The Architectural Complex That Holds Up an Ancient Town: He Xia Zhuang Yuan Li

The ancient town of He Xia is a shining cultural landmark of Huai'an. I took an impromptu night visit, and at first, it felt average. A narrow stone street runs through it, with specialty shops and costume shops lining the street one after another. It seemed a bit boring in the dusk, until I reached the end of the road and turned the corner to Zhuang Yuan Li... The first time I saw the wood-carved gatehouse of the Wen Kui Building, I was shocked. The heaviness and grandeur presented by the large woodwork were vastly different from the narrow alleys I had just passed through. The authentic ancient architecture elevated the town by several levels. However, I soon realized that both the Huizhou-style courtyard "Wen Kui Building" and the Jiangxi-style official building "Jin Shi Di" were brought in from elsewhere. Nevertheless, He Xia has been a prosperous place for culture and talent since ancient times. The huge investment in relocating ancient houses, regardless of their origin, is a protection of tradition and a continuation of the emphasis on culture and education. This magnificent old building complex has taken on the backbone of the ancient town, crushing all the clichéd commercial forms. You may want to sit quietly in the hall for a while to feel the powerful aura of the 300-year-old house; stand under the octagonal patio and look up at the stars, and understand the convergence of the four waters and the symbiosis of heaven and earth... Not far from here, there is also the "Shen Kun Zhuang Yuan Mansion", which is a genuine local original building. Unfortunately, it was closed at night, leaving only the lights and shadows of the Zhuang Yuan Building's celebratory sculptures at the entrance of Zhuxia West Street becoming long... The most down-to-earth building in the ancient town is the "Wu Jutong Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum", which introduces the world-saving achievements and inheritance of the Shanyang School of Febrile Disease. Green bricks and brown tiles, flowers and trees, winding paths lead to secluded places. I like a couplet in the museum: Chrysanthemum, safflower, honeysuckle bloom in China, clove, fennel, and Guangmuxiang fragrance spread throughout China. p.s. 1. The ancient architectural complex of Zhuang Yuan Li is open until 9pm, which is very friendly to late-arriving tourists. The ticket price is 30, which is worth it for such a beautiful house with exquisite three-dimensional carvings. The furniture and furnishings are all open, allowing you to better integrate and experience it. 2. "Wen Lou" is famous for its crab roe soup dumplings, fried eggs and other dishes. Unexpectedly, there is a plaque with "Wu Lou" hanging opposite it. I wonder what the story is? 3. Nearby attractions also include Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence, Xiao Lake, Wensi Temple, Tianxing Temple, and Liang Hongyu Temple.