Tucked away in the remote and mysterious Sichuan Province of China lies a natural wonder, the Jiu Ding Mountains. As an adventurous and exploratory American traveler, I was fortunate enough to set foot on this land and experience an unforgettable horseback journey. The following is a detailed account of my journey.
Departure: Yearning for the magnificence of Jiu Ding Mountain
With infinite longing for Jiu Ding Mountain, I embarked on my journey to Sichuan. Upon arrival, I quickly made contact with my local guide and horse team, ready to begin my adventure. The horses were ready to go, looking strong and robust, they were a great companion for my adventure.
Through the Fog: Exploring the Mysteries of Jiuqu Creek
As the horses traveled, we gradually went deeper and deeper into the hinterland of Jiu Ding Mountain. At first, the fog was so thick and white that we could not see anything. But the air in the mountains was exceptionally fresh and invigorating. Under the guidance of the guide, we walked along the winding mountain road, dismounted from time to time to rest, enjoying this rare peace and freedom.
Suddenly, a small stream appeared in the fog, which quietly flowed above the alpine meadows, this is the legendary Jiuqu Stream. Although the fog blocked my sight, I could feel the tranquility and mystery. After dismounting, I carefully crossed the stream and tried to explore its source. However, a step into the soft mud put me in a state of embarrassment. Luckily, I was well-equipped and eventually managed to get out.
Thrilling moments: challenges on horseback
As I gained altitude, the trail became steeper and muddier. On an uphill climb, my horse suddenly slipped and nearly threw me off. At that moment, my heart was in my throat, but with the horseman's timely rescue and my calm response, I was able to overcome the danger. This experience made me deeply realize the excitement and danger of horseback adventure.
The beauty under the husband and wife tree: the colorful forest surrounded by clouds and mist
Continuing our journey, we came to a place called “Husband and Wife Tree”. At this time, the fog gradually dispersed, and the colorful alpine trees appeared in front of my eyes, like dancers in colorful costumes, dancing in the breeze. Not far away from the mountains, the white fog is still moving slowly in the colorful forest, like a fairyland.
I quickly picked up the camera to record the beauty of this moment. In the camera, the cloudy colorful forest is like a dreamy painting, which makes people intoxicated. And that a white horse in the clouds and mist at times, but also added a few points of mystery and romance.
Night at the base camp: campfire under the starry sky
In the evening, we arrived at the base camp. Here is a campsite consisting of a dozen tents of various sizes, which is simple but full of the warmth of home. After nightfall, we sat around the campfire, enjoying the rare peace and warmth. Under the starry sky, we talked about each other's stories and dreams, as if the whole world had become so small.
The way down: a memorable adventure
Early the next morning, we set off down the mountain. Compared to going up the mountain, going down the mountain on horseback was even more thrilling and exciting. The horse's hooves slipping on the muddy trail kept me on my toes. But the beautiful scenery along the way made me forget my fear and fatigue, and I just wanted to enjoy this rare adventure experience to the fullest.
As the horses traveled, we gradually moved away from the Nine Peaks. But the magnificence and mystery stayed in my heart forever. This Jiu Ding Mountain horseback adventure not only let me appreciate the nature's ingenious work, but also let me harvest the courage and self-confidence. I believe that in the days to come, I will take this valuable experience to continue traveling and explore more unknown world.
