Spring Dreams
I've always felt that spring is the best season to "head south of the Yangtze River" or "visit ancient sites."
The wind is soft, the water is warm, and even the air is filled with a restless urge to set off.
This spring, I didn’t travel far but chose to head southeast for a rendezvous with Langya and Tai'erzhuang, staying at the Ronghua Grand Hotel, fully surrendering myself to delicious food and the spring breeze.
✨ Langya Ancient City: Every brick and tile exudes elegance
Walking into Langya Ancient City is like opening a long-sealed ancient book still fragrant with ink.
Spring sunlight filters through tender green branches, casting mottled shadows on the bluestone paths.
There’s no heavy commercial atmosphere here, only a calm scholarly spirit.
I strolled through the ancient city, admiring the silhouette of flying eaves and dougong brackets against the blue sky, listening to the wind whispering through the corridors. Wang Xizhi’s brushwork seems to have transformed into the spring breeze, stirring the heart. Climbing the city wall and gazing afar, the spring wind brushes my face, and at that moment, I truly felt the meaning of “spring comes, the river water turns green as blue,” except what lies before me is the thousand-year charm of Langya.
💧 Tai'erzhuang: Chasing a dream of a northern Jiangnan water town
If Langya is a quiet scholar, then Tai'erzhuang is a lively painter.
Passing through the city gate feels like stepping into Jiangnan. The canal water here dozes lazily, becoming gentle and warm.
During the day, Tai'erzhuang features small bridges and flowing water, willows swaying gently, and black-awning boats slowly gliding through the waterways, with boatwomen’s songs soft and melodious.
But what captivates me most is the night here.
When night falls and the lights come on, the entire ancient city is illuminated. Red lanterns and yellow lights reflect in the winding river, shimmering like a dream. Standing on the stone bridge, watching boats ripple a river of lantern reflections, all worries melt into this tender night. The smoke of war’s history has long since cleared, leaving behind a water town full of life and vibrant local charm.
🏮 Ronghua Grand Hotel: A “home away from home” on the journey
After a day in the spring breeze, my body is tired but my spirit is satisfied.
This time I chose to stay at Linyi Zhongwei Ronghua Grand Hotel, initially drawn by its location. But the moment I dragged my feet into the lobby, I knew I had made the right choice.
The “Ronghua” here is not ostentatious luxury but a warm, reassuring elegance.
Opening the door, warm yellow lights are already on, and the room is so quiet you can only hear your own breath. The bedding is as soft as clouds, instantly melting away all fatigue.
What touched me most was the gentle care that doesn’t disturb—welcome fruit already prepared on the table, spotless individually packaged toiletries in the bathroom, and the sincere “Are you having fun?” from the front desk lady.
In an unfamiliar city, having such a warm place to rest is truly wonderful.
🍜 Spring on the palate: A plate of stir-fried chicken, a bowl of nostalgia
Coming to Linyi, how could I neglect my stomach?
Following the enthusiastic recommendation of the hotel staff, I found the most authentic local eatery.
When the large plate of Linyi stir-fried chicken was served, the sauce was glossy and fragrant. The chicken was firm and chewy, the sauce rich and spicy, and dipped in that soft, glutinous pan cake, it was a feast for the taste buds.
The next morning, drinking a steaming bowl of Linyi san tang (thick soup) in the hotel restaurant awakened my entire soul. The rich broth made from beef bones, poured over eggs, sprinkled with cilantro and minced beef, paired with crispy baked crackers or fried dough sticks. One bite warmed me from tongue to stomach, then to heart. This is the taste of spring in Linyi—simple, passionate, and full of strength.
🌱 Written in the spring breeze
This trip was not about rushing to check off sights but about slowly feeling.
Finding a touch of spring color in the ancient city, waiting for a sunset by the canal, sleeping well in the hotel, and enjoying a good meal in the alleys and corners.
Spring is short, and precisely because it is short, it should be spent doing beautiful things.
If you also want to chase a dream this spring, why not come here for a walk?
In the elegance of Langya, in the lights of Tai'erzhuang, on the warm bed of Ronghua Grand Hotel, and in that steaming bowl of san tang.
This spring, please make sure it’s full of warmth and vitality.