Shiqiao Youxin: Twenty-Three Unsent Love Letters to Yanqiao

❤ The first one landed on the bluestone slab, with moss as the postmark. The banyan tree's roots hang like ink marks, blurring the six hundred years of dawn and dusk in the wind. ❤ The seventh one is sent to the rain falling from the eaves. When the ancestral hall's door knocker rings, how many layers of old time are peeling off the wooden window lattices? ❤ The fifteenth one is folded into a awning boat. The flowing water folds the letter paper under the bridge hole, and the moon of the Ming Dynasty floats and sinks in the ripples. ❤ The last one was burned to ashes by the dusk. The cooking smoke drifts diagonally, like someone's thin brushstroke suspended for half a lifetime. Travel Guide: I. Overview of Yanqiao Ancient Town Location: Yanqiao Village, Jiujiang Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province (approx. 1.5-hour drive from Guangzhou city). Features: Well-preserved ancient Ming and Qing architectural complex, rich Lingnan water town style, named after the "Yanqiao" at the entrance of the village, with the cultural heritage of "entering Yanqiao, you must follow the right path." II. Transportation Guide Self-driving (recommended): Navigate to "Yanqiao Ancient Village Scenic Area." There is a free parking lot at the entrance of the village. From Guangzhou: Guangfo Expressway → Fokai Expressway → Longshan Interchange → Shalong Road → Yanqiao Village. Public transportation: From Guangzhou/Foshan: Take the subway to "Kuiqi Road Station" and transfer to a bus (such as Qiao 14) to "Yanqiao Village" Station. In Foshan city, you can take bus No. 236 directly. III. Must-Visit Attractions Yanqiao (Hongqiao) The iconic ancient bridge at the entrance of the village. When shrouded in mist in the early morning or after the rain, it is like entering a painting, perfect for taking pictures. Ancient Architectural Complex He Clan Ancestral Hall: A representative of Lingnan ancestral hall architecture, with exquisite carvings, learn about the history of the He clan in Yanqiao. Lan Guifang: A shopping street from the late Qing Dynasty, with blue brick and gray tiles, with a strong retro atmosphere. Century-Old Banyan Tree "Tree Ancestor" banyan tree group, with branches and leaves covering the sky, a good place to escape the summer heat. Zhengdao Cultural Square The core landmark in the village, feel the village spirit of "walking the right path." IV. Food Recommendations Jiujiang Specialty Dishes Jiujiang Fried Dumplings: Golden and crispy, glutinous rice wrapped in peanut filling, sweet but not greasy. Yu Sheng: Sliced fresh fish from the Xijiang River, served with ginger shreds, lemon leaves and other seasonings, with a refreshing taste. Stuffed Three Treasures: Green peppers, eggplant, and bitter gourd stuffed with meat, homemade flavor. Recommended Restaurants Farmhouses in the village: Try authentic steamed river fresh and steamed spareribs with black bean sauce. Jiujiang Town Center: You can go to "Ronghua Restaurant" or "Huili Restaurant" to taste Cantonese morning tea. V. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour: Morning: Yanqiao Ancient Bridge → Zhengdao Square → He Clan Ancestral Hall → Ancient Banyan Tree Noon: Farmhouse lunch Afternoon: Lan Guifang street photography → Village History Museum → Handicraft workshop experience (such as bamboo weaving) Two-day tour: Day 1: In-depth tour of Yanqiao Village + overnight stay in a homestay Day 2: Visit Jiujiang Shuangzheng Museum, Xiqiao Mountain or Haishou Island for cycling. VI. Accommodation Options Ancient Town Homestay Ancient houses in the village have been transformed into homestays (such as "Yanqiao Renjia"), priced at CNY 150–300/night, experience the quiet ancient village at night. Town Center Hotel Jiujiang Town or Xiqiao Town economy hotels (such as 7 Days, Vienna), priced at CNY 200–400/night. VII. Precautions Tickets: Free admission, some ancestral halls or exhibition halls may require registration to enter. Dress: There are many stone roads, it is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes. Best season: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November), pleasant climate, avoid the rainy season. Cultural etiquette: Respect the lives of villagers, do not enter unopened houses at will. VIII. Surrounding Attractions Jiujiang Shuangzheng Museum: Learn about rice wine culture and taste special distiller's grains (15-minute drive from Yanqiao Village). Xiqiao Mountain: One of the four famous mountains in Lingnan, view the Nanhai Guanyin statue (approx. 40-minute drive). Haishou Island: Xijiang ecological island, suitable for cycling and watching the sunset (30-minute drive).