Krumlov, a town in South Bohemia

Choose the warmest day in several days and come to the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, also known as Cesky Krumlov. The small town of CK is located on the border of the Czech Republic and Austria, about a 3-hour drive from Prague. This town, which was selected as a World Cultural Heritage by Unesco (UNESCO) in 1992, does have its own unique cultural customs.

The town gradually developed based on the castle built by the Krumau monarch in the 13th century. A small town built by a prominent family and a castle gradually prospered because it happened to be located on the upper reaches of the Vltava River and was on an important trade route. This city has changed hands several times, but its original appearance has remained intact. Each lord added a different style to the town. It is difficult to say whether it was the nobility that made the town a success, or the town that made the nobility possible, but what is certain is that centuries of trade have brought business opportunities and development to the town.

Looking down from the heights of Crumau Castle, you can see that the town is surrounded by water. In addition, the Vltava River that protects the city also has a defensive function and naturally forms a barrier. Several bridges connect the town to the castle and were built to facilitate services to noble families in ancient times.

This is a small town full of literary and artistic atmosphere and an important cultural center in the Czech Republic. There are many galleries and painters in the town. Every year in late July and August, there is also an international music festival, which welcomes musicians and music lovers from all over the world.

During the Renaissance period in the town, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo buildings can be seen everywhere. Walking in the alleys feels like traveling back hundreds of years. It has a bit of the flavor of Lijiang, but without the commercialization and bustle of Lijiang. The town is quiet and peaceful, like a gentle woman leaning on the waterside. It is very suitable for people who want to escape the city on weekends to come and relax. No wonder it is so popular. Austrians and Germans welcome. In a small area with only more than 14,000 residents, there are more than 170 hotels and hostels, which shows its popularity.

When you are tired from walking in the city, you can sit on the stone slabs on the street to bask in the sun and have a rest, or you can stop and have a drink in the coffee shop on the street.

Walking around the city square, I heard children playing around the corner. Stopping and looking, a group of children dressed in red and black seemed to be waiting in place, waiting to enter the theater for a performance. I looked at the "Da Qi Empire" flag held by one of the children and laughed. And when they saw Chinese faces, they also laughed. I don’t speak German, and I have no way of knowing what legends from ancient China are circulating in this town that loves ghost stories. What does China look like in their eyes? It seems that my German learning can begin.

Wherever there is a river, there is energy. In the old days, many castles in Europe were used to resist invasion by foreign enemies, and the town of CK was no exception. Now, the river has become a reason for people to slow down. The blue sky, red houses and green trees are all reflected on the river. I was in a trance for a moment, where was the sky and where was the river. People who are tired from walking stop for a drink at a coffee house by the river, look at the sky, listen to the sound of water, and forget what night it is.

The river water comes from the mountain stream, it is clear and pure, but I still resisted the urge to grab a handful and drink it, and did not jump in to play in the water like the Europeans. I just want to sit quietly by the river, watching the waves rise, and can't bear to disturb its tranquility.

Every famous city has famous people living there. The town of CK also briefly housed the Expressionist painter Egon Schiele. Although this deviant painter left works in the town, he was later expelled from the town due to his unruly lifestyle such as living together without marriage and hiring teenage girls to paint nudes. The human body has perished, but the stories and works have been handed down forever.

Walking to the river valley is the lowest point in the town. That day there was a man who was fishing with his fishing rod as if no one else was watching. I curiously asked the tour guide, what should I do if the fish is caught?

When I asked, what flashed through my mind was whether to make pickled fish, steamed fish or braised fish.

The tour guide looked at me strangely and replied: Put it back in the river.

I am glad that I did not express the evil thoughts in my heart. What fishermen enjoy is just the pleasure of catching fish, not the fish. I miss eating it wherever I go, and the Chinese are probably ranked number one in the world.

The town of Cesky Krumlov lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful town in the world. Whether you come for history, literature, art, opera, natural scenery or ghost stories, you will come back with a rich experience. And it is the hometown of Bohemia.

(This article is revised from an old article in 2016. For more information, please go to Cesky Krumlov’s official website)