Wild Mountains, Radiant Lakes: The Unfathomable Stone Wonderland of Lianbao Yeze
Encircling the southern part of the Bayan Har Mountains, this sacred mountain and heavenly lake dominate the region. The slanting sun illuminates this holy land, adding more icy sanctity. Since then, I have deeply fallen in love with this place of majestic mountains and beautiful waters – it is the extraordinary hidden gem of western Sichuan, Lianbao Yeze. It is vast as mountains, magnificent, known as the 'Source of Shu Mountains, the Heavenly Ladder of Kunlun,' and hailed as the back garden of the gods. It is a world of bizarre peaks and strange rocks, truly an artistic hall. The scenery in spring, summer, autumn, and winter each has its own charm, making it a place worth visiting again and again!
Nature's uncanny craftsmanship has made this stone mountain extraordinary. Some say it is a transcendent fairyland, a bizarre demon realm, and a warm and affectionate human world. Its imposing extraterrestrial surface is even called the Warcraft World. Come here to breathe in the endless mountain spirit, gaze at the great mountains and rivers of western China, and let this journey be filled with mountain passion. May you and I, like the first dream, walk on cliffs, climb dangerous crags, and laugh at the winds and clouds of the West.
It is said that an interesting life is half mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and half the烟火日常 (daily life). My travel experiences over the years have kept me on the road with a heart full of passion, viewing the beautiful scenery before me with fresh eyes. I have always felt that the mountains and rivers of the West are unique. Along the way, you can see rich elements such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, and lakes. The most surprising thing is that due to the high altitude, a slightly lower temperature can bring an unexpected snowfall, covering the entire mountaintop with a hint of cold light, and the earth is directly wrapped in a layer of silver, transforming into a pure and ethereal place unlike the human world, full of dreams and romance.
In early September, when I set out on this long road with friends to see the mysterious 'Dignified Jade Peak,' I felt a sense of reverence deep in my heart. It felt like a pilgrimage to the depths of the soul. Perhaps other peaks are more majestic, but we, following human nature, bow deeply to the strong.
**Day 1: Lianbao Yeze under the Snow**
The journey to the West was quite long. After a six-hour drive from Chengdu, we finally arrived. After a night's rest, we couldn't wait to experience it firsthand early the next morning. The scenery along the way constantly amazed us. The lack of human development made the views exceptionally rustic. The first lake we passed was called Boxiang Lake. The autumn vegetation became a natural dye, giving the scenery layers, from deep to light, outlining a subtle artistic conception.
The white restaurant across the lake, from a distance, looked like a piece of white marble in the landscape, giving a particularly fresh and refined feeling. A jade by the lake, bathed by mountain rain, was the most beautiful ornament of the mountains.
The temperature plummeted, the weather suddenly changed, and a sudden heavy snowfall from the sky delighted us. We immediately accelerated towards the observation deck at the summit. Ascending the observation deck, a sense of pride rushed over us, as if we had entered a fairyland. The lofty Shu Mountains, with their difficult paths, rival the difficulty of ascending to the blue sky.
This scene reminded me of the magical images from the Chinese Paladin series, indescribably beautiful. The cold wind blew, snowflakes fluttered, Xu Changqing was no longer the Xu Changqing of old. Climbing the peak, stepping on ice and snow, from then on, worldly affairs were none of his concern. This mountain has the broad-mindedness that once you reach the top, you can forget all matters of the world.
This sacred mountain made us feel the gift of nature in the autumn chill, but at this moment, we had to experience the winter cold and enjoy the strange scenery all over the mountains. The wilderness was bleak, people were wild, and scene after scene from the observation deck showed the transcendence of Lianbao Yeze, with its strange peaks and rocks, and majestic grandeur. Each peak had a strong sense of wholeness, and every peculiar posture seemed to be meticulously carved. One could only lament that even stubborn stones can be as beautiful as jade.
The mountain terrain rose, the mountain body was translucent, revealing the deepness of obsidian. The jagged and jumbled rocks gave an unpredictable artistic sense. The overall black and white seemed like a chess game left by the gods here millions of years ago. We walked among the chess pieces, pondering the eternal oracles.
Ascending to the top to view the mountains, the greatest advantage is being able to see the mountain's trend. Compared to appreciating a small part of the mountain from the base, seeing its momentum allows you to better experience the mystery of hiking in the mountains. Where the snow gradually melted, the mountain body revealed its wild blackness again, wrapped in thick mist, directly forming a majestic landscape painting.
The snow peaks were endless. Every step we took in the mountains revealed more of its blackness. We also became the painters of nature, using our feet to extract the most unique stroke of the mountain. That stroke reached high across the peaks and clouds, and low around the lakes. The reclining dragon in the mountain transformed into a lake with its spirit. The dark pool resembled a crouching dragon, with clouds and mist swirling around, as if about to emerge.
The emptiness of the mountains awakened people's primitive wildness. Shouting in the mountains not only broke the boundless silence but also relieved physical fatigue and released inner pressure.
The mountain paths twisted, the sea of clouds spread. Among the towering peaks and surging thick fog, this scene presented the roaring sea in our hearts. The high mountains had no water, yet they had the momentum of water. A series of winding and upright trends were like waves frozen in time by the wind, leaving us only with surging emotions.
Walking on the ridge plank road felt like shuttling on a black dragon.
Lianbao Yeze is one of the ten sacred mountains in Tibetan areas. People's faith is visible everywhere. The Mani piles stacked in the mountains must have carried someone's prayers.
Finally, we arrived at the Yuanyuan Coffee House below the observation deck. This scene instantly became the focus of the entire venue. It was a circular transparent house set in an open space in the middle of the mountain wall, allowing sunlight and shelter from strong winds. The glass structure made it bright overall, even in the remote mountains, it remained an elegant presence.
The comfortable indoor seats were the best supply after a long climb. Sitting by the window, holding a hot cup of coffee, after drinking, the whole body melted like ice and snow. Between breaths, it was an alternation of ice and warmth, very comfortable. Of course, if you weren't afraid of the cold, you could also enjoy a cup of outdoor coffee, drinking it with the cool wind, contemplating deep thoughts, and enjoying the most natural beauty. The rest of the road would probably be smoother after this cup of coffee, which was both elegant and strong.
**Day 2: Lianbao Yeze under Blue Sky and White Clouds**
Still wanting more, we continued to visit the scenic area the next day. Fortunately, the weather was kind, and along the way, it presented a different kind of scenery that intoxicated our eyes. The sky was blue, white clouds dotted, and we also saw some village landscapes along the way. The familiar high-altitude yaks brought vitality to the start of this day. We would also explore the charm and fun of Lianbao Yeze with a strong sense of novelty. When a light breeze came, let the new day begin with energy.
If yesterday was winter, then today was late autumn. The vast grassland had already shown its pale yellow weariness, with a hint of laziness, making people want to sleep in. Perhaps it was the yaks' moos that called our souls back to the forest and grassland.
Laughter echoed in the mountains. The village nestled at the foot of the mountain appeared exceptionally serene.
We couldn't help but stay a little longer, watching groups of cattle eat and play, looking at the ancient mountain temple gradually submerged by trees and shrubs, and our thoughts drifted to the other side of the sky with the chanting scriptures.
Playing around the village made us experience a leisurely feeling different from yesterday. The sky cast holy beams of light, and the mountains and rivers seemed to receive information of the gods descending, revealing a brilliant glow, ushering in the highlight of the day.
The winding stream was like a snake, given emerald green by the green mountains. It stretched from here to the other end of the mountain, until the sun's halo passed through the clouds and put a golden crown on it, and we could distinguish which end was the head and which was the tail. The wide lawn stimulated our childlike innocence that had not yet faded, and we prepared to run with the cattle. The distant village had a few wisps of smoke, and at that moment, it felt like we had tasted all the beauty in the world.
Entering the Lianbao Yeze scenic area, we headed straight for the beautiful lake - Zhaga Cuo. The lake scenery made us understand what a true sky mirror is. The peaks around the shore were like towering giants, holding Zhaga Cuo in their hands, as if offering the most beautiful gift to the gods in heaven. And you and I were just passersby. The only way to take it was to silently take a photo with it.
What is the unpredictable nature of Lianbao Yeze? Apart from the colors of the wind and clouds, it is the color of the lake. We observed it carefully. From yesterday's black dragon to today's transparent emerald, this piece might be a treasure that even heaven could not take away.
Legend has it that the Lianbao Yeze area was an ancient battlefield of King Gesar. Looking far away, you can indeed feel the murderous aura hidden among the peaks.
On the other side of the lake, we encountered more Mani piles. The sacred atmosphere immediately became intense here. At first glance, it looked like it was naturally formed, fitting perfectly with the mountains and waters here.
Along the way, we also passed the 1314 Plank Road. As the name suggests, it takes exactly 1314 steps to go up. It is called the Love Ladder, a place not to be missed by couples. The observation deck at the top is called '4520,' meaning 'I love you.' Walking on this primitive steep cliff, surrounded by wild flowers and grass, it also had a hint of romance.
The sun's rays never ceased, as if urging all things in the world that had not yet awakened that day. We successively climbed up to the observation deck to once again confirm the colors of Lianbao Yeze. Today's mountains were indeed different from what we saw yesterday.
Local people have another name for it: 'Stone Castle.' I think this name is more vivid and appropriate. The winding mountain road slowly stretches into the depths of the castle.
On the way back, we sped along the road again, wanting to explore all the beauty here. Along the way, we encountered a large stone standing in the mountains, engraved with colorful characters. On one side of the stone, its Chinese meaning was marked: 'Rock.' It is considered by local people to symbolize love as firm as a rock.
Lianbao Yeze, a hidden gem in western Sichuan, is also an excellent place for self-cultivation. Few people, beautiful scenery, and good air. Next to Boxiang Lake, we also saw many small cottages, which are said to become homestays in the scenic area.
With its excellent location leaning against the mountain and beside the lake, it gives a harmonious feeling of returning to nature, like a paradise.
Walking along the path, the rising human warmth in front of us made us experience the unique leisure of Lianbao Yeze.
The 'Celestial Raft' café by the lake is also a must-visit photo spot. The meaning behind it is: 'The water of the Yellow River comes from heaven, and Shu people raft to explore its source.' 'Celestial Raft' refers to the ancient legend of a wooden raft that traveled between heaven and earth. According to records, when Zhang Qian was on his mission to the Western Regions, he once took this raft to reach the Starry Sea and placed the Weaving Maid's 'Zhiji Stone' in Chengdu, forming 'Zhiji Stone Road.' Since then, the Celestial Raft has become a mediator connecting the human world and heaven. It is said that if couples make love vows together on the raft, the vows will ride the raft to the heavenly court, be heard by Yue Lao (the old man under the moon), and their love will be blessed by him, unchangeable.
Time flies, and our trip to Lianbao Yeze is coming to an end. But I have to say that every step in Lianbao Yeze makes one feel open-minded and clear.
Lianbao Yeze, with its ever-changing appearance, leaves us with infinite imagination about this mysterious pure land. A short time is indeed not enough to understand it. The initial majesty, the later softness – it becomes another unsolved mystery in our lives. On one side, it is a brave general lying on his sword and horse, a hundred battles fought, a proud and rugged appearance, a hundred feet of wind, no regrets for the unknown future; on the other side, it is a gentle and beautiful maiden, her delicate complexion endearing, slender waist, rain beating on the railing, a look of infatuation awaiting the return of her beloved. Crossing the endless peaks, we have set foot on the return journey. Looking back, Lianbao Yeze is truly worthy of being a hidden wonderland in western Sichuan, a pure land on earth!
For friends who don't know where to go during the National Day holiday, I really strongly recommend coming here. The main attractions in the Lianbao Yeze scenic area are four lakes and four valleys. If you have enough time, you can visit them slowly. If you bring camping gear by car, you can also stay overnight there, watch the starry sky, wait for the golden sunlight on the mountains, and it will be an unforgettable experience.
**Tips**
Location: Lianbao Yeze Stone Mountain Scenic Area, Aba County, Sichuan Province
Self-driving: Chengdu - Ring Road - Rongchang Expressway - National Highway 317 - National Highway 248 - National Highway 347 - Township Road 500 - Destination
Bus: Chadizi (Chengdu) - Aba - Destination
Reference ticket price: 120 yuan/person
Tips: The altitude of the scenic area is high. Visitors from plains areas should prepare for altitude sickness. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The temperature difference between morning and evening is particularly large. Be sure to wear a windbreaker or down jacket. I personally recommend Kailas. I wore it all over during this trip. It is really a national treasure, cost-effective, and not afraid of wind, snow, or rain. Especially the newly released Mont-X, which can cope with extreme and sudden weather changes at any time. The oxidized orange color is also eye-catching, very suitable for outdoor photography, and is a must-have for hiking and traveling...
