Ancient Alleys of Yiyang

　　   In the areas of Day码头 (Big Wharf) and San堡三带 (Three Forts and Three Belts) in Yiyang’s old town, there are many ancient alleys built during the late Qing Dynasty. These alleys are winding and secluded, with both sides built from blue bricks, adorned with arched decorations at the top, and paved with bluestone slabs. The narrow, long alleys crisscross one another. Many of the ancient residences, built with stone foundations and blue bricks, feature exquisitely carved brick plaques and plaster ornaments above their doorframes. Grass dragons are painted along the gables, and ink paintings adorn the beams beneath the roofs. These ancient alleys are living witnesses to history, having recorded the transformations of Yiyang through the ages. Through the few remaining alleys, one can still faintly glimpse the profound cultural and historical heritage of Yiyang. Today, wild grass and moss cover the blue brick and gray walls of these alleys. Though they no longer bustle with the noise and prosperity of the past, they now carry an added sense of historical weight.