Finding a spot in Wuhu’s city center that fit this recording project’s theme was nearly impossible, but a sentimental taxi driver pointed me to Yuncao, a small town on the Yangtze’s north bank. Water transport (caoyun) is the origin of Wuhu’s name, hinting at stories embedded in the town’s identity. Recently turned into a tourist spot, it was still free of visitors, with shops and residents all locals, unhurried and unprepared for tourists—perfect for my experience and recording. 

I arrived during breakfast time, with few vehicles around. Shopkeepers sauntered to open their stores, and kids were nudged to school. Local women spoke loudly, sounding like they were arguing, but were just chatting about daily life. Without the hum of scooters, this scene could belong to any era past.

Recorded by Digimonk.