Midsummer, strolling through Gongjing Old Street

Taking a City Walk in the peak of summer does require some courage. Gongjing Old Street is truly a hidden gem! This is my second visit this year. After the heavy rain the day before yesterday, the water level at Pingqiao rose, and the waterfall splashed noisily onto the shore. The old street is dotted with many food spots, like Qingxiangyuan and Haopo Spicy Rabbit Pot, which are quite famous. However, compared to the bustling scene I saw during the Dragon Boat Festival, it’s much quieter now. In this scorching heat, everyone prefers staying indoors with the AC on. My favorite spot is Shunyanbian, where you’ll find the Chen Family Ancestral Hall, the Catholic Church, and the under-renovation Qianfo Temple. The trendy Langkong Bookstore is also here, as is the final stop of this trip—a charming courtyard. Outside the traditional wooden houses, flower pots are arranged, with fragrant blooms thriving. The shade from old trees provides relief from the sun, and locals relax under them, fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans—a strong vibe of local life. Places with temples always feel serene. At noon, sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the red walls—a sight that’s quite soothing. It’s said the view from the other side of the small bridge is lovely. I’ll go check it out when the weather cools down a bit.