Translated:
Retreat and Reflection Garden
Tongli Ancient Town is located in Suzhou, one of the four ancient towns in Suzhou, as well as a world cultural heritage site and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Although Tongli is small, the streets turn and the paths are secluded. During the National Day holiday, there were countless visitors, and crowds gathered everywhere, with shops lining both sides of the road offering dazzling arrays of goods. Crossing a stone bridge and passing through a gate, you will see one of the attractions, the Retreat and Reflection Garden. The name of the garden comes from the phrase "devote oneself to reflection and atonement." In autumn, the Retreat and Reflection Garden is particularly beautiful. As you enter the garden, the sweet fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, and you can see houses and furniture that still bear the aura of ancient times. In the backyard of the garden, there are several old and mysterious trees - osmanthus, magnolia, and camphor.
In the backyard, there is a huge pond filled with plump and lively fish that seem like little elves, happily gobbling up the delicious food given to them by visitors. Once you leave the garden, you are greeted by a beautiful sight, the "town surrounded by water, water surrounding the town." Sitting on a human-powered rowboat, it feels like you're on a swing, with trees on both banks absorbing nutrients from the water. Even though it's autumn, the leaves are still tender and lush, and the trees gently extend their soft branches, supporting a green umbrella over the water. The golden sunshine quietly passes through this giant umbrella, sprinkling onto the water's surface, and reflecting under the bridge like a group of golden-dressed dancers. The beauty of autumn is stunning, but the autumn scenery of Tongli Ancient Town is even more breathtaking. |