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Fleeing from the Hustle and Bustle, Embarking on a Poetic Invitation of Mountains and Rivers

Dream-seeking in Western Sichuan: A Spiritual Roaming from the Smoky Chengdu to the Fairyland of Jiuzhaigou

By Li BaiPublished 9 months ago 6 min read

Living amidst the ceaseless hustle and bustle of the prosperous metropolis for an extended period, my soul has become acutely attuned to the yearning for the pure, unadulterated embrace of nature. It is a longing that transcends the mundane, a call to escape the concrete jungle and immerse myself in the raw beauty of the natural world. And so, with a heart full of anticipation and a spirit eager for adventure, I made the resolute decision to embark on a journey—a pilgrimage, if you will—from the vibrant city of Chengdu, a place teeming with life and earthly delights, to the ethereal wonderland of Jiuzhaigou. Little did I know that this journey would not only be a physical odyssey but also a profound exploration of self, a spiritual sojourn that would leave an indelible mark on my soul.

As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, Chengdu, still wrapped in the gentle embrace of slumber, exuded a tranquil charm. The city streets, usually bustling with activity, were quiet, as if holding their breath in anticipation of the day ahead. With a sense of excitement coursing through my veins, I boarded the vehicle that would carry me on this unforgettable journey. As the car pulled away from the familiar streets of the city, a sense of liberation washed over me. The urban landscape gradually faded into the distance, replaced by the vast expanse of open countryside. The world outside the window seemed to expand, and my visual field widened with each passing mile.

The road ahead wound its way through rolling hills and verdant valleys, a serpentine ribbon of asphalt that led us deeper into the heart of nature. On either side of the road, the majestic peaks of the mountains rose up, their slopes covered in a lush tapestry of green. The Min River, a powerful and untamed force of nature, flowed alongside us, its waters rushing and churning as it made its way towards the sea. The sound of the river, a symphony of rushing water and crashing waves, filled the air, a constant reminder of the raw power and beauty of the natural world.

As we journeyed further north, we passed through the town of Wenchuan, a place that had endured great tragedy but had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. The sight of the brand-new county town, with its modern buildings and bustling streets, was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human race. Every brick, every stone, seemed to tell the story of a community that had refused to be defeated, a story of hope and renewal in the face of adversity.

Continuing our journey, we ascended higher and higher into the mountains, the air growing thinner and cooler with each passing mile. As we reached the town of Chuanzhusi, the majestic snow-capped mountains came into view, their peaks towering above the clouds like giants. The sight of these mountains, their slopes covered in a blanket of snow and ice, was truly awe-inspiring. It was as if we had entered a different world, a world of beauty and wonder that was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.

In the Tibetan-style town of Chuanzhusi, the air was filled with the sound of fluttering prayer flags and the sweet aroma of incense. The colorful flags, each one inscribed with prayers and mantras, danced in the wind, a symbol of hope and spirituality. As I walked through the town, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me. It was as if the cares and worries of the world had melted away, replaced by a sense of inner calm and serenity.

After a brief rest in Chuanzhusi, we resumed our journey towards Jiuzhaigou. The scenery along the way continued to take my breath away, with each turn of the road revealing a new and more beautiful vista. The mountain forests, which had initially been a uniform shade of green, now exploded into a riot of colors as the autumn foliage began to change. The leaves, in shades of red, orange, and yellow, seemed to glow in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we reached our destination—the magical wonderland of Jiuzhaigou. As I stepped through the entrance of the scenic area, I felt as if I had entered a different world, a world of beauty and wonder that was beyond my wildest imagination. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of pine and wildflowers, and the sound of birdsong and the gentle murmur of water filled my ears. It was as if I had been transported to a place of pure magic, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred.

The lakes of Jiuzhaigou were unlike anything I had ever seen before. Their waters were so clear that I could see the bottom of the lake, even at great depths. Under the refraction of the sunlight, the lakes took on a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from deep blues and greens to vibrant oranges and yellows. Each lake was like a precious gem, nestled in the midst of the mountains, its beauty and brilliance unparalleled.

One of the highlights of my visit to Jiuzhaigou was the Shuzheng Lakes Cluster. This series of interconnected lakes and waterfalls was a sight to behold, with each lake more beautiful than the last. As I walked along the wooden plank road that wound its way through the cluster, I was surrounded by a world of natural beauty. The waterfalls, with their cascading waters and misty rainbows, were a sight to behold, a testament to the power and beauty of nature.

Another unforgettable sight in Jiuzhaigou was the Pearl Shoal Waterfall. This majestic waterfall, with its thundering waters and misty spray, was a sight to behold. As I stood at the base of the waterfall, I could feel the power of the water as it crashed down into the pool below. The sound of the waterfall, a deafening roar that filled the air, was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. It was as if I was standing in the presence of a force of nature, a force that was both powerful and beautiful.

But perhaps the most beautiful sight in Jiuzhaigou was the Five-Color Pond. This small, but incredibly beautiful lake was a true masterpiece of nature. Its waters, which changed color depending on the angle of the sunlight and the time of day, were a riot of colors, ranging from deep blues and greens to vibrant oranges and yellows. Standing on the viewing platform, overlooking the pond, I felt as if I was looking at a painting, a painting that had been created by the hand of God.

The Long Lake, the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, was another sight to behold. This vast, tranquil lake, with its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, was a place of peace and tranquility. As I stood on the shore of the lake, looking out at the mountains and the sky, I felt a sense of peace and serenity wash over me. It was as if I was standing at the edge of the world, a world that was both beautiful and infinite.

Every moment spent in Jiuzhaigou was a moment of pure bliss, a moment when I felt truly alive. The beauty and wonder of this place were beyond words, a place that touched my soul in a way that I had never experienced before. This journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou was not just a physical journey; it was a spiritual journey, a journey that had allowed me to connect with nature, to connect with myself, and to find a sense of peace and tranquility that I had been searching for my entire life. It was a journey that I would never forget, a journey that would stay with me forever.

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