#suzhou city

[dailystreetsnapshots]

Suzhou, China

[mothmiso]

上海 Shanghai, China (2) (3) (4) by hey tiffany!

Via Flickr:

(1) 豫園 Yu Gardens. Nice gardens in the middle of the busy bazaar.     

[haveyoubeentothiscity]

Population: 12,748,252

Note that Suzhou is sometimes romanized as Soochow.

[travelella]

Tianjinghu, Taicang, Suzhou, China

Wenhao Ryan

[worldhistoryfacts]

The Qianlong Emperor of China took several tours of the country during his 61-year reign. These were commemorated in massive (over 40 feet long, in one case) painted silk scrolls. These are like Where's Waldo for imperial China, showing all sorts of people going about their daily routines:

The first of these scrolls was Prosperous Suzhou, a masterpiece that shows the city and the countryside around it. We start in the countryside, with villagers busily roofing a house:

Then we come across a mountain path, with tiny figures ascending:

Soon we see the bustling riverfront with shops and an array of boats:

The examination hall, where aspiring scholars study the classics:

And, finally, the city’s fortified port, a sign of imperial strength:

{WHF} {Ko-Fi} {Medium}

[dailyoverview]

In eastern China, Lake Tai (Tai Hu) has become almost surrounded by urban development in recent decades. Three cities — Huzhou, Suzhou, and Wuxi — have grown dramatically since 1985, their collective populations increasing from 1.7 million to more than 12.5 million. In 2007, the Chinese government pledged more than $14 billion to clean up Lake Tai, which had been contaminated for years by improper disposal of chemicals and sewage.

31.162181°, 120.207170°

Source imagery: Google Timelapse

[wangxianficfinder]

In the mood for...

March 7th

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1. There's been many fics where wwx takes his revenge, or fights for himself and his place and there are people to support him in it. ITMF fics where someone takes revenge for wwx / fights for wwx. Showing a lover love for him / brother or sister's love for him / mother's or parental figure's love for him.

And Time Is But a Paper Moon by sami (M, 139k, WangXian, XiChengQing, Time Travel, Fix-It, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Healing, Mental Health Issues, PTSD, Hurt/Comfort, Depression, BAMF WWX, BAMF JC, BAMF LWJ, BAMF JYL, Getting Together)

~*~

2. ITMF:

A) War general wwx and/or lwj

B) W ar veterans wwx and/or lwj

2A)

the wei to the kingdom (is through the prince's heart) by Bird_of_Dreams (T, 4k, wangxian, Historical AU, royal family, Tournaments, Mutual Pining, WWX levels of obliviousness) features WY as a general but the war is over and doesn't feature in the story

🔒 Crossing Paths by Ilona22 (M, 21k, wangxian, shapeshifter au, graphic depictions of violence, war between sects, war crimes, not JC friendly, happy ending) both generals fighting in a war

The Silver Thread General by Itszero (E, 70k, wangxian, Imperial China, No Powers, General WWX, Older WWX, Younger LWJ, Age Difference, Bottom LWJ, Forced Marriage, Protective WWX, POV LWJ, Childhood Friends, WWX is a Wēn, He was raised by them, WangXian Centric) wwx is a general but this isn't a fighting in war story

rebuttable presumption by sarah-yyy (WangXian, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arranged Marriage, Hurt LWJ, Enemies to Lovers)

2B)

Recovery by Unforth (G, 27k, WangXian, Modern AU, Rabbit Breeder LWJ, Veteran LWJ, Veteran WWX, PTSD, therapy animals, Therapy Rabbits, LWJ is an Asshole Sometimes, Doctor WQ, Fluff and Angst, Happy Ending, Former Prisoner of War WWX, LXC is a Good Brother, Gray Asexual LWJ, Anxiety Disorder)

~*~

3. A) Hello, I'm looking for wwx centric and xz centric (this part in a YZ post ~Mod L) fics. Anything that has them as the main focus works. I'd prefer if their relationship with someone else is not main focus of the fic, rather, it's more about them as an individual???

B) Any fics where wwx leaves/runs away after everything instead of dying. Just want to see him making a life on his own, discovering himself, healing, etc. Modern aus are fine too.

Have a good day! @kthvcult

3A)

🔒 in this corner of the world by akahua (G, 4k, wangxian, Kind of angsty, Cooking, Chinese Food, Inspired by Little Forest, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Comfort Food, Sichuan Cuisine, Spicy Food, Hunan Cuisine, Suzhou Cuisine, Soup, Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup for the Soul, Modern Setting) also fits 3B

3B)

something left to save by androids_fighting93 (E, 57k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, No Bloodbath of Nightless City, JYL Lives, Not Everyone Dies AU, Hurt/Comfort, single dad WWX, Sick Character, Golden Core Reveal, the lightest d/s dynamic if you squint, handjobs, Anal Sex, Canon-Typical Dynamics) Does it count as alone if he takes A-Yuan with him?

Crazy, Rich Cultivators by ShanaStoryteller (Not rated, 13k, wangxian, Modern Cultivation, Idiots in Love, Misunderstandings, POV LWJ, īthis started as a crazy rich asians au but quickly got away from me, light moments of angst but mostly shenanigans)

Something Warm and Safe by Winxhelina (T, 13k, wangxian, JYL & WWX, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family Feels, Warm, Friendship/Love, Love, much softer than it seems, Not Everyone Dies AU, Canon Divergence)

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4. Hi!! thank u guys so much for all your effort! i was hoping that in the next in the mood for (though i’d love a comp with this vibe) could i get a fic where wwx is genuinely loved by the juniors/has a good dynamic with them? I was thinking something close to what’s written in the “hills and rivers” series (and every single one where they will throw down to defend him no questions asked). Thank you! @thwispsings

Joy In the Midst of These Things series by Glitterbombshell (T, 53k, wangxian, post-canon, hurt/comfort, angst w/ happy ending, fluff, teacher WWX, trauma & recovery)

Proximity To Knowledge by ChilianXianzi (T, 7k, wangxian, Post-Canon, Married Wangxian, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Teacher WWX, Inventor WWX, And his research assistant Lan ducklings, LQR is not a good educator, the kids are alright, WWX did online learning before it was cool)

bespoke by cafecliche (G, 3k, wangxian, Post-Canon, Fluff, basically I worked in both politics and event-planning and this is what happened, LSZ is a very good boy, which is specifically a tag for the fic but also just true in general)

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5. In the next available itmf post, could you/the community rec any fics where wwx is involved with activism? particularly if the fic highlights the hard and sometimes dangerous sides of the work. (I have vague memories of a few where it was LWJ who was involved, but I'm particularly interested in wwx for this request.) @balleyboley

like, comment, share & subscribe by detectorist (T, 22k, WangXian, Modern AU, College/University, YouTube, Social Media, Flirting, Humour, Banter, Getting Together, First Kiss, Texting, so much texting, Youtubers For Social Justice, The Gang Gets Political, Competitive Flirting Via The Medium Of Youtube, it’s about the yearning, YouTube Rivals To Lovers) I'm not sure if this is what request 5 has in mind but these modern AUs have some element of WY being an activist

These Things Stay the Same by notevenyou (E, 30k, wangxian, Modern, Kid Fic, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Character Death, Injury, Natural Disasters, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hospitalization, Accidents)

Keep Track of Losing Days by giraffeter (T, 74k, WangXian, NieLan, Modern AU, Case Fic, Police, Missing Persons, Getting Together, Flashbacks, Detective LWJ, antifa WWX, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sharing a Bed, First Meetings, Seattle, Mutual Pining, nonfatal car accident, mafia wens, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers)

Heat It Up! with Wei Ying by justpeace (T, 10k, WangXian, Modern AU, coworkers to dating, Getting Together, Chinese Food, racism that largely happens offscreen, workplace racism, toxic workplace environment, Workplace Relationship, food as a metaphor for racism, Humor, Happy Ending, Angst and Humor, food as a metaphor for flirting, References to Drugs, Alcohol, Asian-American Character)

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6. Hi ! This is an I’m in the mood for: I’m looking for a really good long and passionate Friends to lovers🩷 @red-spacekitten

See all this and more for just ten dollars a month! Series by ScarlettStorm (E, 382k, WIP, WangXian, Modern AU, Getting Together, Pining, Porn, like in the writing and also as a plot point, onlyfans au, repressed lwj, sex worker wwx, Minor Angst, major shenanigans, hornt™, mental health, therapy is good actually, Nonbinary NHS, Gender Exploration, Hurt/Comfort, past trauma, genderfluid wwx)

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7. hello! for the next in a mood for could i please get fics that have a similar vibe to “lynchpin” by shanastoryteller when it comes to yunmeg bros relationship, please??

🔒 to arrive late is better than not to arrive at all by Moominmammashandbag (M, 35k, wangxian, JYL/JZX, JYL & WWX & JC, JC & LWJ, Angst with a Happy Ending, Soulmates, Chronic Illness, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Hanahaki Disease, but as a curse, LWJ says fuck, Feelings Realization, obsession with interior design, JGY is bad, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Family Angst, sibling angst, LXC says fuck, He's very stressed, soft, Wedding, LQR was in love once too, Motion Sickness, sect politics, Marriage Proposal, YZY had reason to be angry, JFM feels guilty and so he should, Madam Lan was imprisoned for no reason)

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8. haai! for the next in a mood for could i please request fics where jin guangyao feels the weight of comeuppance? like actually has to deal with the consequences of his actions instead of just dying outright. thank uuu UwU

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9. Hello I hope you are wellI would like to ask you if you could help me find fanfic where Lan Wangji is the one who travels back in time to fix everything or where Lan Wangji Furuto travels to the world of Mo Dao Zu Shi, the genre could be Wangxian or Xianwang Could you please do me a big favor and thank you, I love your work. @alfithia

A Matter of Time series by mrcformoso (E, 84k, wangxian, time travel fix-it, graphic depictions of violence, underage, LWJ pov, JC pov, dark LWJ, manipulation, grooming, teen body adult mind for LWJ, happy ending for wangxian, problematic consensual underage sex, blood & violence, insane LWJ, manic LWJ) Not so much LWJ time travel fix everything more LWJ time travel break things in a different way that benefits WWX

the cycle of regret by KouriArashi (T, 14k, WangXian, Groundhog Day, Fix-It, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Alternate Canon) LWJ time loop

A Narrow Bridge by FrameofMind, Jo Lasalle (Jo_Lasalle) (E, 700k, wangxian, time travel fix-it, slow burn, getting together, first time, pining, pining while fucking, burial mounds settlement days, angst w happy ending)

The Wild Geese’s Tomb by The Feels Whale (miscellea) (T, 66k, wangxian, time travel fix-it)

I Have Arranged to Tie You to Me by xxxMiaHikarixxx (G, 51k, WIP, WangXian, Lan protective team, Time Travel, Past, LWJ oriented, Arranged Marriage, Boys In Love, Soulmates, Fix-It, Jiang siblings, not jiang parents friendly, Soft LWJ, Protective LWJ, Genius WWX)

The Dreams of Youth by sami (E, 86k, wangxian, time travel, fix-it, family, not lan sect friendly, canon typical violence & gore, childhood friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, mothers who live, some people live/not everyone dies)

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10. Itmf lwj protects wwx’s virtue… “only I can look at him” vibes; jealous, protective, and chivalrous lwj.

A Baby Dragon's Guide To Seducing Your Huli Jing by sweetlolixo (M, 102k, wangxian, fantasy au, dragon LWJ, fox WWX, younger LWJ, older WWX, fluff, humor, happy ending) if the person doesn't mind AUs, then A Baby Dragon's Guide To Seducing Your Huli Jing is the penultimate story for protecting Wei Ying's virtue.

~*~

11. ITMF war fics. Like actual real war. Not like how people potray sun shot campaign, but war like WW1 WW2. If it could be modern , I would love it. But canon era will work too. Thankyou.

~*~

12. this is for itmf!

does anyone know any good Xicheng fics?

(I've already read Audience of One by WinterDreams !!)

~*~

13. hiii thank you so much for all the work that u do! ive been reading every recs for a week now >< that said, do u have any fics where wangxian are kids and are being there most adorable selves? i've been in the mood for baby wangxian and fluff lately. Thanks again!!

🔒 If You are with Me | End Racism in OTW by Starkalways1 (G, 5k, wangxian, Babyji and Babyxian story)

藍色的花，紅色的蘭 {Lan se de hua, hongse de lan} by Admiranda, AshayaTReldai (M, 45k, WangXian, Orphan WWX, Childhood Friends to Lovers, wwx raised in the lan clan, softer lqr, Good Uncle LQR, Good lan clan, Good Older Sibling LXC)

🔒 Hope series by RoseThorne (M, 59k, wangxian, WIP, Transmigration, Time Travel Fix-It, Illnesses, Family, Scars, Memory Loss, Angst, Crying, Music, Nosebleed, Fear, Recovery, Nightmares, Sharing a Bed, Flirting, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Good Parent YZY, Referenced Sexual Slavery, Blood and Gore, Monsters, Sexual Tension, betrothal, Arranged Marriage, Adoption, POV Third Person, POV Alternating, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Good Parent LQR, Clairvoyance, Butterfly Effect, Kid Fic, Epistolary, Food, Secrets, Resentful Energy, Cultivation Sect Politics, Character Death, Resentment, Anger, Explosions, Yīn Iron, Grief/Mourning, POV WWX)

~*~

14. Itmf war fics. Relationship or marriage in between war?

Not That Great a Sacrifice by Winglesss (E, 37k, wangxian, historical fantasy au, arranged marriage, marriage of convenience, elemental magic, pining, UST, forbidden love, miscommunication, weddings, fluff & humor, light angst w/ happy ending)

tie a knife with a ribbon by iliacquer (E, 5k, wangxian, Dubious Consent, Bottom LWJ, YLLZ WWX, D/s, Rimming, Frottage, a lot of smut, a sprinkling of plot for flavour, war prize LWJ)

Conquering the Emperor by catbrainedschemes (E, 21k, wangxian, Historical AU, Imperial China, Emperor WWX, General LWJ, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Historically Inaccurate, Misunderstandings, Fluff, Eventual Smut, Light Angst, Non-Graphic Violence, Getting Together, Sexual Tension, Some Plot, Slow Burn, Happy Ending)

what price is duty, what cost is love by thunderwear (G, 18k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, WWX was never adopted by the Jiang Sect, War Prize, YLLZ WWX, Mutual Pining, First Kiss, First Time, Falling In Love, eventual dramatic confessions, Eventual Happy Ending, Angst with a Happy Ending)

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15. thanks for the hard work admins! any fics where lwj falls in love with wwx at first sight? thanksss❤️

smoke gets in your eyes by orphan_account (T, <1k, wangxian, WIP, F/F, Modern, Chef WWX) very short but very cute crush forming, wlw wangxian

~*~

16. Itmf good madam yu fics.

A) she's always been good.

B) she grows good as fic progresses.

C) she's like - "yeah that is a nuisance gremlin, but you see that's MY nuisance gremlin " - for wwx @constellationdks

16B)

🔒❤️ the thing with feathers by RoseThorne  (G, 43k,wangxian, Transmigration, Time Travel Fix-It, Illnesses, Family, Scars, Memory Loss, Angst, Fear, Recovery, Sharing a Bed, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Good Parent YZY, Referenced Sexual Slavery, Blood and Gore, Sexual Tension, Arranged Marriage, Grief, Adoption, POV Third Person, POV Alternating, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Good Parent LQR, Clairvoyance, Butterfly Effect)

16C)

我的皇后是農民 | sowing seeds in the cold palace by sweetlolixo (E, 78k, WangXian, Imperial Palace, Emperor LWJ, Imperial Consort WWX, Farmer WWX, Only WWX Could Have an Empress to Farmer Pipeline, Angst, Romance, Wingman LJY, Wife-chasing-LWJ, LWJ will grovel to the ends of the earth to make it up to WWX don’t worry, Arranged Marriage, Best Boy A-Yuan, not LWJ friendly)

🧡 Heaven Has No Rage by flipfloppandas (M, 51k, WWX & YZY, JFM/YZY,  implied wangxian, WWX/WC, WWX/others, rape/non-con, modern, hurt/comfort, protective YZY, good parent YZY, hospitals, medical procedures, vomiting, trauma) It’s a moderne AU I liked it a lot it’s a YZY pov but it is very hard to read (READ THE TAGS)

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17. Hi! 🤗

Looking for the other fic, make me want to read more fics about WWX having his own sect. I really think WWX would be a great sect leader. So this is an ask for ITMF. ☺️ Thanks again for everything! 💕 @wangxiansgirl

I think there is a yiling Wei sect compilation on this blog!

🔒 a star called sun by thelastdboy (E, 120k, wangxian, SL/XXC, JC & JYL & WWX, JYL & LWJ, WWX & WN & WQ, JYL/JZX, Canon Divergence after Xuanwu Cave, Fall of Lotus Pier, But worse!, Power Imbalance, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Not Everyone Dies AU, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Canon-Typical Violence, Sunshot Campaign, Miscommunication, Heavy Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Major Character Injury, Loss of Limbs, Chronic Illness, Seizures, WWX's Three Months in the Burial Mounds, Wēn Remnants Live, Wēn Remnants Deserve Better, WWX Creates a Sect | Yílíng Wèi Sect, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, Hurt/Comfort, Selectively Mute LWJ, Service Animals, Crows)

~*~

If you didn’t get an answer to your ask here, don’t forget to make use of @mdzs-kinkmeme and MDZS KINK MEME on Dreamwidth. Authors actually do use them for ideas. You may get what you order!***Your prompt doesn’t have to be kink! Fluff, crack, whatever - it’s all good!***

[roadtophantom]

"Starting from July 2024, the international tour of the original "Phantom of the Opera" will resume in China and then travel to more regions/territories. The original version of "The Phantom of the Opera" refers to the classic version that uses the direction and choreography of Harold Prince, the staging and choreography of Gillian Lynne, and the costume and set design of Maria Bjornson. The original English version of Phantom can only be seen in London's West End and China."

The initial list of cities are:

Shenzhen - Shenzhen Esplanade Opera Hall (Tickets)

Xi'an - Shaanxi Opera House

Shanghai - Shanghai Grand Theater

Suzhou - Suzhou Bay Grand Theater

Chengdu - Chengdu City Concert Hall

Beijing - Beijing Tianqiao Art Center

Dates from BroadwayWorld

Jonathan Roxmouth and Matt Leisy are confirmed to return.

[zishuge]

it’s two in the morning and i’m awake thinking about how when fang duobing wanted to get into baichuan court, he needed an alias, so he was like quick, what’s a good fake name? yuan jiankang. this likely gets lost in translation but 方多病 (fang duobing) literally means “prone to many illnesses”. fang duobing's made up name? 袁建康 (yuan jiankang) - the surname 袁 (yuan) being a homonym of 远 meaning “always / forever” and 建康 (jiankang) meaning “healthy”. FOREVER HEALTHY. he just… picked the literal opposite of his name.

fast forward however many episodes to when li lianhua is teaching fang duobing yangzhouman, but then fang duobing starts asking questions about this wondrous technique, so li lianhua’s like quick, what’s a good fake name? suzhoukuai. to recap: 杨洲慢 (yangzhouman) - 扬州 (yangzhou) being a city, and 慢 (man) meaning “slow”. li lianhua’s made up name? 苏州快 (suzhoukuai) - 苏州 (suzhou) being… a different city, and 快 (kuai) meaning… “fast”. it’s literally just… the opposite.

i. i just. they share a single brain cell and it is constantly working overtime.

[omgpurplefattie]

During the Dragon Boat Festival, Li Lianhua and his two men come to the city of Suzhou to watch the boat from Tianji Manor race. They find that they are actually very proud of each other.

Partially inspired by a discussion with @junemermaid in the comments of my fic "Sweet Eyes".

No WIP Wednesday this week, as I took this Wednesday evening to kick my oldest WIP out there into the world.

[theink-stainedfolk]

Character Profile Tag

Thank you for the tag @willtheweaver

Here is my intelligent but dumb in love, Rafael Huang Rui

---

Name: Rafael Huang Rui

Age: 26

Sex: Male

Species: Human

Appearance: Huang Rui is a striking figure, with delicate yet masculine features that make him stand out, even in the bustling city of Suzhou. Standing at about 5'9", he has a slender yet refined build that reflects his scholarly nature more than physical labor. His skin is fair, a result of spending much of his time indoors, studying or teaching, rather than toiling under the sun. His hair, jet black and straight, falls just past his shoulders, often tied back in a simple yet elegant manner, highlighting his high cheekbones and sharp jawline. His almond-shaped eyes are a warm shade of brown, filled with intelligence and a quiet intensity that commands attention. Huang Rui typically wears modest but fine hanfu, favoring lighter, earthy tones such as soft greens and browns that reflect his connection to nature and simplicity. His presence exudes calmness, though there is a subtle strength in the way he carries himself.

Occupation: English teacher and aspiring novelist.

Family: His father is a respected government official, working in the local administration. His mother passed away when he was younger, and he has an older brother who runs the family’s trading business.

Pets: None, though he has a fondness for birds and often leaves out food for the sparrows outside his window.

Best friend: Shen Yi, though their relationship is complex, as Shen is more of a dangerous ally than a typical friend.

Describe their Room: Huang Rui's room is a perfect reflection of his orderly and scholarly mind. The scent of ink and aged paper fills the air, as books and scrolls line the wooden shelves along one wall. The desk, positioned near a large window that lets in natural light, is cluttered with half-finished manuscripts, ink pots, and brushes, giving a glimpse into his creative process. His bed, simple and neatly made, rests against the opposite wall, draped in soft, earth-toned linens. There are a few personal touches—like the small jade ornament his mother gave him before her passing, which he keeps on his bedside table, and a delicate bonsai tree sitting near the window, which he carefully tends to each morning. The room is a quiet sanctuary, where chaos is kept at bay, allowing his mind the space to explore ideas and stories.

Items in their purse/bag: A small notebook for writing down ideas or observations, An ink brush and portable inkstone, A silk handkerchief, A few coins, A book of poetry, Dried tea leaves

Hobbies: Writing and reading, Practicing calligraphy, Tea ceremony, Tending to his bonsai tree, Strolling through the countryside

Favourite sport: He doesn’t participate in physical sports often but enjoys watching the graceful movements of martial arts performances.

Abilities/talents/powers: Mastery of languages, particularly English and Mandarin, Exceptional writer and poet, Skilled in calligraphy, Strategic thinker, with a talent for diplomacy, Basic knowledge of self-defense, though he rarely uses it

Relationships: His family, particularly his father, have high expectations of him. His connection with Shen Yi is complicated by their unusual arrangement, mixing trust, tension, and fascination.

Fears: Failing to live up to his family’s expectations, Being manipulated or losing control of his own life, Seeing his written works used in dangerous or unintended ways

Faults: Overthinks situations, leading to indecision

Tends to withdraw emotionally, making him hard to read

Can be overly idealistic, not always seeing the darker side of things

Good points: Intelligent and well-read

Thoughtful and empathetic, especially to those he cares about

Dedicated to his craft and the pursuit of knowledge

Honorable, values integrity

What they want more than anything else: Huang Rui seeks creative freedom and the ability to write stories that impact people’s lives, without having to bend to the expectations of his family or society. Inwardly, he also yearns for a deep, meaningful connection with someone who truly understands him.

---

I'll tag @finickyfelix @leahnardo-da-veggie @illarian-rambling @winglesswriter @paeliae-occasionally

@the-golden-comet @thecomfywriter @roarintheheavens @drchenquill @wyked-ao3 @the-inkwell-variable

[evilhasnever]

if xiyao was in a super power au, what powers do you think they'd have (either a 'everyone has powers' or 'xiyao are superheroes' type thing)

Ohh, funny that you'd ask, I've been toying with the idea of possibly writing a superhero AU. It'd be a campy old school Batman setting, so nothing too left field as far as powers go - the Lans are a predictable mix of Batman and Supes so they get: flight, superstrength, bulletproof skin, and money. As for JGY, I haven't decided yet (but if I did, it'd be a spoiler~)

Let me give you an opening snippet I wrote a little while ago:

Every time he’s asked why he stays in Suzhou, Lan Xichen says it’s because it’s his ancestral home, where his family has owned a mansion for generations. If you asked Zewu-Jun, he’d say it’s where he’s most needed.  The crime rate in Suzhou had spiked over the past decade, and when Lan Xichen returned freshly graduated from Oxford he barely recognized the city of his childhood. Charity and public appearances could only do so much - it was Wangji’s idea to don a cowl and take to the streets.  At first, Shufu had been staunchly against such a public display of their powers, but he’d soon realized that Wangji would not be deterred. Lan Xichen, for his part, suggested taking turns - this had the double advantage of sparing them the exhaustion and allowing them to maintain a respectable public life, covering for each other if they were occasionally sighted by the press.  Ultimately, Shufu could not in good conscience stop them from doing what he himself had once done in his youth - that is, wear a uniform that allows for acrobatics and patrol the roofs of Suzhou. Wangji does his “side” job with a grim sense of duty and utter efficiency. He does not seem to find joy in it past a job well done, but that is no small thing in itself. Lan Xichen, for his part,  patrols the streets out of carefully nurtured optimism and some whimsical nostalgia, indispensable to survive the bleakness. There’s beauty in the smoke-darkened canals of Suzhou, in the permanently dark sky crucified by spotlights. There’s resilience in its people, who keep living rather than running. This is a city worth saving, so that it may dream again like Lan Xichen does.  Also, he likes spandex. 

[accio-victuuri]

wang yibo - one and only national roadshow cities announced

The first phase of the national roadshow is about to start! Come and see if there is one in your city! No matter where you are in the country, the enthusiastic team will meet with you with a sincere heart ~ I look forward to seeing you guys come to the dream-burning appointment!

Zhengshou / Wuhan / Changsha / Hefei / Suzhou / Shanghai / Hangzhou 📍

[we1ovetravel]

A 7-Day Journey through Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1-2: Suzhou

• Day 3-4: Hangzhou

• Day 5-7: Shanghai

Day 1-2: Suzhou – Classical Gardens and Water Town Charm

• Humble Administrator’s Garden: Explore this serene garden and enjoy traditional snacks at nearby tea houses. Suzhou-style desserts like osmanthus cakes and plum cakes pair well with green tea. This iconic garden, known for its poetic design and meticulous layout, is the largest in Suzhou and features classic Jiangnan landscaping. Stroll through pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges surrounded by lush greenery, giving you a sense of traditional Chinese aesthetics and harmony with nature.

• Suzhou Museum: Beyond its unique architectural design by I. M. Pei, the museum houses ancient artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings that showcase Suzhou’s rich history and culture. Each exhibit tells a story of China’s artistic heritage, making it a must-visit for history lovers. After exploring the exhibits, head to the nearby area to try Suzhou-style mooncakes, a savory treat with pork filling.

• Pingjiang Road: This ancient canal-side street exudes old Suzhou charm, with well-preserved architecture, traditional teahouses, and local shops. You can try Suzhou-style pastries like plum cake or enjoy the scenery along the canal, where boats quietly glide by. This ancient street is packed with food stalls selling Suzhou’s famous crab roe soup dumplings and pan-fried dumplings.

• Tongli Ancient Town: A quintessential Jiangnan water town, Tongli offers winding canals, ancient stone bridges, and traditional Ming and Qing dynasty residences. Highlights include the Retreat & Reflection Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can experience serene classical architecture and landscaping. Beyond its picturesque canals, Tongli offers Jiangnan classics like sweet and sour Mandarin fish and braised pork belly served in quaint riverside restaurants.

Day 3-4: Hangzhou – Natural Scenery and Cultural Heritage

• West Lake Boat Tour: Take a leisurely boat ride to appreciate the lake’s famous sites, like Leifeng Pagoda, which is linked to romantic Chinese legends, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, where floating pagodas create a mesmerizing reflection. West Lake is known for its idyllic beauty, with willow-lined shores, lotus ponds, and distant mountains. After a boat ride, enjoy a lakeside meal with Hangzhou specialties like Dongpo pork (a tender, slow-braised pork belly named after poet Su Dongpo) and West Lake Vinegar Fish, a sweet and tangy fish dish often made with carp from the lake.

• Lingyin Temple: This sacred Buddhist site, surrounded by lush forests and rocky outcroppings, is one of the oldest and most significant temples in China. As you explore the temple, admire the intricate Buddhist carvings on Feilai Peak and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere. Set in lush forested hills, this ancient Buddhist temple is both a place of worship and a scenic retreat. Nearby, sample vegetarian temple dishes such as Buddha’s Delight with tofu and bamboo shoots.

• Longjing Tea Plantation: Visit the tranquil tea fields of Longjing Village, where China’s famed Dragon Well tea is produced. Participate in a tea-picking experience, learn about the tea-making process, and sample the fresh green tea, renowned for its delicate aroma and refreshing taste. Visit Dragon Well’s tea fields to experience tea-picking and sample Longjing shrimp, a light dish flavored with tea leaves, at a local restaurant overlooking the fields.

Day 5-7: Shanghai – Modern Metropolis and Cultural Fusion

• The Bund: Stroll along the Bund’s waterfront for views of Shanghai’s historic colonial buildings and modern skyline. Dine at a nearby restaurant and try Shanghai-style braised pork (hong shao rou), paired with steamed buns.

• Yu Garden: This Ming Dynasty garden is an oasis in the city with intricate rock formations and koi ponds. At the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar, enjoy soup dumplings (xiao long bao) and lotus root in osmanthus syrup.

• Lujiazui Financial District: Shanghai’s financial hub, home to towering skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl. Take in the skyline views and try hairy crab (in season) at a high-rise restaurant.

Travel Tips

1. Transportation: Travel between cities by high-speed train. It takes about 2 hours from Suzhou to Hangzhou and 1 hour from Hangzhou to Shanghai.

2. Accommodation: In Suzhou and Hangzhou, stay in traditional guesthouses for an authentic Jiangnan experience, and in Shanghai, opt for a hotel in the city center.

3. Food: Try local specialties like Suzhou’s Squirrel Fish, Hangzhou’s West Lake Vinegar Fish, and Shanghai’s Xiao Long Bao dumplings.

[kneedeepincynade]

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🇨🇳 Potete andare in diverse città della Cina, da Shanghai a Pechino, da Shenzhen a Chongqing, da Guangzhou a Suzhou, fermandovi nella ridente Chengdu, e così via. In qualsiasi città Cinese, troverete stazioni dei treni e linee della metropolitana altamente sviluppate. Sono bellissime, delle vere opere d'arte che fondono l'estetica tradizionale della Cina (Foshan, Xi'an) con la tendenza della modernità, come a Shenzhen e Changchun.

😍 Fonte del video: Ambasciata della Repubblica Popolare Cinese in Italia ⭐️

🌸 Iscriviti 👉 @collettivoshaoshan

🇨🇳 You can go to different cities in China, from Shanghai to Beijing, from Shenzhen to Chongqing, from Guangzhou to Suzhou, stopping in the charming Chengdu, and so on. In any Chinese city, you will find highly developed train stations and subway lines. They are beautiful, true works of art that blend the traditional aesthetics of China (Foshan, Xi'an) with the trend of modernity, like in Shenzhen and Changchun.

😍 Source of the video: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Italy ⭐️

🌸 Subscribe 👉 @collettivoshaoshan

[theempressesofchinablog]

Empress Xiaoquancheng of the Qing Dynasty (1834-1840)

The second Empress Consort of the Doaguang Emperor was born on 24 March 1808 to the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner Niohuru clan. Her father was a third class duke and served as a first rank military official. She would spend her early life in Suzhou which is located in Southern China. 

In 1821, Lady Niohuru would attend the Elegant Ladies’ Selection at the age of 13. The Daoguang Emperor was immediately smitten by her and so she entered the Forbidden City and was granted the title Noble Lady Quan. She would be elevated first to Concubine Quan and then to Consort Quan by December of 1823. 

She would give birth to her first child, and the emperor's third daughter, Princess Duanshun of the First Rank in April of 1825. A month later she would be promoted to Noble Consort Quan. The following year she would give birth to the emperor’s fourth daughter, Princess Shou’an of the First Rank. A few years later she would give birth to the fourth prince, and future Xianfeng Emperor, Yizhu in July of 1831. 

After the death of Empress Xiaoshencheng in June of 1833, Noble Consort Quan was placed in charge of the harem and during the Mid Autumn Festival of that year she was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort. Less than a year later she was finally promoted to Empress Consort at the age of 25. 

She was greatly favored by the Daoguang Emperor and he often ignored his other consorts for her. This was frowned upon because as empress she was supposed to encourage the emperor to visit his other concubines and father children. She was also cruel to the other women and would find any excuse to punish them. Her only threat was the future Empress Dowager Kangci, who also shared the emperor’s favor and had given birth to several children. 

The Empress would die on 13 February 1840 and rumors would swirl she was murdered by Empress Xiaoherui, then known as Empress Dowager Gongci, for her terrible behavior. She was only 31 years old. 

Her son Yizhu would ascend the throne after his fathers death and would refuse to name an Empress Dowager. 

Titles:

Lady Niohuru (from March 1808)

Noble Lady Quan (from 1821)

Imperial Concubine Quan (from Dec 1822)

Consort Quan (from Dec 1823)

Noble Consort Quan (from May 1825)

Imperial Noble Consort Quan (from Sept 1833)

Empress (from Nov 1834)

Empress Xiaoquan (posthumous from May 1840)

Empress Xiaoquancheng (posthumous from Oct 1850)