The unassuming Shouxian ancient town is hidden away

Located beside Hefei, Anhui, the thousand-year-old Shouxian town can be reached by a forty-minute high-speed train ride. It belongs to Huainan City, nestled against Bagong Mountain and along the southern bank of the Huai River, and is one of the seven best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Driving into the inner ring road of the ancient city from Tongfeng Gate, we chose to stay at a homestay next to Binyang Gate. The slow-paced lifestyle at the foot of the ancient city wall is immediately apparent. It is said that the body of water outside Binyang Gate is the ancient battlefield of the Battle of Feishui; within the ancient city, management is quite strict, so remember to park your vehicle as required. Borrowing an electric bike from the homestay owner to tour the ancient city is the best way to do it; less than 300 meters from Binyang Gate is the thousand-year-old Bao'en Temple, featuring Chairman Mao's inspection quotes, pagoda foundation ruins, blurred inscriptions, and mottled Arhats, all of which highlight the extraordinary nature of the old temple. After leaving Bao'en Temple, continue forward to reach Jinghuai Gate. Cars can pass through two ancient city gates that form a 90-degree angle, almost as if you're traveling through time to a utopian land. Foodies must turn onto North Street, where Ding's wontons, Grandma's marinated dishes, and other foods represent the most authentic cuisine of the quaint town. At night, walking in the beautifully lit ancient city, you can find inner peace and quietly listen to the praises of the ancient city by many historical figures. In your leisure time, simply staying in the ancient city for a night or two, spending a weekend with the locals without the strong commercial atmosphere, is what many people seek in ancient town tourism. If you have a greater desire to learn about this land, you can also visit one of the best county museums outside the ancient city, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of Chu culture.