Feng Xiaogang's Lens on a Hidden Realm: How Shentankou Created a Screen Classic

❤When the gray-tiled buildings of Shentankou are shrouded in morning mist, Feng Xiaogang's camera is focusing. ❤In the folds of this Jiangsu watertown lies the texture of time. Rain-soaked stone steps reveal ink-like stains of varying depths, moss weaves dark green codes between stone cracks, and century-old reflections shimmer in the ripples created by old boatmen's poles. Feng Xiaogang's camera moves like a swimming fish through covered bridges and waterways, capturing the flowing trajectories of light and shadow among the ancient buildings. ❤He deliberately preserved the tilted Chinese tallow tree at the village entrance, letting its shadow diagonally slice across white walls; used long shots to follow the flickering oil lamp halos behind wooden lattice windows; transformed hanging blue-printed fabrics into flowing curtains. When the lens glides across the water surface, the sky and clouds fragmented by boat oars resemble abstract ink paintings splashed across the silver screen. ❤This secret realm forgotten by time is revived as poetry on 35mm film. Shentankou's breathing rhythm is distilled into visual cadence, the whispers of moss and flowing water transformed into screen vibrations. Feng Xiaogang proves with his lens: what truly moves the heart isn't spectacle, but the eternal poetry hidden within ordinary folds. Travel Guide: 📍 Shentankou Scenic Area Overview Location: Northwestern part of Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park (accessible via electric cart or boat after entering through the Zhoujiazun entrance at 518 Tianmu Mountain Road). Highlights: Famous filming location for classic scenes in "If You Are the One" where Shu Qi and Alex Fong boated and made wishes at the ancient tree. Known as the soul of Xixi, featuring thousand-year-old camphor trees, dragon boats, and watertown residences. 🚗 Transportation Guide From Hangzhou city center: Public transit: Take bus routes 277 or 508 to "Xixi Wetland Zhoujiazun Station"; or take Metro Line 3 to "Xixi Wetland South" station, exit from Exit A and walk to Zhoujiazun entrance. Driving: Navigate to "Xixi Wetland Zhoujiazun Parking Lot," parking fee 5-10 yuan/hour, arrive early during peak seasons. Transportation within the scenic area: Electric cart: Zhoujiazun → Shentankou, 10 yuan/person one-way. Rowing boat: Rent from Zhoujiazun dock (2-6 people), 100 yuan/hour, immersive watertown experience passing attractions like Qiuxue Temple. 🎬 Must-Visit Spots and Experiences "If You Are the One" film locations: Century-old camphor tree: The stone path Shu Qi walked on and the wishing tree, covered with red ribbons for blessings, perfect for photos. Boat house dock: Recreated mooring point from the film, boat rentals available for vintage photoshoots. Shentankou's three treasures: Dragon boat festival: Annual dragon boat races held during Dragon Boat Festival, boats on display year-round. Ancient stage: Yue Opera and Pingtan performances during holidays, experience Jiangsu culture. Jiangcun Market: Replica ancient building complex, purchase bamboo crafts, blue-printed fabrics, and other intangible cultural heritage souvenirs. Nearby attractions: Hezhu Street (10-minute walk): Free access area, check out the "Xixi Stay Awhile" white wall, experience Xixi rice wine and maltose making. Gaozhuang (15 minutes by electric cart): Qing Dynasty garden, ideal for Hanfu costume photography. 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours Admission: 80 yuan/person (includes Shentankou and other paid areas), discounts available when purchasing in advance online. Opening hours: 7:30-18:30 (April-October); 8:00-17:30 (November-March). Free entry tip: Hangzhou Park Card holders can enter some areas for free, but need to pay a 20 yuan supplement for Shentankou. 📸 Photography and Experience Tips Best photo spots: Stone bridge under the ancient camphor tree, rowing boat passing through reed marshes, tower-top view from Hezhu Street. Recommended seasons: Spring (March-April): Peach and pear blossoms in full bloom, ideal for traditional-style photos. Autumn (October-November): Persimmon Festival and reed catkins, perfect cinematic atmosphere. Activities: Cormorant fishing demonstrations (daily at 10:00/14:00), make Xixi small flower baskets (Hezhu Street workshop). 🍜 Food Recommendations Local specialties: Xixi Yanshui Fishing Village Restaurant: Steamed white fish, dried bamboo shoots with old duck stew, around 80 yuan per person. Hezhu Street snacks: Dingsheng cake, Gordon Euryale cake, lotus root with sticky rice, 10-20 yuan per serving. Rula Town (Xixi branch): Creative Hangzhou cuisine, glass house environment, around 120 yuan per person. 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Luxury retreats: Banyan Tree Hangzhou: Villas with private pools, from about 3,000 yuan/night. Ten Miles of Fragrance Theme Resort Village: Hidden wetland retreat, from about 1,500 yuan/night. Value options: Xixi Hideaway Inn: Waterfront guesthouse with night wetland tours, from about 500 yuan/night. Nearby chain hotels: Such as JI Hotel (Xixi Wetland branch), from about 300 yuan/night. ⚠ Important Notes Mosquito and sun protection: Wetlands have many mosquitoes, wear long pants and bring repellent; bring sun hats in summer. Eco-friendly visit: No picking plants or feeding wildlife, please take your trash with you. Avoid peak times: Weekends and national holidays are crowded, best to visit on weekdays or arrive before 9am. 📅 Suggested Itineraries One-day tour: Morning: Zhoujiazun entrance → take rowing boat to Shentankou → visit film locations → lunch at Hezhu Street. Afternoon: Walk to Gaozhuang → return to Zhoujiazun, visit Wetland Museum (free). Two-day tour: Day 1: Shentankou + Hezhu Street + Yanshui Fishing Village, overnight stay at wetland hotel. Day 2: Hongyuan Scenic Area (horseback riding, fruit picking) + East Gate Lotus Pond (lotus viewing in summer).