In the vast plains of northeastern China lies the city of Jinzhou which is well-known among Chinese people for its delicious barbecue. Situated in western Jinzhou is my hometown Yi County. Every year since 2023, my family goes back to visit a few relatives. However, this year’s visit is special as we also travelled to Huludao, a city next to Jinzhou.

We departed from Nanchang Railway Station on a hot summer day. The train, coded Z112/3, was a bit late. Operated by CR Harbin, the train departed from Haikou a day before, and will arrive at Harbinxi Railway Station the day after. Our room consists of four small beds and a small table. Unlucky for us, the room was next to the restroom and also had the smell of cigarettes.

It was soon time for bed after we had a dinner of instant noodles and some dishes cooked on the train. My sleep was terrible — I woke up twice when the train stopped in Fuyang at 22:16 and Heze at 0:53 respectively. Then at 5:28 we stopped in Fengtai District, and I gave up another attempt to sleep.

About three hours later we arrived at Shanhaiguan Railway Station. Leaving Shanhaiguan means entering the vast Northeast. The first city to enter along the Beijing-Harbin Railway is in fact Huludao, but we didn’t stop there so the first station the train stopped was Jinzhounan, our destination.

Originally arriving in Jinzhou means I get to go to the coast and enjoy the sea, but this time, after we saw the train off and drove to the usual place of getting to the coast, we were met with an unpleasant surprise — we weren’t allowed to go downstairs to the coast as the place was regarded hazardous due to possible natural disasters. We did look for another place, but the water there was so shallow that it was impossible to swim in. Though unsatisfied, we could only have lunch and go to Yi County.

In Yi County we tasted various cuisines and visited several places. Northeastern restaurants tend to offer bigger servings of food at lower prices. In the few days we spent in Yi County, the place that stood out was Yizhou Fossil Museum, which is a small building with three floors, featuring fossils of dinosaurs, plants and insects. We also went to the old Yi County Railway Station. Built in 1921, the station is a real treasure for the people of Yi County. Although no longer in use now, the station, with over 100 years of history, remains a symbol of Yi County. What is also a symbol of Yi County was the relics of Antaimen. It was originally a door to the center of Yi County and was rebuilt around the 1980s. The rebuilt Antaimen is now a scenic spot with an admission fee of ¥10, which is worth it as I am willing to pay to help with the reservation. There was also the tower of Temple Guangsheng, which dates all the way back to the Liao Dynasty. Although built this long ago, it is still a gathering place of Buddhists.

Then we went to Huludao. Upon arrival, we went to the coast without any means of hesitation. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a good time, either. I was among the three of us who actually swam, and guess what welcomed us? Rocks with sharp edges, which is far from my expectation — before this, I’ve never been hurt while swimming in the sea. So, we gave up the failed attempt to swim, instead, we went along a small road, watching the water crashing onto the shore under the sky, feeling the sea breeze, and experiencing a feeling of harmony. The shore was actually beautiful, with views of the mountain nearby. I also picked up a beautiful shell there.

We spent the next day on Juehua Island where I’d say that it is not such a good scenic spot. The boat fare was in fact reasonable, but it’s not really worth it. The coast on the island is much better, but there weren’t other highlights. Making matters worse, the attractions on the island are relatively far from each other if you walk. Requiring another fee if you go on a bus ride. Over ¥100 is needed for each person on average, so, although there is no entry fee, Juehua Island is really unworthy for the price.

And I think that’s it. We returned to Yi County, stayed for about two days, and left for Nanchang. It is great to see my hometown again after half a year!