Tucked away in southwest China's Sichuan Province are the breathtaking natural wonders of Four Girls Mountains and Jiuzhaigou. This land not only attracts the world's attention with its unparalleled beauty, but also with its simple Tibetan flavor. One of my trips was an in-depth exploration of this mysterious plateau.
In early fall, I embarked on a journey to Four Girls Mountains. My heart was filled with anticipation and a touch of anxiety, after all, this is a solo adventure. In order to ensure a smooth journey, I made full preparations. In the days leading up to my departure, I purchased a professional backpack, sleeping bag and moisture-proof mat, and borrowed a two-person tent. Food and medicine were also essential, although I later realized that carrying too much food was a bit awkward.
Purchasing tickets became my first priority, however, the tightness of train tickets caught me a little off guard. Eventually, with the help of a kind old lady, I was able to sort out my ticket, albeit paying a little extra for it. The moment I stepped on the train, I knew that an unforgettable journey was about to begin.
After a long journey, I finally arrived in Chengdu. However, due to the late arrival of the train, I missed the bus to Rilong Town of Four Girls Mountains. I had no choice but to spend the night in Chengdu city. The next morning, I came to Ximen Station early and finally stepped on the shuttle bus to Rilong.
The passengers on the bus were all different, some were chatting, singing, eating, and others like me, quietly looking out the window, filled with curiosity about the unknown. On the way, I got to know a few travelers who were also going to Four Girls Mountains, including Fatty and his three Guangzhou netizens. Their enthusiasm and cheerfulness filled me with more expectation for this trip.
After arriving at Rilong, we faced the problem of accommodation. After much trouble, we finally found an inn and set up a tent with Fatty and his netizens. At night, we sat around the campfire and shared our stories and dreams. At that moment, I deeply felt the warmth and connection between people.
The next morning, we set off on our journey to Changpinggou. The Four Girls Mountains Scenic Area consists of three parts: Changpinggou, Shuangqiaogou and Haizigou, of which Changpinggou is famous for its treacherous mountain paths and charming scenery. We traveled along the winding mountain road, passing through attractions such as Tangbai Old Road and Dead Tree Beach on the way. Every step was full of challenges and surprises, and I was mesmerized by the magnificent snow-capped mountains and virgin forests.
During the trip, I also met an alumnus from Beijing, Yik. He added a lot of fun to our trip. We visited the Haziping, Five-color Mountain, Sun and Moon Mirror and other attractions in Shuangqiaogou together, and felt the nature's ingenious workmanship. Despite the bumpy road, the car was full of laughter, and we enjoyed this wonderful time.
After leaving Four Girls Mountains, I traveled to Jiuzhaigou, which I had long desired. Jiuzhaigou is famous for its crystal clear lakes, gorgeous forests and ancient Tibetan villages. I traveled slowly along the trestle, enjoying the unique scenery of each sea. From the Bonsai Beach to the Sea of Reeds, from the Wolong Sea to the Rhinoceros Sea, to the Sea of Five Flowers and the Panda Sea, every place was picturesque and mesmerizing.
However, with the increase in the number of tourists, Jiuzhaigou's tranquility and primitive gradually broken. Those ancient Tibetan villages were flooded with tourist souvenir stalls, and the sincere smiles of Tibetan compatriots could no longer be seen. This made me feel a little disappointed, after all, the purpose of travel is to find nature and freshness, not to see those commercialized “paradise”.
Nonetheless, the trip left a deep impression on me. I witnessed the magnificence of Four Girls Mountains and the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, and made many like-minded friends. During the trip, we experienced laughter and difficulties together, and these memories will become the most valuable treasure in my life.
Nowadays, when I think back to that time, my heart is still full of gratitude and nostalgia. That trip not only let me enjoy the magic and beauty of nature, but also let me learn to cherish and be grateful. I believe that in the days to come, I will take this precious experience and memory with me and continue to explore this world full of wonders.
