City Notes - A Glimpse of Taizhou.

It's been a long time since I last visited Taizhou. I've already forgotten what the city looked like. The first time I came to Taizhou was also from Nanjing. I almost went to school in Taizhou back then. Later, my youth was spent in Nanjing. Until now, I still have a deep love for Nanjing. I am more grateful. With Nanjing as the center, I have traveled to every city in Jiangsu, including many county-level cities. During my free time from activities, meetings, and business trips, I love to wander around the historical and cultural attractions of each city. For many years, I have been accustomed to dividing Jiangsu into three regions: Southern Jiangsu, Central Jiangsu, and Northern Jiangsu. However, almost all resources are tilted towards the key cities in Southern Jiangsu. Other cities are rarely taken into account, so I rarely come to Taizhou. I passed by the "Iron Tower" on Qingnian Road again. After having dinner in Yangzhou, I drove to Taizhou to sing. I still remember the joke about Yangzhou people drinking coffee. The first time I came to Taizhou for non-work purposes was with my brother. I only remember that I stopped at Taizhou Station and that it was Mr. Hu's hometown. I have no other memories. The last time I set foot in Taizhou was in 2020. I went from Nanjing to Jingjiang. I had activities during the day and drank at night. I was in a hurry. This time, I came to Taizhou again. It rained a few times. I drove around the ancient city and saw the familiar Iron Tower, Wenfeng, Wanda, as well as the old street and Guyuelou. I felt very close to them. Taizhou has changed. The comfortable small city in Central Jiangsu is cool and refreshing after a series of autumn rains. I walked along the old street, Taoyuan, and Fengcheng River after the rain, from the old street archway to Sanshui Bay. Walking freely is a spiritual self-healing. I walked across bridges and stone paths. It was just a short distance, located in the southeast corner of the ancient city. Taizhou has indeed been "dressing up" to become a refined city in recent years. Compared to the ancient Yellow River in my hometown Xuzhou, Taizhou makes me happier. Every city has something to love. I visited the old street many years ago. I only had activities, ate, and drank. I didn't have much of a concept. This time, I saw the inscription by Chen Zhongming of Nanjing Normal University again. The old street is not old. Apart from Guyuelou, there is nothing special. It was not a holiday or weekend, and it was raining heavily. The empty streets made me feel sad. Listening to the rain is also a kind of mood. The nearby Meiyuan and Anding Academy are places I have always wanted to visit. I saw Anding Academy in the works of Mr. Wei Li, a book collector. I have always wanted to visit it. In Taizhou, only when my heart is calm can I truly walk. No matter the weather, my mood is the best weather. Apart from Nanjing and Xuzhou, there are places I miss in other cities. Big cities have big city rhythms, and small places have small place freedom. In Taizhou, I saw many elements of Nanjing and Xuzhou, which made me feel very close. In unfamiliar cities, there are always familiar corners. Among the 13 cities in Jiangsu, I rarely visit Taizhou and Suqian. The other 11 cities are all familiar places. These cities have their own culture and fireworks. Every city is worth our deep love.