So far, my favorite small town has appeared

With nothing to do on the weekend, I simply got in the car and wandered aimlessly into southern Anhui. Without any prior planning, I stumbled upon a series of hidden gems—from the ethereal ferry crossing to the winding mountain roads and the ancient bridges nestled in villages, each spot was a delightful surprise. Xijin Wild Ferry Located at the Ningguo entrance section of the Southern Anhui "Tibetan Line," about 10 kilometers from downtown Ningguo. The bamboo rafting here is a must-try—a 5-kilometer, 60-minute journey that feels like gliding through a landscape painting. When the water is misty at dawn, it’s like a fairyland. Southern Anhui "Tibetan Line" Also known as the "Jiangnan Sky Road" or "Southern Anhui 318," its most scenic stretch spans about 120 kilometers. The route is thrillingly winding, passing through the largest reservoir in southeastern Anhui—Gangkouwan Reservoir—and the largest primitive forest in the region, the Banqiao Nature Reserve. Lianfu Bridge in Hule Village Located in Hule Village, Hule Town, Ningguo City, it was first built in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign (Qing Dynasty). This five-arch bluestone bridge stretches 83.1 meters long and 6.6 meters wide, with a bridge pavilion once standing at its center. Qingtan Bridge in Hu Village Situated at the entrance of Hu Village, Fuli Town, Jixi County, it was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and renovated in the 16th year of the Republic of China. This single-arch stone bridge is 19.4 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 8.2 meters high. The words "Qingtan Bridge" are carved on the central stone arch on the west side. The entire bridge is built with stacked stones and remains well-preserved. Deyue Bridge in Zhuxi Village Spanning the Huayuan River, Deyue Bridge connects the ancestral hall on one end and the three memorial archways at the village entrance on the other, quietly nestled along the ancient Jixi trails. The bridge’s vertical alignment—leading directly to the ancestral hall above and the archways below—symbolizes the ceremonial order of the family. If Qingtan Bridge is a barrier locking in feng shui, and Gaoyang Bridge is a path to the gardens, then Deyue Bridge is the gateway upholding ritual traditions. Food Recommendations: Southern Anhui’s cuisine is not to be missed. Ningguo Baba, with its crispy crust and rich fillings, comes in various flavors; Jixi Taguo, thin and crispy with diverse fillings, is a local specialty snack. Also, don’t forget the unique flavors of Southern Anhui’s stinky mandarin fish and "Hu Shi First-Class Pot." Be sure to try them!