World Natural Heritage World Geopark The First National Forest Park of China
Once a sage said, “Journey itself is a baptism of the spirit.” I strongly echo this sentiment after my second travel experience in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
It was one year ago that I paid my first visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Frankly, it failed to leave me with a deep impression. Maybe it was partly due to my unsuitable visiting time, which was on a gray day.
On this February, my buddy humorously said to me "Hi, why not go to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park before the doomsday." Thereby, I started my second journey on a lovely weekend.
We only carried a bag packed with biscuits, two warm coats just in case, and a camera in hand.
One hour by bus we arrived at the gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. At the very beginning, I did not find there to be anything new when comparing with my first time I came here. Leisurely, we entered the ticket gate and saw a tour group taking photos in front of the huge stone, which boldly read Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Chinese. Continuing our journey, unexpectedly, we saw several monkeys bravely walking close to a visitor with a plastic bag in hand.
The first spot that we visited was the lovers’ lock. We did not mingle with the tour group at this spot. Instead, we moved on alone. Minutes later, a turnoff came into view. Going straight leads to the Golden Whip Stream, while turning left is the way to Huangshi Village. We chose the latter.
On the roadside, firstly, there were only fences. We stepped on the slope easily. Suddenly a clump of pink and yellow flowers caught my eye. "Look! So beautiful!”, surprisedly I shouted out. On a closer look, we recognized that they were peach flowers. However, I have never seen these before. They were like elves with pink, yellow and white dress, dancing to the wind on the top of twigs; we joyfully took several pictures and then continued our journey.
It took us no less than three hours to arrive at Huangshi Village. There is a saying which goes like this: "Only when you have been to Huangshi Village can you truly catch the beauty of Zhangjiajie." We can obviously realize now how it matters.
Mountains surrounding Huangshi Village are seen in different shapes which look like a sword, a needle, or a dragon, even a skyscraper of modern cities. With fog embraced mountains, they are more charming, and make you feel as if you were placed in the heaven. What is more, they possess their particular names, such as Dan Gourd, Couple's Rock, and Platform for Reaching the Stars.... The spot especially echoes each other at a distance with “Waiting for a Lover” and “Couple’s Rock,” forming one integrate story which narrates the couples leaving each other for a long time and meeting again. We were quietly amazed by what we have seen. How incredible nature's work is.
There is no denying that my second journey to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park gives me an indelible memory. When placed amongst the towering mountains and misty fog, I was enchanted totally and deeply.
Source and Translated by Aileen
