Hangzhou's Little Kamogawa River! A Secret Utopia for Hardworking Folks

This is my umpteenth time visiting Pingyao Old Street, and every single time, I'm blown away by the Japanese drama vibes of the Tiaoxi River in front of the old town! As a "spiritual sanctuary" for Hangzhou's hardworking folks escaping the weekend rat race, the turquoise shimmer of the Tiaoxi River, the nostalgic stone-paved roads of the old streets, and the healing power of nature's handmade creations form a hidden, therapeutic utopia. 📍First Impression: Tiaoxi River - Hangzhou's "Kamogawa River" Recreate scenes from your favorite Japanese dramas: the Tiaoxi River walking path shrouded in morning mist, cycling along the riverbank, picnicking on the steps of the embankment, and reeds swaying in the breeze. It's like stepping into a Japanese drama. 📍Second Impression: Pingyao Old Street - Back to the 90s Relive childhood memories: coffee shops converted from supply and marketing cooperatives, old movie theater film posters, and an exhibition hall showcasing the evolution of audio-visual equipment from black-and-white film to modern times. The three-story exhibition hall houses collections of old record players, film projectors, and more. 📍Third Impression: Nature's Creations - A Handmade Utopia A century-old primary school transformed into a cultural and creative space: It brings together more than 2,000 traditional handicrafts from all over the country, such as bamboo-woven lanterns, oil-paper umbrellas, and cloth dolls. This time, I discovered that their second store has also opened in the visitor center. The aesthetics are still on point, and the cultural and creative products continue to maintain their unique style, transforming "local specialties" into "trendy culture." Subway access: Line 2 Liangzhu Station → 15-minute taxi ride