Five Cities in Five Days: Encounters with History and Everyday Life

Sometimes, a spontaneous journey is not just a way to explore the world—it’s also a way to discover yourself. This month, I took advantage of my holiday, packed my bags, and embarked on a brisk journey through Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Wuhan. I measured history with my footsteps and experienced local culture with my taste buds.

he journey began in Zhengzhou. After setting down my simple luggage, I made my way to the heart of the city: the Erqi Memorial Tower. Erected in honor of the workers’ strike on the Jinghan Railway, this twin-towered monument exudes solemn dignity. For dinner, I sought out the century-old “Heji Huimian” flagship shop, widely praised by locals. Surrounded by bustling voices, I ordered a bowl of their signature lamb casserole noodles. The thick, springy hand-pulled noodles sat in a milky, flavorful bone broth, while the lamb was tender and aromatic.

The next day, I took a high-speed train to the ancient capital of “Thirteen Dynasties,” Luoyang. In the afternoon, I couldn’t wait to visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking slowly along the Yi River and gazing up at the two mountain cliffs, I witnessed over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into the rock. From the grand, majestic Vairocana Buddha to exquisitely detailed small niches, every figure was breathtaking. Sunlight streamed through crevices and illuminated the thousand-year-old carvings—nothing can truly capture the solemnity and weathered grandeur of these works except experiencing them in person. Touching the weathered stone and standing face-to-face with silent Buddhas, I felt a profound, inexpressible resonance.

The following day, I began with a visit to Yingtian Gate. Rebuilt on its original foundation, this imposing city gate—with its red walls and dark-tiled roof—is a commanding sight. Standing alone in the vast square, the weight of history washed over me. In the afternoon, I entered China’s “first ancient temple,” the White Horse Temple. Towering ancient trees, dignified halls, and curling incense greeted me. What surprised me most was the International Buddhist Temple Garden behind the temple: neighboring temples in Indian, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles, their golden roofs shimmering in the sunlight. These structures silently tell the long story of Buddhism’s eastward spread and cultural exchange. At noon the next day, I made sure to sample Luoyang’s specialty “Water Banquet,” immersing myself in this unique culinary tradition.

The final stop of my journey was Wuhan, the "River City." In the afternoon, I joined the bustling crowd on Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street. I strolled along this century-old thoroughfare, flanked by modern historical buildings that now house countless shops and brightly flickering neon signs. Vendors’ calls, performances, and the aroma of snacks combined into a vibrant tapestry of urban life. As night fell, the grand finale of the trip awaited: the Yellow Crane Tower. Entirely bathed in lighting, the tower stood vividly against the night sky.

In Zhengzhou, I touched the warmth of history. In Luoyang, I conversed with a thousand years of stone carvings. In Wuhan, I experienced the liveliness and grandeur of river-city life. The scenery I saw, the flavors I tasted, and the moments I lived have all become unique memories and sources of personal strength. Back at work, my heart feels like it now holds a broader world. I look forward to sharing more travel stories with you all—and I can’t wait for our company’s next exciting exploration!

      有时，一次随心的出行，是认识世界、也是认识自己的好方式。这个月，我利用假期，背上行囊，开启了一场穿越郑州、洛阳、武汉的紧凑旅程，用脚步丈量历史，用味蕾感受风情。
      旅程始于郑州。放下简单的行囊，我走向城市的心脏——二七纪念塔。这座为纪念京汉铁路工人大罢工而建的双塔，庄严肃穆。晚餐，我慕名寻到百年老字号“合记烩面”总店。人声鼎沸中，点上一碗招牌羊肉烩面。宽厚筋道的手工面条，浸润在奶白醇厚的骨汤里，羊肉酥烂，香气扑鼻。
      次日，乘高铁抵达十三朝古都洛阳。午后，我便迫不及待地前往世界文化遗产——龙门石窟。沿着伊水河畔缓行，仰望东西两山。山崖之上，十万余尊佛像密布，从宏伟壮观的卢舍那大佛到精巧玲珑的小龛造像，无不令人屏息。阳光穿过崖壁，洒在千年石刻上，那份跨越时空的庄严与沧桑，唯有亲临其境才能深刻体会。抚摸着斑驳的石壁，与沉默的佛像相对，内心的震撼难以言表。
      隔日，我首先探访了应天门。这座在原址上重建的巍峨城楼，朱墙黛瓦，气势恢宏。独自站在偌大的广场上，历史的厚重感扑面而来。下午，我走进“中国第一古刹”——白马寺。寺内古木参天，殿宇庄严，香火袅袅。最令人意外的是寺后那片国际佛殿苑，印度、泰国、缅甸风格的寺庙比邻而立，金顶辉煌，异域风情浓厚，无声诉说着佛教东传与文化交流的悠久故事。第二天中午，我特意品尝了洛阳特色的“水席”，也算体验了这独特的美食文化。
      旅程最后一站是“江城”武汉。下午时分，我汇入江汉路步行街熙攘的人流。独自漫步在这条百年老街，两旁是风格各异的近代历史建筑，如今商铺林立，霓虹闪烁。商家的吆喝声和表演、小吃的香气，汇成一股充满活力的市井烟火气。夜色降临，此行的压轴大戏是黄鹤楼。整个楼被灯光照得通亮，在夜色里特别醒目。
       在郑州触摸历史的温度，在洛阳对话千年的石刻，在武汉感受江城的烟火与壮阔。看过的风景、尝过的味道、遇见的瞬间，都沉淀为独特的记忆与力量。回到工作岗位，心中仿佛装下了更广阔的世界。期待下一次与大家分享旅途的故事，也期待公司未来更多精彩的探索之旅！