I felt a sense of security when I was greeted by Huang, especially as he'd kept the bar open for me. I had been worried about keeping him waiting, since I knew local customers usually left early and he had a regular day job.
But he assured me that his bar was more than just a business — it was also a place for friends to gather. I'd traveled over 1,100 kilometers, but was already being treated like an old friend.
The streets in Wen'an are quiet early in the evening, but I was content knowing I had a friend just around the corner from my accommodation willing to keep a light on for me, and wait for hours just to say "hello" and "welcome to Wen'an".How lucky was I!
I spent four days and nights in Wen'an and enjoyed every moment there, even without a must-do list.
With only a few streets, the central area can be easily navigated on foot. Wandering around wet markets, small stores, parks and night markets, I never had to worry about getting lost.
One street from my hotel, I came across my favorite place — a cafe named Tree Coffee.
As its name indicated, the cafe was built under a big pagoda tree last summer. When the gentle sunlight filtered through the leaves and scattered on the ground, seats and across my skin, I stretched my body and greedily breathed in the dry air and the lovely aroma of coffee.
There were no business people holding laptops or conducting meetings, as there would be in a fast-paced city. Instead, young people gathered at their leisure chatting with staff, laughing, taking photos, singing and playing the guitar.
Sipping coffee under the shady tree, my schedule was not determined by time constraints or the need to complete work. Instead, it was simply the sky gradually getting dark that announced the end of my day.
As I freely roamed the streets with elastic steps, the sound of a live rock song caught my attention. That was another fantastic encounter in Wen'an — an acclaimed local music bar open for a decade with no online posts about it.
It was easy to get in, and the music they played was my taste, with wonderful acoustic shows, drinks and snacks at a very fair price, as well as warm and friendly customers to talk with. I arrived alone, but we sang, laughed and shared the night and created memories together.
Time flew by quietly during my short stay in Wen'an. I felt comfortable assimilating with local residents, who accepted me as a new friend with kindness, hospitality and respectful curiosity. Counties may differ from each other, but for tourists seeking slow-paced relaxation, they might have something in common.
