Measuring the Land with Wheels, Driving Hongqi Through Four Cities, Chasing Dreams with Hope

In the blink of an eye, half of 2020 has passed. We cannot restart the past, but we can grasp the present. We cherish the moment even more, and we respect and protect nature with greater reverence—every mountain, every river, every blade of grass, every tree. I only wish for the mountains and rivers to be safe and sound, and for all people to be at peace.

I really like a passage by Zhou Guoping: 'Writing is a conversation with your own soul, through which you transform external life experiences into inner spiritual wealth.' Faith is a conversation with the God in your heart, through which you accumulate 'heavenly wealth.' 'Reading is a conversation with great souls throughout history, through which you can 'claim as your own' the spiritual wealth created by humanity.' These are the three indispensable conversations in life. And all three take place in solitude.

Travel, on the other hand, is like a fourth conversation. It does not occur in solitude but rather an encounter with the unknown world and a dialogue with interesting souls. This time, I was fortunate to participate in the Hongqi HS5 launch anniversary event, joining an interesting convoy to explore the great landscapes of our motherland—mountains, rivers, and streams. Using wheels as pens and the earth as paper, we unfolded a magnificent picture scroll, celebrating the spirit of China.

At seven o'clock in the morning in Chongqing, sunlight had already spread across the earth. We gathered at the Chongqing Hongqi 4S store. The Hongqi HS5 vehicles parked at the entrance were gleaming with a charming golden light under the sun.

This national brand that we are proud of—Hongqi—has become increasingly down-to-earth and youthful in recent years. Its brand philosophy of 'Chinese-style New Noble Minimalism' has sparked a trend of national chic for the new Hongqi.

The Hongqi HS5 that accompanied us throughout the journey, as an SUV, has an imposing appearance. Its flawlessly sleek side profile and majestic family-style grille made me, a design enthusiast, fall in love with it.

In the sweltering heat of Chongqing, where is a good place for a road trip? Perhaps a rural pastoral tour is a good choice.

Exploring a hidden gem in Tongnan—

Tongnan District is in the northwest of Chongqing, with a long history and is known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art.' Tongnan has scenic spots such as the Dafo Temple, Shuangjiang Ancient Town, and the Chen Tuan Hometown Scenic Area. But our destination today is quite niche and not a traditional tourist attraction.

(Passing by the Dafo Temple Grand River Bridge, I quickly snapped a photo from inside the car.)

Tongnan District is characterized by a shallow hilly basin topography with flat terrain and a subtropical humid monsoon climate—mild, with abundant rainfall, suitable for farming in all four seasons. Our destination today—Liangjiang Organic Farm—is located here.

Tai'an Villa in Tongnan, like Jiangnan—

On the way, we had a meal at Tai'an Villa in Tongnan. Strolling around the villa, I realized it had brought the beauty of Jiangnan gardens into Tongnan.

Poetic and picturesque, rustic elegance, silent poems, three-dimensional paintings—the aura of literati permeated the villa, with a strong oriental charm everywhere.

Car owners strolled in small groups along the bluestone paths, winding through secluded spots, connecting the mountains, waters, pavilions, and terraces, with time and memories.

After staying long in the concrete jungle of the city, coming to this farmhouse, listening to the birds, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and breathing the fresh air, everyone sighed: This is the rural life so many people yearn for!

Tai'an Villa Tips:

Location: No. 1, Guanba Village, Tai'an Town, Tongnan District, Chongqing

Highlights: Besides dining, it also offers accommodation, and can be used for business, meetings, or leisure entertainment. The villa has bonfire parties, self-service BBQ, a maze, DIY handicrafts, agricultural picking and sightseeing, science education, etc. It is the only five-star rural hotel in Tongnan District, Chongqing.

Liangjiang Organic Farm—

From Tai'an Villa to Liangjiang Organic Farm, we had to take a rural road where two cars could barely pass. Fortunately, the Hongqi HS5 has 360-degree no-blind-spot rearview, allowing even female drivers to easily handle various road conditions with panache.

Driving slowly while enjoying the countryside scenery, the farm was hidden in these rural landscape paintings. It is surrounded by the Qiongjiang River and backed by green mountains. It is named 'Liangjiang' (Two Rivers) because the Fujiang and Qiongjiang rivers flow through Tongnan.

According to the staff, this is not a dedicated scenic spot and is usually only open to their VIP clients or friends who make reservations in advance. So many people don't know about it—it's absolutely a private and hidden gem.

'Healthy land + abundant sunshine + pure air + ecological water = healthy food + healthy body.' This is the planting philosophy of Liangjiang Organic Farm.

I wonder if the start of 2020 gave us much to reflect on. Nowadays, we crave pure air, a healthy environment and food, and a simple, back-to-basics life more than ever.

When living in the city, I also try to find healthy ingredients. Car owners picked produce here, and the picked vegetables and fruits could be taken home. But most of the produce was not yet ripe. It seems that good things cannot be rushed; we must wait patiently.

As we strolled, listening to the breeze and watching the plants blend with the sunlight, the energy of the season was gestating in the green fruits on land free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers—a longing for ripeness.

Humans and nature are originally meant to be a harmonious community of shared destiny. I only hope that pure land can spread and be protected, letting the breeze and colorful butterflies freely carry the seeds, allowing them to grow healthily. After all, isn't human health also deeply intertwined with life and nature?

Address: Longmiao Village, Baizi Town, the land of fish and rice in Tongnan

Zunyi is one of the first batch of national historical and cultural cities, boasting the world cultural heritage Hailongtun and the world natural heritage Chishui Danxia. So we started the Hongqi Zunyi station HS5 convoy road trip with the theme 'Exploring History and Culture.'

Passing by the Red Army Martyrs' Cemetery, the convoy was orderly and majestic, as red as the spirit of the revolution.

Our destination was Hailongtun, a world cultural heritage site located on Longyan Mountain, 20 kilometers northwest of downtown Zunyi. In 2015, it was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site as one of China's three major Tusi sites.

Along the way, the convoy traversed cities, fields, and muddy paths. The Hongqi HS5 could handle all these road conditions with five driving modes: Economy, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Snow. Paired with the intelligent adjustable shock absorbers, it also allowed us to feel the joy of control.

I like to check some information before going to a place to help me better understand my destination. Hailongtun has been honored as one of the 'Top 10 Global Archaeological Discoveries' and praised by archaeologists as 'China's Machu Picchu.' Its construction time is 200 years earlier than Machu Picchu.

The Hailongtun Tusi site has distinctive northern Guizhou cultural characteristics and is one of the five major cultural business cards of Guizhou Province.

Besides the Tusi site, the scenic area also features the restored Bozhou Tusi City, which recreates the prosperous commercial scene of the Ming Dynasty. Taking photos here is quite charming.

Walking on the streets of Tusi City, you can also see various Zunyi specialty snacks. Our convoy started a taste experience of a long-table banquet at this 'Bamboo Basket Rice' restaurant.

Car owners chatted while eating, and cars are always an inseparable topic for car lovers. Nowadays, Hongqi cars are getting better in both craftsmanship and handling, and their status in consumers' hearts is getting higher. The new Hongqi is currently the unique luxury car brand in China, receiving unanimous praise from the car owners.

For Chinese people, Hongqi is not only a famous car brand but also a strong responsibility and historical mission.

Hongqi's positioning has always been relatively high-end, but in recent years, it has become significantly younger, and prices have gradually become more affordable.

Today at Hailongtun in Zunyi, adults and children used their imagination and paintbrushes to create new 'HS5' designs. Who knows if among these seedlings of our motherland, there will be excellent automotive design masters who will continue to pass on our oriental aesthetics and solid manufacturing craftsmanship.

The car owners also infused this Chinese-style new noble sentiment into their brushes. Every focused gaze, every stroke seemed to carry a sense of responsibility.

The Zunyi station road trip did not arrange too many scenic spots, but it gave us time to feel the car owners' patriotic feelings, chat with them about work and life, and listen to them tell stories about the past and their expectations and confidence in the future of China's automotive industry.

Address: On Longyan Mountain, within Shuanglong Village Group, Hailongtun Village, Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi

Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00 (last entry at 16:30)

Transportation: Hailongtun is only about 20 kilometers from downtown Zunyi, a half-hour drive.

Zunyi City Bus: Take a bus to Gaoping Town at Maocaopu Bus Station, then transfer to the scenic area bus.

After returning, we also made a special visit to what is said to be the oldest landmark in Zunyi. A nearly 12-meter-high stainless steel sculpture of four people holding up a golden ball, named 'Morning Light,' stands at the Dingzikou intersection in downtown Zunyi. It symbolizes holding up tomorrow's sun, representing the hardworking spirit of the Zunyi people, and has become a city landmark, carrying the emotions of many Zunyi residents.

There is always an encounter, just to reach the scenery with you

When we arrived in Changsha, it had just rained. The city welcomed me with moisture and warmth, enthusiastically embracing me. Changsha is an ancient city with a history of over 2,000 years, and its most famous food culture makes people yearn for it.

Regarding the origin of the name Changsha, the most talked-about explanation is 'the land is named after the star.' In the sky, there is the star Su Changsha, and its reflection on earth gave rise to the city of Changsha.

The people living here are optimistic and positive. My first meeting with the Changsha station Hongqi car owners started with unrestrained enthusiasm, like the red chili peppers that Changsha people love—satisfying and vigorous.

The Changsha station city tour started from the Fire Palace on Pozi Street. Passing through the fiery red archway, there was a hidden world inside. A two-story building could accommodate many diners. According to the local car owners, the big buns and pig blood vermicelli are not to be missed, along with various steaming pastries and snacks, and all kinds of rice noodles.

As a one-stop taste experience center in Changsha, the Fire Palace is indeed worth a visit.

If you want to eat to your heart's content in Changsha, you need to dive deep into the city and take time to slowly search for the delicious food on your tongue.

In the south, everyone's hometown has a mountain that people remember.

Hengyang has Mount Heng, Shaoyang has Mount Lang, Xiangtan has Mount Shao, Yongzhou has Mount Jiuyi, and Changsha has Yuelu Mountain. In spring, the breeze caresses the face and branches turn green; in summer, the mountains are lush and provide thick shade; in autumn, you can enjoy the red leaves; in winter, you can see rime. Yuelu Mountain has a reason to visit in every season.

Here, there are monks' relics, generals' ashes, and ancient stone tablets—both a weight of history and a rare leisure. It is a must-visit spot for tourists from all over and a coordinate of youth for Changsha people.

This event naturally included Changsha people's backyard—Yuelu Mountain. Car owners held a mountain climbing competition here. Some walked quickly, wanting to be the first to reach the top and overlook their hometown's landscape.

Others walked slowly, feeling the lush greenery that nature returns. Compared to the heat of the city, the coolness and breeze in the mountains are always precious. Children blew bubbles and chased each other. Here, there is no noise or trouble of the city, and the hands of time seem to move slower than elsewhere.

Love in the past was slow, so slow that one could wait a lifetime for a person, slow enough to love only one person in a lifetime. We always envy the love of older generations, who could hold each other's hands and accompany each other for life. On the steep mountain path, a couple climbed while holding hands, supporting each other. This should be the most ordinary and beautiful form of love.

Choosing a car is like choosing a partner—must be composed, safe, and trustworthy, like the Hongqi HS5 that always accompanies us.

Orange Isle Bridge—

Orange Isle Bridge is a river-crossing passage connecting Yuelu District and Furong District in Changsha, spanning Orange Isle. It is also one of the landmarks here. Unfortunately, the bridge has weekend traffic restrictions and no parking, so we could only look at it from afar in the car. The panoramic sunroof of the Hongqi HS5 brought us a pleasant surprise: the blue sky and white clouds were within reach, forming a unique picture of Changsha with the distant buildings. On one side, green mountains; on the other, the city—this is the unique temperament of Changsha.

Du Fu River Pavilion—

As we traveled through Changsha, a building with carved beams and painted pillars came into view.

It turned out to be the Du Fu River Pavilion built by the people of Changsha to commemorate the poet sage Du Fu. It stands by the Xiang River, with the bustling city behind it. Together with Tianxin Pavilion, Yuelu Mountain, and Yuelu Academy, it forms a cultural belt.

'Wind and rain ask about those years; exiled to the starry sand, a traveler's hatred once inscribed on the pavilion by the water.'

'Rivers and mountains leave scenic spots; why distinguish between Xiang and Shu? The poet's soul still lingers by Huanhua Stream.'

Du Fu, in his later years, stopped in Changsha twice and once lived in the river pavilion, leaving more than fifty poems in Changsha. It is a point of convergence between Huxiang culture and Du Fu, an indissoluble bond with him.

Du Fu River Pavilion Location: East side faces Xiangjiang Avenue; the entrance is a square and steps; west side faces the Xiang River; the main building is 5 meters from the Xiang riverbank, and the first-floor terrace extends 5 meters over the Xiang River.

Hunan University—

Hunan University is located on the banks of the Xiang River at the foot of Yuelu Mountain, renowned as 'a millennium academy, a century-old prestigious school.' Some people stay in Changsha perhaps because all their youth was spent here.

An admission letter brought many students from different places to Changsha.

'After four years of university in Changsha, I stayed and fell in love with this city.'

Starting from the Xinmin Society Site, passing by Hunan Normal University, Hunan University, and Central South University—just a few stops recorded the most beautiful youth of a group of people.

If you have time, you can visit the university town, feeling as if you are also a student there. There is youth, growth, and struggle, as if you never left.

Regrets about youth make us meet again here.

Super Wenheyou—'Magic Marketplace' Created by Memory

It is the city's memory, a magical marketplace, an edible city IP museum.

A time-travel takes just a moment. The five or six-story market space instantly immerses you in a drama. Each floor has different memories of Changsha: art galleries, dance halls, seafood shops, old hair salons...

The busiest street should be 'Yongyong Street,' where various classic Changsha snacks are concentrated. Culture and food combine; memory and present collide. The thick warmth of past human connection occurs at every corner.

Coming to Changsha, you must not miss the flavored crayfish, stinky tofu, and the unique 'Sexy Tea' brand.

Changsha summers are flavored with crayfish—it's the source of summer happiness for locals. Although Chengdu also has spicy crayfish, the taste of Changsha's flavored crayfish differs slightly from Chengdu's style. I found that it uses my favorite basil seasoning, which gives it a very unique taste.

Changsha stinky tofu is the most famous 'IP' in the stinky tofu world. Here, it is 'dark cuisine.' I always thought Changsha stinky tofu would have a very strong smell, but it doesn't. Made from soybeans, it has no pungent fishy smell but rather a rich marinated aroma. Red chilies, white raw garlic juice, and amber sesame oil—absolutely amazing!

Changsha specialty milk tea shop: Sexy Tea. Even a cup of milk tea has its own character, and it's available only in Changsha. Shops are everywhere in Changsha, and almost every one requires queuing. Recommendations: Youlan Latte, Shengsheng Oolong. The pure milk aroma is perfectly balanced, not too sweet. Even someone like me, who doesn't usually like milk tea, was attracted. For those who prefer pure tea, I recommend the plain tea series, which can be refilled 2-3 times—very friendly (average price: 15 RMB).

The most precious thing about Wenheyou is not its unique architectural scenes or niche street snacks, but the most unique memories stored in everyone's heart.

May we all cherish a memory that will never fade in our hearts.

The Emperor's Cave Grand Canyon in Fuzhou is a must-see attraction. My companion and I set off from Changsha to Fuzhou to join the convoy in time. We drove into the mountains overnight, experiencing rain, mountain fog, and landslides. Two girls were extremely nervous on the pitch-black, deserted mountain road. We were grateful to the kind driver who safely delivered us in the early morning.

At night, we couldn't see anything in the scenic area. When we opened the curtains the next morning, we found ourselves surrounded by beautiful natural scenery—layered green mountains. The rain was drizzling outside the window, making the plants look particularly fresh and green. I couldn't help opening the window, and the gentle breeze was refreshing.

The Hongqi HS5 owners were not affected by the rainy weather. They prepared umbrellas and set off to explore the magical canyon with bright smiles. People can influence and encourage each other. This optimism and open-mindedness kept us laughing and chatting all the way.

It is said that many kings and nobles took refuge here in history. It is the most typical and best-preserved canyon ecological scenic spot discovered in Fujian Province to date. It is also a natural wonder of China, a humanistic wonder of Fujian, and a new benchmark for original ecological scenic spots in Fuzhou.

The landscapes and cultural attractions here are extremely rich: waterfalls cascading down, spectacular. Original ecology and She ethnic culture blend with historical sites. While enjoying the scenery, young car owners can also learn many legendary stories about history and culture. Both adults and children had fun.

Inside Emperor's Cave, there are murals of the King of Min and a natural stone dragon throne. The sound of a hundred-meter waterfall cascading down filled our ears, and the car owners couldn't help exclaiming in admiration.

Turning around, I found a cave. Approaching it, the scenery was not inferior to Morocco's famous 'African Cave.' I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful mountains and rivers and magical secret realms all over our great China, feeling a surge of pride.

On the way back, we encountered a section of gravel road after a landslide. The shock absorption of the HS5's chassis was fully demonstrated, steadily traversing the rainy mountain road.

The all-new four-wheel drive system with intelligent control greatly improves off-road performance, perfectly balancing power and fuel consumption while enhancing ride comfort.

Leaning against the window, looking at the distant scenery, I played Xu Wei's song 'Travel.' The 12-speaker Bose sound system perfectly blended hearing and vision, allowing us to fully enjoy the driving pleasure in surround sound.

'Gusts of evening wind stir the pines, / Ring the wind chimes like sounds from heaven. / Standing in the quietness of the city, / Let all clamor drift away. / Only green mountains hide among white clouds, / Butterflies fly freely through clear streams. / See the sunset bloom on the horizon, / A flock of birds returns westward. / We always say goodbye, meet and part, / Always walking on the long road.'

Lying in the car, smelling the fragrance of the earth after being cleansed by the rain, closing my eyes, the laughter of childhood echoed in my ears.

The four-city journey with the Hongqi HS5 ends here with Xu Wei's 'Travel.' The convoy wound through poetic mountain landscapes, with wheels as pens and the earth as paper—that is our Chinese spirit.

Grateful for dreams, grateful for reality, grateful for the spiritual strength that supported us all the way.

Cheers to China—we are unbeatably in the spotlight!

Travel Notes Directory: 1. [Preface] 2. First Stop: [Chongqing: Exploring Hidden Gems] 3. Second Stop: [Zunyi: China's Machu Picchu—Hailongtun] 4. Third Stop: [Changsha: The Collision of Traditional and Trendy Changsha] 5. Fourth Stop: [Fuzhou: Gratitude for Dreams and Reality]

Travel Info: Hotel Index, Ticket Index, Flight Index, Website Navigation, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Join & Cooperate, Distribution Alliance, Friendship Links, Enterprise Gift Card Purchase, Insurance Agency, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Franchise, Destination & Scenic Area Cooperation, More Cooperation. About Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip Hot Topics, Contact Us, Careers, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure.