Live Your Best Lives
Have you noticed that young people who used to walk the city streets and alleys have now fallen in love with going to nearby small towns for fun during holidays!
A small city means everything is just right. It's neither too big nor too small, allowing you to walk from one end of the city to the other without any strain. There are no pre-prepared meals; just walk into any shop and the owner's stir-fry will create a delicious, authentic dish. People are closely connected, overflowing with human warmth, with no sense of isolated islands.
"Once you've seen the ocean, you'll never be impressed by the puddles. I really despise salted duck eggs from other places."
This time, Xiaoxia took the high-speed rail to a treasure town! Gaoyou, a county-level city under the administration of Yangzhou, the world's food capital, what other treasures are hidden besides duck eggs?
Two days in this friendly little town with free shipping is enough for you to eat and have fun.
đ Take the Shanghai High-Speed ââTrain for a direct 2-hour journey. Binge watch some dramas on the train, catch up on some sleep you missed during the workday, and youâll be at your destination in no time!
[P.S. We recommend Gaoyou Station! Gaoyou North Station is quite far from the city, about 30 kilometers away, and a taxi will cost 60 yuan!]
Wandering around the old town of Gaoyou, the scenery is not stunning, but the breath of history and the smell of everyday life hit you in the face. Time seems to have stopped in the 1990s, and the whole pace of life has slowed down.
With a civilization history of more than 7,000 years and a city history of more than 2,000 years, this small city built on the water was born and prospered because of postal services. It is also the only county in the country named after "Post".
Gaoyou's postal history can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. After Qin King Ying Zheng conquered Chu, he built a high platform and a post station here. Whether it was victory reports from the southern coast or government orders from the northern imperial city, they were all transferred in Gaoyou. There are many historical heritage sites here -
The Yucheng Posthouse, located outside the south gate of Gaoyou City, embodies the city's functions. The nickname "Yucheng" comes from Qin Guan's poem "My hometown is like an inverted bowl."
Known as the "living fossil of China's postal system," this oldest and most complete post station in my country was first built in 1375, the eighth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Over the centuries, the station has witnessed the comings and goings of people, bearing witness to the city's transformation.
Climbing up to the Drum Tower, the highest point of the post station, you can overlook the old city of Gaoyou and the canal next to it. The view is very broad.
Also located here is the Zhenguo Temple, which is not far away, and symbolizes "good weather, peace and prosperity for the country and the people."
In the Zhenguo Temple, located in the center of the canal, stands an ancient pagoda with a history of more than 1,100 years. It is one of the few remaining square pagodas from the Tang Dynasty in my country, and is therefore also known as the "Big Wild Goose Pagoda of the South."
When you are traveling on the Grand Canal, you will know that you have arrived in Gaoyou when you see the Zhenguo Temple Pagoda. It not only guards the peace of the area, but also makes the travelers passing by feel at ease.
"Visitors flock to both sides of the Grand Canal, and goods flow north and south." Nanmen Street, just outside Yucheng Posthouse, borders the Grand Canal embankment and is the most complete ancient street in Gaoyou that retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built in the Song Dynasty and flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was historically a distribution center for Gaoyou's grain and salt trade, and the confluence of the Lixiahe River and the Grand Canal.
"In ancient times, there was Qin Shaoyou; today, there is Wang Zengqi."
Qin Guan, the great poet who wrote "If love is long-lasting, why should we be together day and night?", spent his youth and middle age here, and the ancient monument most closely associated with him is the Guwen Youtai.
In 1084, Hanlin scholar Su Shi passed through Gaoyou and met with Qin Guan, Sun Jue, and Wang Gong. They wrote poems and essays. This gathering of four sages also attracted countless scholars and literati to come and pay homage to them, leaving behind many poems and essays. (Ancient people chasing starsâ )
In addition to carrying a literary legend, this place is more like a Jiangnan garden, with pavilions, waterside terraces, lush vegetation, and is pleasing to the eye.
Of course, nestled in the heart of the Jianghuai region, Gaoyou is not only a land-based post station but also a crucial hub on the Grand Canal. After touring the pavilions and towers steeped in rich history, we also explored Gaoyou's more "gentle" side.
Water not only nourishes the people, but also integrates into the urban fabric and shapes the character of local people.
Even Wang Zengqi said, "My hometown is a water town. I grew up by the water. All I see and hear is water. It has influenced my personality and the style of my works."
After visiting Zhenguo Temple, head to Xidi to watch the sunset over Gaoyou Lake. This is China's sixth-largest freshwater lake, "controlling the Lower Yangtze River and channeling the Yangtze River, and encompassing eastern Anhui and northern Jiangsu." It not only connects the upper and lower water systems but also offers a uniquely romantic atmosphere. (You can also go crabbing in autumn!)
Some people say they fell in love with this city because of a sunset by the lake. If the weather is fine and there is a gentle breeze, you can see a sea of ââoranges and a sunset with the smell of salted egg yolk.
âTips: The best place to watch the sunset is the Second Canal Bridge, but remember not to take a taxi across the bridge, it is very congested đ
Now that we've covered the attractions and city landmarks, it's time to finally get to the heart of the action! Let's eat!
Yangzhou morning tea is already renowned, and its Gaoyou branch is certainly worth recommending. Xiaoxia arrived early, lining up at the entrance of Chunlai Teahouse at 7:30. Besides the local must-tryâyangchun noodlesâthey also offer a variety of juicy, sweet buns and dumplings.
There is no pre-made food here, each one is made after the order is placed, so the waiting time will be longer.
While waiting for the steaming hot main course to arrive, I discovered that the sisters who shared the table with me were from Yangzhou and Nanjing. "I've been thinking about this!"
I was curious about Shui Shang Piao when I was making the guide, and finally I got to eat it!
This time I checked in at the Shui Shang Piao restaurant at Chen Xiaowu Snack Bar. A small portion of Shui Shang Piao wontons was 7 yuan, and Yangchun noodles were 4 yuan. The prices were very affordable.
The name comes from the fact that the enamel bowl containing the wontons would float on the noodle soup pot where the wontons were cooked. The high temperature can bring out the aroma of soy sauce, pepper and lard. (We outsiders just want to try it for a novelty đ)
Breakfast in Gaoyou is incredibly carb-heavy! Similar in flavor to Yangchun noodles and Shuishangpiao, there's also Jiaomian (dumpling noodles). As the name suggests, you get two main dishes in one bowl! The seasoning formulas for food here are surprisingly consistent!
With a history of over 300 years, cattail wrapped meat also appeared in Mr. Wang's novel. The minced meat wrapped in cattail grass is firm and chewy. Some people say it is luncheon meat suitable for Chinese babies.
Don't rush into hot tofu! Made with tofu, pig's blood, dried shrimp, and sesame oil, the tangy broth is incredibly delicious and goes really well with rice. It's a familiar flavor and a must-try at many restaurants.
This time we went to the Good Neighbor Restaurant, which is said to be a restaurant that Gaoyou children have been eating at since they were young. I think it should be similar to the New White Deer Restaurant in Hangzhou. We also had long fish (yellow eel) here. You need to wait for a table at mealtime, so you can go early.
During my walk, I also saw rice cakes, which was a surprise. The sweet and sour rice cakes with glutinous rice balls were sandwiched with oily glutinous rice balls. They were sweet and sticky, and super delicious!
When talking about Gaoyou, this name will pop up in many people's minds, so I would also like to recommend Gaoyou's last destination to everyone - the Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall.
This is a memorial hall with few "rules". You can buy Yangda yogurt for 4 yuan a cup in the cultural and creative area, and tour the three-story space with a straw in your mouth. On the day I went there, there were even people taking wedding photos. Just like the feeling that the city gave me, it is a bustling world.
On the third floor of the memorial hall, there are golden quotes from Mr. Wangâs works. This one is the most attractive: "The world outside is wonderful, but my world is ordinary."
I spent two days in Gaoyou enjoying a slow pace of life, listening to unfamiliar local accents, watching the bustling streets, and savoring local flavors. These small, everyday moments support a simple happiness, ordinary yet soothing. Unlike the fast-paced city life, these frozen moments of bygone days seem even more leisurely.
[P.S. The Didi driver said that Gaoyou was overcrowded during the May Day holiday, exceeding the city's capacity! I chose a regular weekend, as it was less crowded and more convenient for sightseeing. You can also avoid peak travel times!]
Just as he described, "I was deeply moved by these shops and these craftsmen, and they made me smell a kind of hard-working, honest, sweet and slightly bitter breath of life." This is also the taste of this city.
I like Mr. Wang because I see the passion for life beyond his busy work in his writings, which are full of life. There is nothing that can't be solved with a meal. "Life is more fun when there are fewer worries."
After this trip to Gaoyou, I found that, just as our teacher Teresa Teng sang: If you come to this small town, you will gain a lot.
As more and more people see the small town and walk into it, its treasures can no longer be hidden!
Xiaoxia often sees everyone's messages in the backgroundââ
â Want more options for tours around the treasures?
â Want to experience the life of local people more deeply and feel the core of the small town.
â¨Weâve heard your calls, and weâve teamed up with product managers from various sites to actively search for those âhidden gem towns that wonât disappointâ for tourists!
We shine a spotlight on small towns outside popular tourist destinations, illuminating their desirable appearances.
It could be the "healing type for going to the classroom", the "burping and delicious food type", the "humanities and knowledge-enhancing type", or even all three!
For exampleđđť
â¨Relaxation/fireworks/slow life
đđťăTreasure Town¡Chunshenjian, Wuxiă
đIt's the peak season for Wuxi's Chunshenjian again. After the plum rain season arrives and heavy downpours, the mountain stream cascades down through the forest, splashing and surging. Enjoy the fresh air in the mountains and the exquisite Jichang Garden in Huishan Ancient Town, surrounded by lush greenery. Spend a relaxing weekend there.
â¨Hometown flavor/Indigenous certification/Leaning against the wall
đđťăTreasure Town¡Explore the Flavors of Digangă
đYusang Fish Head Noodles, One Yuan Teahouse, Specialty Snack Shops | Savor the flavors of Digang and explore a century-old Qing Dynasty teahouse | [Sangji Fishpond] from geography textbooks, [Jiangnan Town] described by Shu Yi
â¨Intangible cultural heritage/handmade craftsmanship/through the millennium
đđťăTreasure Town¡Lantiană
đExplore the filming locations of "Black Myth: Wukong" and become the protagonist as you journey through magical landscapes; in one day, you will see geological wonders, national treasures, and real mythical scenes, and unlock this underrated treasure trove of time and space near Xi'an.
đââď¸I'd like to invite you, the lover of life and travel, to step into these hidden gems and experience the relaxation and comfort that big cities don't have. More routes are waiting to be discovered, and tourists are also welcome to share and recommend them, so that these underrated gems can shine!
