Beginning of Winter in Yanguan: Hidden Imperial Stories in the Sound of Tides, Seeking Winter Peace in the Ancient City

As the boundary between autumn and winter quietly passes, all things shed the brilliance of autumn and enter the tranquil chapter of "autumn harvest and winter storage." At this time, Yanguan Ancient City unfolds a winter scene filled with historical warmth and natural grandeur, orchestrated by the sound of tides in the cold, inviting you to set aside your worries and embark on this millennia-spanning encounter. This place, stamped by history as an "Emperor's Favorite," holds an inseparable bond with three Qing Dynasty emperors. The ties between Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Yanguan are not only recorded in official history but also leave marks in the martial arts legend "The Book and the Sword" and the screen story "My Fair Princess," making it the "top ancient city" in Qing historical narratives. Qianlong visited Jiangnan six times and Yanguan four times. This journey was not only about governance—Jiangnan was a key financial region for the Qing court, and Yanguan, as a crucial node in the sea dike project, was vital for local safety. His straightforward expression in poetry, "Why go to Haining? To observe the shape of the dike," reveals his concern for people's livelihood. Even when awakened by the tide's sound, he could not hide his worry, "The sea feast thoughts linger." There was also his devout faith; every visit included incense offerings at the Sea God Temple built by Emperor Yongzheng, honoring his predecessors and praying for peace in the Zhejiang sea. Moreover, he was captivated by natural wonders: "Riding eastward to Yanguan, a silver line is seen on the horizon." This "prolific emperor," who wrote 40,000 poems in his lifetime, immortalized the grandeur of Yanguan’s tidal bore in verse, making this magnificence the ancient city's enduring emblem. During the Beginning of Winter, Yanguan is quieter and more serene. The millennium-old city walls retain the warmth of history, the window lattices of the Chen Elder’s residence filter the cool breeze, and the tide sounds by the sea dike remain powerful, yet feel even more profound in the winter haze. Follow the emperors’ footsteps to watch the tidal bore surge through the cold, listen to the ancient city’s alleys recount past years, and feel the sincere prayers of past and present amid the incense smoke of the Sea God Temple. When tired, find a teahouse to brew a pot of hot tea, letting warmth dispel the chill, allowing the tide’s sound and time to accompany you. In the winter tranquility of the "City of Tides," complete your own "rest and recuperation." This Beginning of Winter, don’t miss the good times. Come to Yanguan for a date with the tide and the city, and collect a whole winter of peace and grandeur amid imperial stories and natural wonders.