A Two-Day Trip to Tongxiang Ancient Town, Zhejiang: A Heartwarming Double Ninth Festival Journey, Accompanying Seniors to Experience the Charm of History and Culture

A Two-Day Trip to Tongxiang Ancient Town, Zhejiang: A Heartwarming Double Ninth Festival Journey, Accompanying Seniors to Experience the Charm of History and Culture

The Double Ninth Festival is an important traditional holiday for the Chinese nation to respect and care for the elderly. On this special day, taking family, friends, especially elders, out of the bustling city to experience the blend of nature and culture has become a heartwarming choice for many families. This year, we chose Tongxiang Ancient Town in Zhejiang – a water town with a long history and rich cultural heritage – to embark on a two-day cultural journey for seniors. This trip involved forty seniors, led by an experienced tour guide, with a budget of 1500 yuan per person, aiming to allow the seniors to relive old memories and experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Day 1: Ancient Charm of a Water Town Through Time
In the early morning, everyone gathered at the meeting point, ready to depart with great anticipation. After about a two-hour comfortable bus ride, we arrived at Tongxiang Ancient Town. Our first stop was the famous Wuzhen East Scenic Zone. As one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan, Wuzhen is renowned for its elegant water town scenery and rich cultural heritage. Upon entering the town, the seniors strolled along the bluestone streets and alleys, admiring the antique residences on both banks, feeling the sedimentation of time.

Led by the tour guide, everyone visited the famous "Hundred Beds Museum" in Jiangnan and learned about traditional hand embroidery techniques. The seniors stopped to reminisce about the past. Afterwards, they experienced the unique water-dwelling life of the ancient town, taking Wupeng boats through the waterways, feeling the unique charm of a "land of rivers and lakes." Lunch was arranged at a characteristic farmhouse restaurant in the ancient town, where they tasted authentic Jiangnan dishes such as stewed soft-shelled turtle, white fish, and glutinous rice, which were delicious and heartwarming.

In the afternoon, a "Cultural Lecture for Seniors" was arranged, where local cultural experts shared historical stories and folk customs of Wuzhen. The seniors listened with great interest, exclaiming: "These ancient stories seem to transport us back to that era." After dinner, everyone enjoyed traditional Jiangnan opera and folk dances at the ancient town's folk performance, experiencing a rich cultural atmosphere.

Day 2: Integration of Nature and Culture
Early on the second day, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, everyone headed to another cultural landmark in Tongxiang – Wuzhen West Scenic Zone. This area is even more tranquil and elegant than the East Scenic Zone, embodying more of the poetic charm of a Jiangnan water town. The seniors walked along ancient bridges and through small alleys, admiring the antique buildings and feeling the peaceful beauty of time.

Next, a "Handicraft Experience" was arranged, allowing the seniors to learn how to make traditional Su embroidery or bamboo weaving crafts. Although their movements were a bit clumsy, their focus and persistence made everyone feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship and added to the fun of the trip.

At noon, a Jiangnan-style lunch was arranged at a characteristic restaurant in Wuzhen. After the meal, everyone took a leisurely stroll, took photos, and recorded these unforgettable memories.

In the afternoon, after the trip concluded, we took the bus back to the starting point. Although it was only a short two-day trip, the smiles on the seniors' faces and their abundant memories were the most precious rewards.

The Significance of This Trip
This Double Ninth Festival trip to Tongxiang Ancient Town was not just a simple sightseeing tour, but a spiritual purification. In the ancient charm of the water town, the seniors reminisced about past years and felt the care of family and society. The cultural heritage made them feel respected and warm, and also made the younger generation understand the importance of filial piety and companionship.

Budget and Arrangements
The budget of 1500 yuan per person covered transportation, admission fees, meals, accommodation, and some handicraft experiences, making it reasonable and fulfilling. The entire trip was accompanied by a professional tour guide to ensure the safety and comfort of the seniors.