The seven-kilometer country road is not entirely an ankle-deep muddy dirt track.
Occasionally, one stumbles upon a section of cracked concrete pavement. Though riddled with spider web-like cracks, with edges weathered and crumbling, it barely offers a few firm footholds.
Unfortunately, the lifespan of concrete pavements is only about thirty years.
Beyond that time limit, the condition of the road surfaces deteriorates year by year, let alone now that eighty years have passed.
The remaining chunks of concrete are embedded in the mud like foam, and stepping on them forcefully would result in a brittle "crack" sound, as if they might shatter into dust at any moment.
After setting off a little past ten and hiking for nearly two hours, the outline of Dapo Town's ruins finally emerged at the end of the view.
Unlike the vast and oppressive ruins of Chuan City, the low buildings here inexplicably give one a sense of familiarity.
