taking a shower, I fell into a deep sleep.
However, I think what most people who have stayed here will remember most fondly is the landlady's hospitality. When we arrived, they handed us snacks and fruit platters, showed us around the village, and introduced us to various things. The next morning, they helped us find photo spots, took pictures for us, and prepared breakfast for us. Even when we rushed to catch the bus without saying goodbye, the landlady specially pulled us back and gave me some local specialties—I really didn't know how to refuse! I'm not good with words; as people in Shanghai say, ”Talking about feelings hurts money, talking about money hurts both feelings and money,” so I said nothing and silently accepted. When we left, the sun was shining brightly, and we walked up the stone-paved street. We saw the landlady being interviewed by a TV station below (she was wearing a microphone, I think), her face beaming with smiles, which truly made us feel the vitality of life.
The landlady was also very kind, telling me about the local yew tree, gentle and quiet, a perfect match with the landlady. The elderly and children were also full of life; it truly felt like home. Staying here, I felt a sense of joy and vitality, as if all the energy in the energy field was converging on me.
If I have the time, I think I'll come back.
I'll stay another night here, feel the breeze at the village entrance, listen to the water under the stone bridge, and experience the night in this small mountain village in southwestern Zhejiang."