Climbing Mount Tai, Visiting Famous Lakes, and Seeing Grasslands: A 12-Day Leisurely Trip by Train and Plane in Shandong and Inner Mongolia
I had been to Shandong and Inner Mongolia before, but had never climbed Mount Tai, leaving a lingering regret. Taking advantage of the best season now, I booked a train sleeper ticket to Mount Tai for 260 yuan and a hotel for 140 yuan.
D1. I took the subway (4 yuan) from home with my wife to Xi'an Railway Station. After renovation, Xi'an Railway Station still exudes the charm of the Qin Dynasty, majestic and magnificent. Along the way, we passed through Shaanxi, Henan, Jiangsu, Hebei, and Shandong, enjoying the scenery outside the window. On the train, I had a simple meal of instant noodles, eggs, and vegetables for 18 yuan to fill our stomachs. After 13 hours, we arrived at Tai'an Railway Station at midnight. The hotel was 500 meters in front of the station. We walked a few minutes, ate a bowl of beef noodles for 12 yuan on the way, and checked in at the hotel next door to rest.
Mount Tai, the most revered of the Five Great Mountains, is located in Taishan District, Tai'an City. The district covers an area of nearly 300 square kilometers and has a population of about 800,000. The Mount Tai Scenic Area features undulating peaks, deep valleys, and a highest elevation (Yuhuangding) of 1532.7 meters, making it the highest peak in Shandong Province. The surrounding area consists of low mountains, hills, and alluvial plains, which are relatively flat. Hence the feeling when standing atop: "I will ascend to the summit and see all mountains at a glance."
D2. After breakfast, we left the hotel and walked straight along the main road to Mount Tai. After 40 minutes, we reached the Tianwaicun Scenic Area entrance at the foot of the mountain. I bought a walking stick for 5 yuan, planning to take the cable car up the mountain. However, we were told the cable car here was suspended for maintenance and we could take the Taohuayu cable car instead. So we decided to go the next day. On the way back to the hotel on foot, we enjoyed the park scenery and streetscape. At a small restaurant, we tried local snacks and drinks for 79 yuan, then went back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. When extending our hotel stay, we encountered the warm hospitality of Shandong: the hotel receptionist noticed my self-booked price was a bit high and proactively helped me use her phone to save a few dozen yuan. In the afternoon, we went to the supermarket to buy fruits and food for the mountain climb, spending 152 yuan. Another pleasant surprise: my glasses broke, so I went to an optical shop to get a part replaced. It was fixed on the spot, free of charge, and they warmly invited me to sit down and offered tea. For dinner, we ate at a nearby small restaurant, spending 93 yuan.
D3. After breakfast, we took a taxi (28 yuan) to the Taohuayu Scenic Area cable car entrance. The ticket and one-way shuttle bus cost 35 yuan (senior half price), and the one-way cable car was 150 yuan (senior 100 yuan). During the cable car ride up, we enjoyed the aerial scenery and easily reached Tianjie (Heavenly Street). Walking along Tianjie, which looks like an ordinary commercial street, had a unique charm. The hard work of the porters was vividly displayed. After passing Tianjie, we walked and climbed steps, quickly reaching Nantianmen (South Heavenly Gate). A short distance further, at the top, was Yuhuangding (Jade Emperor Peak), where many people gathered. Overlooking the land below, we saw everything at a glance—the surrounding green undulating mountains set against a blue sky and white clouds, truly magnificent. It gave us the feeling of "I will ascend to the summit and see all mountains at a glance." One could say, "Roaming through Shaanxi, Henan, Jiangsu, Shandong, and beyond, harmonizing heaven, earth, people, and gods. The emperors performed the Fengshan ceremony on Mount Tai, and now the five great mountains are no longer the same."
After descending the mountain, we took a bus (4 yuan) back to the hotel. At a nearby dumpling restaurant, we spent 86 yuan tasting local specialty dumplings. "There's nothing better than lying down, and nothing tastier than dumplings."
D4. After breakfast, we took a pre-booked train from Tai'an to Jinan (12 yuan). After about an hour's journey, we arrived at Jinan Railway Station. The hotel we booked for 150 yuan was 500 meters in front of the station, a few minutes' walk away. Jinan, also known as the City of Springs, is the capital of Shandong Province and a sub-provincial megacity, covering an area of over 10,000 square kilometers with a population of nearly 10 million.
After resting and freshening up, we took a bus (2 yuan) to visit the old street "Daguan Garden" in Jinan. The architecture here has an antique charm, basically a commercial district. At noon, we sampled traditional Jinan cuisine for 45 yuan.
After an afternoon nap, we rode shared bikes to wander around and experience the blend of old streets and new roads, feeling the profound cultural heritage of Qilu. Quancheng Park, located on the outskirts, is a scenic botanical garden with an excellent geographical location and beautiful natural environment. It is a great place for citizens to relax and is also China's largest urban park. Wulongtan Park, opposite the north gate of Baotu Spring, is part of the Baotu Spring group. With beautiful scenery and a long history, it is a worthwhile place to enjoy gardens, flowers, and water.
Daming Lake is the largest urban water park in Jinan. We specifically changed hotels to stay right opposite its north gate, making it convenient to visit in the evening. The park is free for citizens.
D5. After breakfast, we took a taxi (12 yuan) to Baotu Spring. The ticket was 40 yuan (half price for those over 60). Baotu Spring, known as the "Number One Spring under Heaven," is located in the center of Jinan and is a national 5A scenic area, a famous cultural garden centered on springs and cultural landscapes. It is the symbol of Jinan, hence the city's nickname "Spring City." Here is the former residence of Li Qingzhao, a famous Song Dynasty poetess. It is small and exquisite, with elegant scenery; wax figures display scenes of her life. There are large ancient building complexes and many stone carvings with poems by famous figures from various dynasties. Pavilions, stone tables, and stone benches allow visitors to rest and appreciate the springs. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong once sat here, sipping tea and enjoying the springs. The spring pools glisten, the pavilions are resplendent, and the environment is quiet and pleasant—a fairyland on earth that makes people linger.
After visiting until noon, we took a taxi (10 yuan) to Baihuatan, the ancient city of Jinan. Baihuazhou Historical and Cultural Block, located in the center of Jinan's old city, is the core area of natural and cultural heritage. It is also the core commercial district of "a city with half its scenery as lakes." The traditional streets and alleys are well-preserved, rich in traditional architecture. Visitors to Jinan often repeat the popular line: "Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?" In fact, Xia Yuhe's story is not invented by "My Fair Princess" but comes from folklore. In Baihuazhou, there was a stream called "Yuhe Stream," an alley called "Yuhe Alley," and a courtyard called "Yuhe Residence," commemorating the love story of Xia Yuhe and Emperor Qianlong.
A pot of tea for the emperor, endless longing for the commoners. Impressions from visiting Daming Lake. (Roaming by Daming Lake, searching for traces of Xia Yuhe, tasting delicious food on Furong Street, a leisurely trip to Jinan.)
Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong visited, accompanied by his minister Liu Yong (Lord Luo Guo), they came to Daming Lake to see the lotus. Walking through streets and alleys along the lake, they arrived at Qushuiting Street, with arched bridges, streams, gurgling springs, and green water plants—a unique scenery. Someone was playing the guqin. Following the sound, the emperor saw a beautiful maiden playing "High Mountains and Flowing Water" by the shore. Qianlong approached and chatted with her; she was Xia Yuhe.
As an emperor, Qianlong was handsome, talented, and had an aura. Xia Yuhe, from a wealthy family, was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was also beautiful. They fell into a love affair. Every day, Qianlong and Xia Yuhe enjoyed flowers and willows, talked about love, played chess, wrote poems, and boated on Daming Lake, inseparable.
Liu Yong advised the emperor, "Steal a moment of leisure to play chess; seek peace in bustle and make tea." It was time to return to the capital to govern the country. Although reluctant, Qianlong told Xia Yuhe he had to leave.
Xia Yuhe was heartbroken but understanding. She left a poem for Qianlong: "You should be like a rock, I should be like cattail grass. Cattail grass is tough as silk, and the rock does not shift." Qianlong sighed and said, "After I return to Beijing, I will send someone to fetch you."
While Xia Yuhe waited, the wealthy Zhang family's son wanted to marry her, causing great distress to the Xia family. When Liu Yong learned of this, he made a plaque inscribed "Zhilan Di" and had it hung at the Xia family's gate. This plaque intimidated the people of Jinan, as it was written by a trusted minister of the emperor. Who would dare to cause trouble? Now the "Zhilan Di" courtyard has been converted into "Baihuazhou Theater."
After Qianlong turned away, Xia Yuhe's willows turned yellow and grass withered. After years of longing day and night, she eventually fell ill and died. Some say Qianlong was heartless, but not entirely. Folklore has its jokes, but Jinan's history has its depth.
We had lunch at a small restaurant in the ancient city, spending 18 yuan per person. Then we took a taxi (10 yuan) back to the hotel to rest.
D6. After breakfast, we stepped out of the hotel and across the street was the north gate of Daming Lake Scenic Area. Strolling around, the scenery was everywhere. The lake covers 58 hectares, a natural lake, and is a national 5A scenic area open to the public for free.
The historic buildings around Daming Lake are famous worldwide: "one pavilion, three gardens, three towers, four shrines, six islands, seven bridges, ten pavilions"—elegant and grand. The area combines leisure and sightseeing, recreating the spring city's feature of "lotus on four sides, willows on three, a city with half its scenery as lakes." Daming Lake Park has gradually developed into a multifunctional tourism area integrating sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining, blending modernity with tradition.
Walking through the shade and crossing small bridges, we went from the north gate to the south gate. Across the street was the Baihuazhou Historical and Cultural Block in the ancient city. We visited again, had lunch at a small restaurant, delicious and reasonably priced, spending 59 yuan per person.
After lunch, we took a taxi (10 yuan) back to the hotel to rest. Since our train was in the evening, we extended the room for 3 hours as a day-use room for 60 yuan. For dinner, we ate at the steamed bun shop downstairs, ordering authentic Jinan steamed buns and porridge (3 yuan for unlimited refills of various types), spending 12 yuan per person. It was really good. Then we went to the nearby Daming Lake Railway Station to board a train to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia.
D7. We had booked two sleeper tickets from Jinan to Hohhot for 260 yuan, but they were in different compartments. We tried to ask a young man next to us if he could swap. Unexpectedly, in the hospitality of Shandong, we encountered another pleasant surprise: the young man readily agreed to exchange, swapping his lower bunk for my middle bunk without asking for the price difference. I was very grateful and moved. After a 15-hour train journey, we arrived in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. The hotel we booked (150 yuan/night/room) was about 100 meters to the right after exiting the station. The lobby was spacious and bright, and there was a travel agency, which was very convenient. The room was clean and comfortable.
Hohhot, also called Huhehaote (meaning "Green City" in Mongolian), was formerly known as Guisui and nicknamed Qingcheng. It is China's Dairy Capital. As the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, it has a long history and splendid culture. It is a national historical and cultural city, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, the origin of "Hufu Qishe" (barbarian-style clothing and archery), the destination for Wang Zhaojun's marriage to the Xiongnu, the rise of the Xianbei Tuoba tribe, a trading hub for merchants, and a frontier where nomadic and agricultural civilizations converged, clashed, and merged. Today, it serves as a crucial bridge linking the Yellow River Economic Belt, the Eurasian Continental Bridge, and the Bohai Rim Economic Region. It is also an important open border city toward Mongolia and Russia. The city covers an area of nearly 20,000 square kilometers with a population of about 3.5 million.
After checking in and settling down, we had lunch downstairs for 44 yuan. At the travel agency in the hotel lobby, we booked a two-day tour to the grasslands for 300 yuan per person. Then we rested, preparing for the trip the next day.
D8. After breakfast, we checked out and left our luggage at the travel agency. The agency arranged a small car to take us to the bus assembly point. After about two hours' drive, we arrived at the Xilamuren Grassland. The guide joked, "If you can't remember the name, just remember it sounds like 'a grassland with sparse people,' haha." Along the way, the scenery outside was pleasant, and the car speed was fast. There were few people and cars outside, confirming the guide's words. In Mongolian, "Xilamuren" means "Yellow River."
After getting off, we were warmly welcomed by girls in red Mongolian costumes, offering hada (ceremonial scarves) and welcome wine. Then we were assigned cowboy hats, and went horse riding or carriage riding on the grassland. The leading rider taught us some basic horse riding knowledge. For the first time, we rode horses, holding the reins lightly and letting the horses walk together freely. The grassland was vast and flat, making the ride light and pleasant. We arrived at the Aobao (ovoo) hill to enjoy the grassland scenery—a boundless view that made us intoxicated.
After about an hour, we returned to the meeting point and set off for the Hongge'er Grand Aobao. It was built during the time of Khasar, Genghis Khan's younger brother, more than 400 years ago, and is a key scenic area. It recreates the living scenes of 13th-century Mongolians, highlighting their primitive religious beliefs and military fortresses. After getting off, we walked up a wooden plank road, ascending more than 200 meters to the high Aobao platform. It is the "Soul of the Grassland" in the hearts of Mongolians—stone piles built to commemorate heroes who died in wars. An Aobao usually contains relics of heroes and serves as an altar for praying for rain and a road marker on the grassland. People hold sacrificial activities here to pray for blessings and prosperity. Following local customs, we circled the Aobao three times from left to right, praying for a smooth journey and good health.
After visiting the Grand Aobao, we entered the even more stunning Equestrian Performance Square. The grandstand, seating over 2,000 people, was full. A large-scale live equestrian drama "Mannan Legend" performed by over 100 grassland riders was about to begin. According to the guide, it had been performed for many central leaders and was very impressive! With grand music and spectacular scenes, it recreated the Mongolian people's love for peace and their bravery in resisting strong enemies. The warriors returned triumphantly to a festive celebration. This 40-minute drama depicted the heroic scenes of the Mongolian people thriving, growing, and galloping across the grasslands during Genghis Khan's era, making indelible contributions. It allowed visitors to deeply understand the political, cultural, and social evolution of the Mongolian tribes, truly grasping their origins and heritage. The riders displayed superb individual and team skills, showing their bold and fierce character. The large formation recreated scenes from 800 years ago when Mongolians grew and galloped across the grasslands. The scene was spectacular, the plot moving, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.
After the show, we drove to a large yurt group where we would stay overnight. Although made of cement, the yurts had a traditional Mongolian appearance and were equipped like modern hotels. After checking in, the guide arranged for us to attend the "Zhamayan Feast" in the evening. Including all day's activities, the cost per person was 980 yuan, which seemed expensive but was worthwhile.
The Zhamayan Feast is a unique Mongolian celebration feast featuring whole cattle or whole sheep. "Zamaya" in Mongolian means a whole animal with hair removed, i.e., after slaughter, the animal is scalded, gutted, and roasted or boiled whole before being served and shared. This feast originated in the Yuan Dynasty and developed into a luxurious court banquet to entertain relatives, ministers, and attendants. According to Yuan Dynasty Mongolian court etiquette, all attendees dressed in splendid Mongolian noble attire. It was a celebration combining feasting, singing, dancing, games, and competitions—the most extravagant and solemn banquet of the time. We were fortunate to attend that night. While eating and drinking, we watched as Mongolian performers vividly showcased passionate and hospitable Mongolian culture and heritage through lively words, songs, and dances. Many tourists couldn't help joining in the fun. Participating in this grassland tour gave us great visual and culinary pleasure, bringing us much joy.
After the banquet, a bonfire party was scheduled, but due to rain and cold weather, it was canceled—a slight pity.
D9. After breakfast, we took a bus back to the original hotel. The travel agency owner helped us rebook the same hotel at a discount of a few dozen yuan compared to our own booking. We were very grateful.
After freshening up, having lunch, and resting, we used shared bikes to wander around the city, which was very pleasant. The Hohhot Museum (White Horse Museum), the Qing Dynasty Suiyuan City Fuanmen Ruins, Inner Mongolia People's Hall, Times Square, the railway station, and roadside scenes all became beautiful sights in my camera.
The Hohhot Museum (White Horse Museum), built in 1957, is one of Hohhot's historic landmarks. Located in the city center, it is a protected cultural relic at the autonomous region level. With a white horse galloping atop, it is called the "Big White Horse Museum." It covers 12,000 square meters with a building area of 5,400 square meters and an exhibition area of 3,650 square meters. It is open to the public for free.
Across the street is the Qing Dynasty Suiyuan City Fuanmen Ruins, now a small square and park. The ruins building itself was not visible, but the modern architecture was distinctive.
Not far away, the Inner Mongolia People's Hall was magnificent but not open to the public, so I took a photo from afar. Times Square was just a large shopping mall, so we didn't enter; viewed from a distance, it was grand and golden. The railway station seemed to be the old one, with many surrounding buildings and service facilities. The street scenes, in the eyes of this outsider, had a unique style.
We had dinner at a small restaurant opposite the hotel for 23 yuan, then returned to the hotel to rest, preparing for the next day's sightseeing.
D10. After breakfast, we took Metro Line 2 (3 yuan) to Inner Mongolia University South Campus Exit C, then took a ride-hailing car (15 yuan) to Zhaojun Museum. Zhaojun Museum, also known as Zhaojun Tomb or "Qingzhong" (Green Tomb), is the burial site of Wang Zhaojun, a renowned Han Dynasty palace lady. It is located on the south bank of the Dahei River, 9 kilometers south of Hohhot. Built during the Western Han Dynasty (before Christ), it is rammed earth. The tomb is shaped like an inverted bucket, 33 meters high, covering an area of about 13,000 square meters. With a history of over 2,000 years, it is one of the largest Han Dynasty tombs in China. Now it is a national 4A scenic area and a key cultural relic protection unit of Inner Mongolia, covering nearly 700 mu.
After entering, a broad road leads straight to the Zhaojun Tomb at the back. The first thing we saw was a white jade statue of Wang Zhaojun, dignified and beautiful, her long skirt flowing like a fairy descending. Further on was a colorful equestrian statue of Zhaojun and Chanyu (Xiongnu leader), with the Chanyu gazing affectionately at Zhaojun, who responded gracefully. On the left of the road is the China Ancient Heqin (political marriage) Culture Museum, on the right is a TV and video exhibition hall. On the slope of the Zhaojun Tomb hill, steles by emperors, officials, and scholars from various dynasties stand, fully reflecting the respect and admiration for Wang Zhaojun, one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China (known for her ability to make geese fall from the sky).
Wang Zhaojun, named Qiang, courtesy name Zhaojun, childhood name Haoyue, was born in Zigui, Nanjun, Western Han (now Xingshan County, Yichang, Hubei). For the sake of national unity, at age 20, she answered the emperor's call and married Huhanye, the leader of the Southern Xiongnu, a vassal state of the Han Dynasty. Her story of "Zhaojun Going Beyond the Great Wall" became widely known. Today, Zhaojun's tomb shines like a bright pearl on the northern grassland, a world-famous tourist destination. It not only has historical sites, a replica of her hometown, gardens, pavilions, streams, and ponds, but also natural beauty with birdsong and flowers, and unique cultural landscapes, full of poetic charm. After visiting for about two hours, we took a ride-hailing car (20 yuan) back to the metro station, then the metro (3 yuan) back to the hotel to rest. Lunch was again at the small restaurant opposite the hotel, costing 48 yuan.
In the afternoon, we rode a shared bike for about 20 minutes to Qingcheng Park. Located in the city center, Qingcheng Park is a comprehensive cultural and leisure park. It covers 44.82 hectares, with a green coverage rate of 80.8%, known as the natural "green lung" of Hohhot's main urban area. Inside, tall willows and poplars, blooming flowers, singing birds, and a wide lake. The lake center has a pavilion and small island, with clear blue water and white and colorful swans swimming freely. People here sing, dance, walk, and exercise, very pleasant. We stayed until evening, then rode an electric shared bike back to the hotel in 10 minutes to rest.
D11. After breakfast, we rode a shared bike for about ten minutes to the Jiangjunfu (General's Mansion) Site Museum. The General's Mansion, located in the city center, was built in the fourth year of Qianlong (1739). It is one of Hohhot's important historical sites and a key cultural relic protection unit of Inner Mongolia. It was the highest authority governing the Eight Banner garrisons of Manchu, Mongol, and Han troops in Suiyuan City and overseeing military and political affairs in the northwest. The Suiyuan General was a first-rank frontier official of the Qing Dynasty, stationed here as a national grand marshal. After liberation, the mansion served as the office of Suiyuan Provincial People's Government and later Inner Mongolia People's Government. It covers 26,400 square meters and, after many renovations, is now open to the public for free as a multifunctional museum displaying ancient architecture and regional history, recreating the grandeur of "the First Mansion South of the Desert."
After visiting for two hours, we cycled back to the hotel.
After lunch and rest, we cycled for about ten minutes to the Princess's Mansion Park. This is a regional cultural park, with peach blossoms, green willows, winding paths, and pine trees.
There is also a Monument to Anti-Japanese Martyrs, which commands respect. Seventy-four years ago, the 59th Army fought a bloody battle with the enemy for 15 hours, with 367 soldiers sacrificing their lives, ultimately winning the battle. To commemorate the fallen, 203 bodies of the martyrs were buried here, and this monument was erected to honor them forever.
After an hour, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the next day.
D12. After breakfast, we took a taxi (10 yuan) to Dazhao Wuliang Temple. In Chinese, it's called "Wuliang Temple," and in Mongolian, "Yike Zhao" meaning "Great Temple." It is located in the city center. It was founded in 1579 (Ming Dynasty, Wanli reign) by Altan Khan, leader of the Tumed Mongols. It is the earliest-built Lamaist temple in Hohhot, belonging to the Gelug sect (Yellow Hat sect). It is said to be the imperial temple, where Emperor Kangxi once stayed for a few days, making it one of the few temples in Inner Mongolia without a Living Buddha. Dazhao Temple covers an area of over 30,000 square meters, with a building area of over 8,000 square meters. Inside, there is a silver Buddha statue, hence it is also called "Silver Buddha Temple." The silver Shakyamuni statue in the Mahavira Hall, over 400 years old, is one of China's largest silver Buddhas. The seated statue is 3 meters high and made of pure silver. Dazhao is not only a Buddhist sacred site but also a famous tourist destination both domestically and internationally. Its splendid temple architecture, precious cultural relics, artworks, and mysterious Cham dance and Buddhist music form a unique "Zhao Temple culture."
However, the climate in Hohhot on the frontier is extremely variable. When we entered the temple, it was sunny and hot, making us sweat profusely. When we reached the Mahavira Hall, a sudden heavy downpour poured for about an hour. This gave us an opportunity to stay longer inside the hall and learn more.
When the rain stopped, we strolled to the west side of Dazhao Temple, where there is a well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty street with grey bricks, grey tiles, and flying eaves and brackets. It has attracted the attention of the film industry and become an outdoor set for costume films. The antique shops here sell artifacts from various dynasties, calligraphy, paintings, jade, Mongolian leather paintings, copperware, and other handicrafts, famous far and wide. There is also a food street gathering various local delicacies from the region and across the country. The small shops are uniquely decorated, flexible and thoughtful in service, and filled with aromatic flavors, making it a popular internet-famous spot. After visiting the temple, we went to "Saishang Old Street" to see the charm of the past and present, as well as the famous food. Although it's a tourist attraction, we tasted various snacks for 110 yuan, and the prices were not outrageously high, offering good value.
After visiting the sights and tasting the food for about three hours, we took a taxi (10 yuan) back to the hotel to rest.
D13. Since we were tired from a few days of touring, we slept until we naturally woke up. After a lunch costing 9 yuan, we packed up and checked out. We took the metro (5 yuan) to the airport, had some cold drinks and snacks at the airport for 8 yuan, then flew back to Xi'an for 382 yuan.
At Terminal 3 of the airport, we saw a 100-meter scroll painting "The Great Qinling Mountains: The Backbone of China," which was quite stunning and moving. The painting, 100 meters long and 2 meters high, depicts the Qinling scenery from Tongguan in the east to Taibai in the west, showcasing the region's rich historical depth and modern atmosphere. It was created by over 20 outstanding young painters, with renowned artists Cui Zhenkuan, Zhang Zhenxue, and Zhao Zhenchuan as artistic advisors. Jia Pingwa, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association and Chairman of the Shaanxi Writers Association, wrote the inscription, and Lei Zhenmin, Vice Chairman of the Shaanxi Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Honorary Chairman of the Shaanxi Calligraphers Association, titled the painting. The artwork is elegant, solid, magnificent, and free-spirited, praising the great father mountain with poetic strokes and imagery, blessing the motherland. I was fortunate to encounter it by chance and took photos to enjoy.
We took an airport bus (25 yuan) back to the city, then a taxi (20 yuan) home, ending this precious trip to see mountains, water, and grasslands. The per capita cost was about 2,500 yuan, very worthwhile!
