Liqiao Water Town is a "hometown steeped in poetry." By day, Hui-style houses line the waterfront, bluestone slabs, black-sailed boats, and horse-head walls reflect each other, creating a striking ink painting in every snapshot. At night, colorful lights shimmer with the stars, while iron flowers, fire dragons, and the clatter of blacksmiths' hammers rekindle centuries of folklore. B&Bs offer river views from the window, and breakfast with a bowl of steamed pork rice with chili paste will keep your stomach in southern Anhui. Avoid the holiday rush and slow your pace to a crawl, and you'll hear the primal heartbeat of "small bridges, flowing water, and people" amid the creaking of oars.