Night Mooring on Ting River: A Lantern Illuminates a Thousand Years, a Bay of Autumn Water Dreams of Tingzhou

The October evening breeze carries the fragrance of osmanthus as we stand at Huiji Gate Pier, awaiting a night cruise called "Dream Back to Tingzhou." The autumn waters of the Ting River shimmer with scattered light in the dusk. Not far away, a painted boat with carved beams and painted eaves quietly waits. Departure: A Time Travel Starting from Huiji Gate At exactly 7 PM, the painted boat slowly leaves the shore. The bow cuts through the ink-colored river surface, and red lanterns on both banks light up one after another, like a vermilion necklace adorning the neck of the Ting River. The lights reflect in the water, rippling into countless flowing stars. But after sailing just a hundred meters, the majestic outline of Jichuan Gate comes into view—this reconstructed ancient city gate, outlined in golden light, stands solemnly like a general guarding Tingzhou, as if you can still hear the sound of horse hooves and bustling market noises from a thousand years ago. Along the Way: Dragon Pool Wonderland and Light & Shadow Spectacle When the boat reaches Longtan (Dragon Pool), mist suddenly rises from the river surface. This is a specially created water mist wonderland in the scenic area. White fog drifts over the river, enveloping the ancient trees and rocks on the shore, adding a touch of mystery. Light beams pass through the mist, forming pillars of light, like the entrance to a fairyland. Just as we are enchanted by this dreamlike scene, melodious music suddenly comes from ahead. The 3D water screen movie show at Mother’s Affinity Square begins. A huge water screen rises from the river, with light and shadow changing on the water curtain, sometimes transforming into a soaring dragon, sometimes blooming lotus flowers. The water screen and real scenery intertwine, making it hard to tell what is real and what is illusion. Climax: The Romantic Encounter of the Flower Boat Parade Just when we think the night has reached its peak, a row of flower boats suddenly appears on the river ahead. Ancient costume dancers stand at the bow, their water sleeves fluttering and garments flowing. They dance on the boat, their reflections mirrored in the river, truly embodying the imagery of "light steps on the waves, dust rising from silk socks" from the "Ode to the Nymph of the Luo River." A song called "Picking Vetch" drifts on the wind, and some tourists can’t help but hum along. At this moment, the boundary between ancient and modern blurs. Docking: The Aftertaste of Tingzhou Tea House The thirty-minute journey passes in the blink of an eye. After the painted boat docks, we follow the tea fragrance into the Tingzhou tea house beside the pier. Choosing a window seat, we order a pot of local specialty oolong tea. Outside the window, flower boats continue to parade on the river; inside, the tea aroma lingers as we savor the memories of what we just witnessed. This short voyage is like a carefully choreographed time-space drama, condensing Tingzhou’s thousand-year cultural heritage into this bay of autumn water. Night Tour Practical Guide Item Details Boarding Location Huiji Gate Pier Cruise Duration About 30 minutes Best Time 19:00-20:00 (to enjoy the full night view) Special Experiences Flower boat parade, water screen movie, Longtan water mist Itinerary Suggestions Visit the ancient city wall before boarding, relax at the tea house after disembarking Leaving near midnight, looking back at the Ting River, the red lanterns still shine like the sleepless eyes of this city. This night’s "Dream Back to Tingzhou" is not just a simple boat tour, but a dialogue across a thousand years. If you come to Changting, don’t miss this cruise—amid the sound of oars and lantern lights, you will meet a different Tingzhou.