A Splendid Family (Chinese Ancient Architecture)

Traveling Through a Millennium to Encounter the Ancient Town of the Tang Dynasty

The moment I stepped into the ancient town of the Tang Dynasty, it seemed that the gears of time began to turn backwards, and a mysterious force surged through my body, sweeping me into the prosperous Tang Dynasty a thousand years ago.

The bluestone road beneath my feet has been polished smooth and warm by the years, and each stone seems to be telling a story of the past. On both sides of the street, the buildings with overhanging eaves and brackets are arranged in a scattered and orderly manner. The vermilion lacquered pillars shine brightly in the sunlight. Among the carved beams and painted rafters, the exquisite flowers, birds, fish, insects and myths and legends are so vivid that one can’t help but marvel at the superb craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. The signboards of the shops flutter in the wind, with simple and ancient words written on them. There are cloth shops selling silk brocade, wine shops wafting out bursts of fragrance, and stationery shops filled with writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones.

Pedestrians in gorgeous costumes are shuttling among them. The men wear futou (a kind of headgear in ancient times), round-necked robes and leather belts around their waists, looking imposing; the women have their hair combed into delicate buns, with gold hairpins and dangling ornaments inserted, wearing chest-length ruqun (a traditional Chinese dress), and their lithe figures are like dancing butterflies. The shouts and laughter come and go in my ears, making it extremely lively.

I strolled to a magnificent pavilion, which turned out to be the restaurant in the ancient town. I climbed up the building and looked out from the railing, taking in the whole ancient town. In the distance, the green mountains and clear waters set off the ancient town charmingly. On the nearby river, boats are coming and going, and the boatmen are paddling hard, splashing layers of water. On the square downstairs, wonderful variety shows are being performed. The acrobats are tumbling and jumping in the air, and the lion dancers are making the lions dance vividly, causing bursts of applause from the surrounding audience.

I walked into a teahouse and ordered a cup of fragrant tea. The steaming fragrance of the tea filled the air in an instant. Several scholars and refined gentlemen at the next table were talking animatedly. Sometimes they chanted poems, and sometimes they wielded their brushes to write, expressing their praise for the prosperous Tang Dynasty and their love for life. Here, I seemed to become one of them, forgetting the troubles and fatigue of modern life.

Before I knew it, night fell and the ancient town took on another charming look. The lanterns were hung high, illuminating the whole ancient town as brightly as day. On the streets and alleys, people were still immersed in the joyous atmosphere, guessing lantern riddles and releasing river lanterns, and everywhere was filled with a strong sense of human touch.

This time-traveling journey in the ancient town of the Tang Dynasty made me truly feel the prosperity and charm of the Tang Dynasty. Although I have to return to reality in the end, this unforgettable experience will always be engraved in my heart and become my most beautiful yearning and attachment to ancient culture.