houtong, cutes

When your job is trash but you still manage to stay positive!

In the labyrinthine alleys of Houtong, I stumbled upon an unexpected delight—a yellow trash bin that beamed at me with an infectious smile. This wasn't just any bin; it was adorned with red paw prints and exuded a whimsical charm that seemed out of place yet perfectly fitting for this quirky village. The walls around it were painted with cartoonish cats, their wide eyes and playful expressions echoing the lighthearted spirit of the place. As I wandered further, potted plants lined the corridors, adding a touch of greenery to the otherwise concrete surroundings. People moved about leisurely, their faces lit up with curiosity and amusement. Houtong may have been built on coal and industry once upon a time, but today it thrives on joy and whimsy. It's as if the village itself decided to shed its old skin and embrace a new identity—one that celebrates the trivial yet profound happiness found in the everyday.