Tongyuqingyin
Stepping into Datong Ancient City in the afternoon, the first pleasant surprise was stumbling upon Renyi Inn.
The inn's antique courtyard, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and warm red lanterns, instantly brought a sense of calm. The family who runs the inn is incredibly humble and kind, their conversations warm and thoughtful, making you feel right at home. What's even more admirable is their exceptional care for animals; the inn is like a mini-zoo. They treat every little creature with gentleness and patience, which in turn fills the entire courtyard with life and spirit.
Upon entering, a majestic grey parrot, both poised and lively, greeted me from the front desk – I'd never seen such a large pet parrot before! Two smaller parrots chirped happily nearby, completely unafraid of strangers, lively and adorable. Outside my room was a small courtyard with two tea tables. After a 'special forces'-style day of temple hopping, when I was tired to the point of tears, sitting there enjoying a cup of tea was incredibly relaxing. In the adjacent fish pond, a dozen or so vibrant koi, each weighing at least two to three pounds, swam gracefully, their bodies stretching elegantly. Next to the pond, a large and a small tortoise slowly ambled, quiet and therapeutic. In a corner cage, a tiny grey squirrel darted around, agile and playful.
As dusk fell, watching the lights reflect on the pond and listening to the soft sounds of the small animals, the weariness of travel seemed to melt away in this gentle atmosphere, leaving my heart filled with peace and healing.
I thought this wonderful experience was complete, but to my surprise, a new delight awaited me the next morning – two peacocks, 'Wenqing' (blue and white) and 'Xiaofeng' (emerald green), strolled leisurely in the courtyard with their magnificent tails fanned out – yes, they even have names! The eye-spots on their tail feathers shimmered, as if they were wearing the entire starry sky, beautiful like something straight out of an ancient painting. For a moment, I couldn't tell if I was in an inn or a secret wonderland.
Renyi Inn is far more than just a place to stay; it's a hidden gem within the ancient city. The harmonious coexistence of people and animals creates a warm and healing atmosphere, adding countless gentle and delightful moments to this journey.
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