August is here and now is the perfect time to escape the summer heat while exploring the rich cultural heritage of Taizhou city – located in East China's Jiangsu province.
Follow in the footsteps of famous figures and enjoy a refreshing and poetic summer getaway. Here's your guide to some must-see spots in this charming city.
Explore former residence of Zheng Banqiao
Continue your cultural journey by visiting the former residence of Zheng Banqiao (1693-1765), a prominent figure of the "eight eccentrics of Yangzhou" – which refers to the painters in the region of Yangzhou in the reigns of Kangxi and Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1662-1796). Known for his poetry, calligraphy and painting, Zheng's home is a beautiful representation of traditional architecture, with its white walls and black tiles.
Stroll through the tranquil gardens filled with bamboo and stone, which inspired his artistic creations. Imagine the leisurely summer days he spent here, finding inspiration amid nature. The serene atmosphere allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of his art and the poetic essence of his life.
The entrance of the former residence of Zheng Banqiao. [Photo/WeChat account: tztour]
Discover Willow Garden
Willow Garden is dedicated to the pinghua or storytelling master Liu Jingting. The garden, surrounded by a river, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. With its lush trees and winding paths, it's the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
The garden features the only museum in China dedicated to pingshu and pinghua. The former is a traditional folk art where a single performer narrates stories from history or fiction using a distinct singing-like voice and rhythmic percussion accompaniment. The latter is a related form of storytelling that incorporates more dialogue and conversation between characters compared with pingshu.
Take a seat in the "Yinxiang Shuchang" performance space – designed to resemble traditional storytelling venues – and enjoy performances that bring the stories to life.
