Jiakedi: A Nostalgic Dream of Xizhou

The morning dew moistens the cobblestone paths, while an old stone mill rests quietly in the depths of the courtyard. Among the scattered bamboo pipes, it feels as if the murmurs of a century-old spring are softly carried by the breeze. Sunlight, like shattered gold, filters through the carved wooden lattice windows. Wild chrysanthemums dangle from the ancient eaves, accentuating the timeless elegance of the roof tiles under the blue sky. Behind the weathered wooden window frames lies the smooth texture shaped by the passage of time. Open the window, and a courtyard brimming with greenery greets you—beneath the shade of an old tree, the gentlest mornings and evenings of Xizhou are hidden. A breeze sweeps through the mortise-and-tenon beams, carrying the stories of the old house into every corner. The rammed earth walls, still bearing the mottled marks of time, come alive under the skylight. On the desk, paper, pens, and handmade fabrics coexist, blending ancient charm with the warmth of daily life. When dusk falls over the black-tiled roofs and the lights of Jiakedi illuminate the night, you’ll understand: this is not just an inn, but a place where the soul of Xizhou is carefully preserved within a courtyard, waiting for those who truly appreciate it to relive a moment of bygone times. Would you like to brew a pot of tea in such a courtyard, waiting for the breeze to pass through the wooden windows, as the stories of the ancient town are shared with you?