Afternoon in Fengjing: The Slow Time of the Water Town

Fengjing Ancient Town is located in Jinshan District, southwest of Shanghai. It is a historic water town with a rich cultural heritage and the charm of Jiangnan water towns. Starting from downtown Shanghai, take the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, exit at Fengjing, and follow the signs to reach the ancient town. The afternoon sunlight slants down, casting shadows of white walls and black tiles on the ancient town’s bluestone streets. Walking through the paifang into the alleys, the misty water blends with the fresh scent of wooden buildings, drifting over your shoulders. Turning a corner, the three bridges of Fengjing suddenly come into view. Qingfeng, Zhuxing, and Beifeng Bridges stand side by side, reflected in the shimmering river, with ripples spreading scattered light. A black-awning boat rows through the bridge arch. Leaning on the weathered bridge railing and looking afar, red lanterns on both banks sway gently in the breeze, warming the water town scenery. Strolling slowly along the ancient corridor, the canopy shields the fierce afternoon sun, leaving only scattered spots of light. Under the corridor, elderly people sit around sipping tea and chatting casually, while the aroma of tea mixes with the savory smell of marinated pork trotters from a nearby Ding Tui workshop. Buy a warm piece of Ding Tui and pair it with a soft, glutinous Zhuangyuan cake; the fresh flavors on your tongue carry the everyday life and warmth of the ancient town. As the sun sets in the west, the light gilds the ancient town with golden edges. Walking out of the alleys in the afterglow, the sound of oars fades away. This half-day of leisure has already been tucked away into memory by the evening breeze.