In that early spring of 2019, which was full of variables, a young explorer from the United States, Amy, decided to put down her job at hand and embarked on a self-driving trip to Western Sichuan, China, with five like-minded friends. They were curious about the unknown world and eager to find inner peace and freedom in the vast nature.
Amy's plan was to fly from the U.S. to Chengdu, China, where they rented a car and traveled west to visit the legendary Jiuzhaigou, the Dagu Glacier, and countless other beautiful sights along the way. Before they left, they did their homework, knowing that traveling during an epidemic requires the preparation of health codes, masks, and other protective gear, and they also made special reservations for tickets to Jiuzhaigou and Dagu Glacier, as the attractions in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture require advance bookings.
When Amy and her group arrived in Chengdu, it was already late at night. They chose the “Blue City Yue Xing Hot Spring Gourmet Hotel” near the Broad and Narrow Alley as their stopover. The hotel was very well protected against the epidemic, which made Amy feel very comfortable. Although the central air conditioning could not be turned on due to the epidemic, the warmth of Chengdu's climate made this less important. The hotel's complimentary snacks every afternoon were a big hit with Amy, especially the dan dan noodles, which were so delicious that she almost swallowed her tongue. The hot springs were small, but a hot bath after a busy day was certainly the greatest treat.
The next day, Amy and her group couldn't wait to start their self-driving adventure. Starting from Chengdu, they traveled all the way north, aiming for Jiuzhaigou. Along the way, they passed through Dujiangyan and Wenchuan, and were amazed by the scenery along the way. Especially when the vehicle drove into the mountainous area, the altitude gradually increased, the distant snowy mountains came into view, they seemed to have entered a whole new world. Although there was a delay in the Wenchuan section due to the registration of health codes and ID cards, it also gave them a chance to learn more about the local culture and customs.
After a long day of driving, Amy and her group finally arrived at the mouth of Jiuzhaigou at nightfall. Tired and exhausted, they chose a hotel to stay in, and despite the cold wind outside, the warmth provided by the hotel made them feel very comfortable. Early the next morning, they entered the gate of Jiuzhaigou with great anticipation. The scenery here was breathtakingly beautiful, with lakes high up in the mountains set like jewels between the hills, and the blue water glistening charmingly in the sunlight. Amy sighed, this is really a heaven on earth!
After visiting Jiuzhaigou, Amy and her group drove to the next stop – Dagu Glacier. The road was much tougher than they had imagined, with winding mountain passes, but they persevered for the sake of the yearning in their hearts. When the vehicle finally stopped in front of the gate of Dagu Glacier, they became the last wave of tourists who booked into the park that day. Sitting on the scenic transportation bus, they enjoyed the roadside scenery all the way, and from time to time they could also see monkeys foraging for food on the roadside. After arriving at the foot of the snow-covered mountain, they began the difficult climb. Although the altitude was as high as 4860 meters and the air was thin, they finally climbed to the top of the mountain by virtue of their strong will and the oxygen bottles in their hands. The scenery in front of them made them feel that all the efforts were worthwhile. The pale snowy land, the lonely café, every place was a perfect place for taking photos.
After leaving Dagu Glacier, Amy and her group drove to Gurgu Hot Spring Hotel. This hotel was famous for its hot springs and was their last stop on this trip. Here, they could enjoy the comfort and coziness of the hot springs. Although the weather was not good that day and they could not see the snowy mountains in the distance, soaking in the hot spring in the cold air had a special flavor. While soaking in the hot spring, they chatted about the details of the trip and their hearts were full of satisfaction and happiness.
The driving trip to western Sichuan was an unforgettable experience for Amy. She saw the magnificence and magic of nature and experienced the fun of exploring with friends. Despite the difficulties and challenges encountered during the trip, it was these experiences that made their friendship deeper and made Amy cherish every adventure and exploration in her life. She believes that there will be more beautiful scenery waiting for them to discover and conquer in the days to come.
