济南老城,城倾天下

The Most Appealing Ancient Town

说济南老城,还是应该从＂二老＂开始,即老残和老舍两位先贤。 100多年前的一个深秋,红叶满山,黄花遍地,一个名叫老残（晚清著名小说家刘鹗）的文学巨匠,悠哉悠哉地进了济南府,但见＂家家泉水,户户垂杨＂,＂比那江南风景,觉得更为有趣＂。济南府的风光和风情由此一一呈现。百余年来,这成为描述济南美景的文字经典。他还在晚清最著名小说之一《老残游记》中,用清丽委婉笔调,

I became familiar to the city of Jinan since I made an acquaintance of the old town.It's ten years ago that I came to Jinan as a student and the city appeared to be all but a concrete jungle,virtually identical to any other cities in the country,even more disadvantageous in some respects as compared with that were fairly advanced.It made me wonder if I would leave the city upon graduation,until 1 encountered the old town.In a warm afternoon,I was showed around the old town region by a photographer.Entering from Furong Street,walking through a narrow passage of Xiangfeng Lane for only one person to access at a time,Wangfu Pond unfolded before us with a supply of moisture dwelt therein.The limpid stream flowed over Qushuiting Street,the once prosperity lingered in Houzaimen,the reconciliation of East and West remained onto Jiangjumiao Street,the convergence of multitudinous sources formed Darning Lake,and all of that made people marvel what an amazing feast to eyes!Similar praising has been heard many times henceforth.The mottled flagstone,white walls and green tiles together made a full representation for the city's historical visage,composed the distinct scene of real life.Year by year the people make a pleasant life with(he crystal water babbling and gurgling nearby,making the dream a reality.1 got enjoyment and enlightenment from every visit to the old region by looking into the particulars,resting my soul and heart by spring or questing the inherent literary charm with friends.The uniqueness of natural allure,the cohesion of diversified cultures,the generosity of historical legacy and the inheritance of brilliant deposits,much more than any compliment,can condense the city character of Jinan.