Source: Hebei Daily. Recently, Wang Wanwan (first from the right) provided drinks for cycling tourists at the Hutuo River Ecological Green Corridor. Photo by our reporter Shi Sheng
Our reporter Han Li and trainee reporter Hou Miao
On the evening of August 1st, a green old-fashioned Santana stopped at the Hutuo River Ecological Green Corridor in Taihu Lake Park, Gaocheng District, Shijiazhuang City. Car owner Wang Wanwan and his wife Xiao Aililuo opened the trunk and quickly put the simple equipment in place. A few minutes later, the coffee machine buzzed and the rich aroma of coffee was lingering.
The gentle river breeze and fragrant aroma attract citizens and tourists who stroll, camp, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Two American style drinks with plenty of ice, or a vanilla latte… Drinking coffee, people lean against the coffee truck and take a photo. In the picture, the clouds are like a brocade, and the Hutuo River is rippling with blue waves.
After seeing off a group of tourists, Wang Wanwan found time to sit on a folding chair, facing the river, taking a deep breath of fresh air. "It's still a familiar scent, and every time I come back, I feel particularly at ease," he said
His fate with this river is not shallow. More than a decade ago, as a wedding photographer, he often brought clients to take river scenery photos. At that time, the Hutuo River was completely devoid of its current beautiful scenery. The vegetation on the riverbank is sparse, with only many large stones. In winter, the river dries up. In order to produce the film, he could only lead the guests to step on a stone and shoot, revealing a little bit of water. "The camera needs to be precisely controlled, and if you shake your hand a little, you'll wear a mask." Thinking back to that time, Wang Wanwan felt a lot.
Time changes, ecology rejuvenates. In recent years, a series of ecological restoration projects and comprehensive management have been continuously promoted. Nowadays, the Hutuo River is shimmering with waves and lush green spaces along the banks. The background is beautiful, it looks good no matter how you shoot it, "Wang Wanwan said with a smile.
In January 2024, Wang Wanwan decided to switch careers and make coffee. He converted a green Santana into a coffee truck and, together with his floral wife Xiao Ai, wanted to create an artistic "riverside mobile coffee shop".
At the beginning, we couldn't sell three or four cups in a week. They drive their cars every day, walking and stopping along the Hutuo River, taking some photos to record, which is also free and romantic.
The transfer occurred in May of that year. The young couple drove their car to the vicinity of Taihu Lake and casually took a video. The water and grass were lush and beautiful, with scattered wildflowers swaying. The female protagonist walked leisurely under the sunset. I didn't expect the comment section to explode as soon as the video was posted – "This is not just a casual shot, this is a blockbuster" "Where is the address, I want to go too!" "Altay in Shijiazhuang". In a short period of time, it brought millions of traffic.
The green coffee truck by the Hutuo River has become a topic of conversation, attracting many people. They all came here for the beautiful scenery. Appreciating the scenery and enjoying coffee is a beautiful thing, "Wang Wanwan said, flipping through chat records. There were couples who drove more than 400 kilometers from Kaifeng, Henan, as well as friends from Beijing and Shanxi, and even many international students in China who came specifically to check in. On weekends or holidays, the business was booming, and at most I made over 200 cups a day, "he said proudly.
The heat is growing, but the original intention remains unchanged. After entering winter, the couple had the idea of opening a shop. Last October, "Million Coffee" opened in the courtyard of the old factory building on Dianchang Street. The business in the store is booming, but Wang Wanwan always misses the days of hanging cars by the river. This spring, he occasionally drove his car to the river. Every time I shout in the group, my old friends come, either for business or to catch up in the old place, "Wang Wanwan said with a smile.
As usual, twenty glasses of ice cream American style. Brothers are waiting at the campsite over there! "Old customer Zhang Junhua, a local of Gaocheng, expressed his feelings about the changes of the Hutuo River in just a few words. When I was a child, the water quality here was poor and it was all mud and sand. Look now, those who fly kites, set up tents, and sing on the grass feel different and comfortable
A crisp train bell rang from far to near, and cycling enthusiast Tian Yize stopped the bike with one foot. Sweating profusely, he said, "Boss, three glasses of sparkling water, ice!" He leaned against the bike and looked at the river. We come cycling every week, with blue waves flowing on one side and lush greenery stretching on the other. The scenery along the way is pleasing to the eye. When we get tired, we can recite 'heart piercing coolness' and have fun
The sunset set in the west, casting a warm golden glaze on the river water. The tents on the shore were gradually put away, and Wang Wanwan quickly packed up his equipment. The green coffee truck slowly drove away along the riverbank, and the sound of the Hutuo River gurgled.