The style of the ancient town – Jiezi Ancient Town

There are many ancient towns, large and small, scattered in the beautiful land of Western Sichuan. They are like bright pearls embedded in the green mountains and green waters. During this trip, we originally planned to visit the nearby Shuimo Ancient Town after visiting the Wenchuan Earthquake Site, but it was almost afternoon, the weather was not very good, and we were worried about mudslides, so we returned to Jiezi Ancient Town.

Jiezi Ancient Town is 50 kilometers away from Chengdu and is located in the back mountain of Qingcheng Mountain. It is known as the "Garden at the Back of Qingcheng Mountain". Walking into the ancient town, the entire street among the carved railings and painted columns is full of old houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It follows the typical ancient town structure in Western Sichuan with low tile eaves, wooden door panels and bluestone roads. Clear rivers flow along both sides of the street. It shows the simplicity and elegance of Jiezi Ancient Town that has not changed through the ages.

Before I came to the ancient town, I never knew that this was the former residence of Tang Qiu, the "Yi Lao Poet". It wasn't until I saw his statue and the characters "Tang Qiu's hometown" that I was shocked to realize the long history and culture of Sichuan and Shu. According to historical records, the poet was the magistrate of Qingcheng County during the Qianfu period of Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty. Later, he retired to his hometown in seclusion and lived a life of poetry, wine and articles. He often rides a green ox to and from Linqiong in Qingcheng, visiting teachers and seeking Taoism, chanting sutras and listening to the harp, and often returns home drunk at dusk. Whenever Tang Qiu earned something from writing a poem, he jotted it down regardless of length. After completing the poem, he crumpled it into a ball of paper and put it into the big gourd scoop he carried with him. So later generations called him "a poet with a scoop." His most famous poem "A Guest Trip" is praised by the world. "Going up and down the mountain, I feel sad for thousands of miles. The trees are dim and the bridges are dark, and the rain is sounding in the lonely house in autumn. There are roads in front of the north and south, and boats on the east and west rivers. People in the world value gold and jade, and people without gold can travel far away."

Stepping on the bluestone slabs of the ancient street, the beautiful Weijiang River flows slowly under the sunset and complements the Ming and Qing folk houses along the bank, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. This is Ruilong Bridge, with carved railings and painted columns. In my opinion, it is very similar to the "South Bridge" in Dujiangyan. I think they should be buildings of the same period.

There are more than ten tall ginkgo trees beside Ruilong Bridge, and their large branches stand with lush leaves beside the dam at the entrance of the field. Next to the ginkgo tree, there is an ancient pagoda built in the late Qing Dynasty. It has fine workmanship. Whenever the mountain wind blows, the small copper bell on the pagoda will make a pleasant sound. When I approached the ancient pagoda, I realized that this kind of pagoda is called "ziku". In my hometown, ancient pagodas are symbols of Buddhism, or places where sacrifices are made, feng shui is replenished, or treasures are stored. The name of this tower "Ziku" should be quite particular. This is an introduction to "Font Library", which is clear at a glance.

Jiezi Ancient Town is a paradise for delicious snacks. A bowl of steamed rice rolls will leave your lips and teeth fragrant. Another small bowl of sad jelly will satisfy your taste buds and have a profound meaning. How many lovers have eaten sad jelly in an ancient town in western Sichuan, and then lingered on the ancient bridges, clear water, and bluestone alleys, feeling the various flavors of life under the sunset. Then at a certain moment it will suddenly dawn on you, and you will forget all your grudges with a smile!

Jiezi Ancient Town is another place full of hermit legends. According to the "General History of China", Zhu Yunwen, the son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, mysteriously disappeared in history. According to the research of many folk experts, Zhu Yunwen actually lived in seclusion near the ancient temple of Guangyan Zen Temple in Jiezichang. Since 1404 AD, he has lived in the mountains for more than ten years.

Legends are legends after all, and we have no way of verifying them, but the simplicity and tranquility of Jiezi Ancient Town, as well as the poems and songs of the Song Dynasty left in the pavilions and courtyards, all make me linger.