9-Day Trip to Hubei (Wuhan, Xiangyang, Wudang Mountains) and Yueyang, Hunan for Family Visits and Historical Exploration

Trip Overview: November 7, 2020, 8:40 AM Shenyang to Wuhan, lunch at Garden Expo (lotus root soup, choy sum, chicken, freshly cooked Wuchang rice), then visited the Garden Expo. Afterwards, went to Wuhan Riverbank to see the reeds and chrysanthemum exhibition. Dinner (Tan Duck Blood Hotpot) then stayed at cousin's (father's brother's daughter) home.

November 8, 2020, after breakfast (sweet tofu pudding, tofu skin, pan-fried buns, etc.), visited Yellow Crane Tower, then crossed Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge to Guiyuan Temple. Lunch at Hubu Alley snacks, then visited Hubei Military Governor's Mansion (locally called 'Red Building'), East Lake Pear Garden – Greenway – Moshan Mountain Chutian Pavilion, Zhurong Star Observation, Zhu Bei Pavilion. Dinner then stayed at cousin's (father's brother's son) home.

November 9, 2020, Wuchang to Yueyang, Bus 22 to Yueyang Tower scenic area, Baling Square, Bus 55 to Yueyang East Station – Wuhan Station, checked into Wuhan High-speed Rail Hanting Hotel Apartment, dinner nearby.

November 10, 2020, after breakfast took taxi to Hubei Provincial Museum, then taxi to Gu De Temple, vegetarian lunch then toured Gu De Temple, taxi to Hankou Station – Xiangyang East, took Bus K12 to Xiangyang Station, checked into Home Inn Xiangyang Station branch, dinner at Xingfu Road beef noodles then took Bus 1 to night tour of Tang Cheng.

November 11, 2020, after breakfast at Home Inn took Bus 512 to Gulongzhong, lunch at Zhuge Restaurant, then took scenic area shuttle to Guangde Temple, then transferred to Bus 512 to Cross Street stop, visited Xiangyang Museum to see the bronze horse, Xiangyang Ancient City, Furen City, taxi to Migong Shrine, Bus 14 back to Xiangyang Station, dinner at Hunan restaurant, stayed at Home Inn.

November 12, 2020, after breakfast at Home Inn took train from Xiangyang Station to Wudangshan Station, Bus 203 to Huoshen Temple stop, checked into Wudangshanshui Hotel, after lunch visited Yuxu Palace (closed for renovation), then walked along pedestrian street to Wudang Museum, then Bus 206 to Yuzhen Palace (closed for renovation), Xuan Yue Gate, Xiangfu Nunnery (under construction), Bus 206 back to Huoshen Temple stop, rested at hotel then dinner on pedestrian street, bought bread and fruit, checked in.

November 13, 2020, after breakfast left some luggage at hotel, took Bus 203 one stop to Wudang Mountain, bought scenic area ticket at visitor center, then took shuttle to Taizi Slope, then to Xiaoyao Valley, then to Zixiao Palace, walked along. Prices for water and lunch nearby were not expensive, indeed as netizens said, the cheapest among major scenic areas. Brought bread and fruit, didn't want to carry, so ate some for lunch. Could have had lunch at farmhouse below Zixiao Palace at similar price to Wudangshan town. Took shuttle to Nanyan, toured Nanyan area, picked up bags and rested at Langmei Shrine, hiked up via Qing Dynasty ancient sacred path to Fenjinling, passed Xiaowudang, Huanglong Cave, Chaotian Palace to Fenjinling accommodation. Wife rested, I climbed to Golden Summit Diaozhongtai to watch sunset, returned to Fenjinling for dinner (stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork, egg noodles, rice).

November 14, 2020, got up early to watch sunrise and sea of clouds at Fenjinling, ate remaining bread and fruit for breakfast, said goodbye to host, climbed to Golden Summit, enjoyed sea of clouds, watched Taoist swordsmanship on peak, toured Taihe Palace on Golden Summit, took cableway to Qiongtai Middle View, toured Qiongtai Middle View, took scenic shuttle to Wudang Mountain visitor center. Booked airport bus for 3:30 PM, had beef noodles for lunch. Then returned to Shuihui Hotel, left luggage, took Bus 206 to Tai Chi Lake (Jinhua Lake, part of Danjiangkou Reservoir), time limited, enjoyed lakeside, then took Bus 206 back to Huoshen Temple stop. Visited two turquoise shops, bought one rough stone, learned about turquoise quality. From Huoshen Temple stop took airport bus to Shiyan Wudangshan Airport, 6:00 PM Wudangshan to Dalian, arrived over 20 minutes early again. Walked from airport to Home Inn Dalian Airport branch and checked in. This was our first time in Dalian since daughter graduated; last time was during May Day 2019, when we stayed at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) with daughter and enjoyed cherry blossoms. Note: Those with average fitness can reverse the above itinerary to mostly downhill, but this direction gives increasingly beautiful and spectacular scenery.

November 15, 2020, after breakfast at Home Inn took Bus 710 to Dalian New Mart, stored luggage at train station, took Bus 23 to Xinghai Bathing Beach stop, toured Xinghai Park, strolled by the sea. Xinghai was still the same, waves as before, but our daughter was now a graduate student at Xiamen University, no longer accompanying us here. Then went to daughter's undergraduate alma mater, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. Had planned to walk through campus to enjoy autumn colors then lunch at Bashu Renjia, but the campus was still not open to the public, so we detoured by taxi via student apartments to Bashu Renjia. After lunch, took Bus 23 from Zhishuyuan Student Apartment stop to Youhao Square, then strolled to the train station. On the platform, took a photo of the panoramic view of high-rises opposite the station. Though in my mind Dalian remained as beautiful as ever – autumn waters, golden ginkgo, deep autumn atmosphere, clean streets – our daughter was no longer in this city, and we would not be able to visit often anymore. Regardless, this city where our daughter strived for four years and we visited most often, blessings to Dalian, goodbye Dalian!

We had long planned to visit uncle in Wuhan, Hubei, but the distance and various family and work affairs delayed us. Originally in summer 2018, our daughter was recommended for graduate studies at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, and tickets were bought; cousin (uncle's daughter) prepared airport pickup, but later a conflict with the interview at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics caused us to cancel the tickets, disappointing uncle's family. Since late last year, the COVID-19 outbreak starting in Wuhan worried us, but fortunately uncle's family and relatives were safe and healthy. At the end of January this year, our younger uncle, who had been healthy, passed away from illness. Now among four siblings of my father, only uncle remains, aged 83, health much worse than before. So we wanted to visit him and his family as soon as possible.

Since October, my wife hired a 24-hour nanny for her mother, and both of us had unused annual leave. So we booked flights from Shenyang to Wuhan on November 7. Early morning 5:30 we took the first airport bus from Anshan to Taoxian Airport, then flew directly to Wuhan. The flight scheduled to arrive at 12:10 actually landed over 40 minutes early – the first time I arrived early on a flight. Unexpectedly, the return from Wudangshan Airport to Dalian would be the second time, but that's later. Fortunately, cousin and her husband were waiting at the airport; it was emotional to meet family. Along the way, they asked about our well-being, and brother-in-law introduced landmarks. Wuhan was over 20°C, no cold at all, many flowers still blooming, green trees. To ensure we ate well, had fun, and rested well on our first visit to Wuhan, cousin put much thought into it, repeatedly calling and messaging to ask what we wanted to eat and see, and sent a packed itinerary.

After picking us up from Tianhe Airport, they drove directly to Wuhan Garden Expo. After a carefully prepared lunch at the restaurant inside the Garden Expo parking lot, we entered the park. The Garden Expo is huge, so due to time, we took the electric cart for a quick overview, saving time for the 31,000 sqm Yangtze River Civilization Museum, one of the most attractive and characteristic pavilions. The museum has multiple halls: Prelude, Into the Yangtze River, Perception of Civilization, and Dream Yangtze River, with many physical objects, specimens, pictures, and cultural relics. According to information, it is the first museum showcasing the natural ecology and human civilization of the Yangtze River basin. The giant silicified wood and dinosaur fossils in the Natural Museum were also impressive, making one reflect on the changes of time and our own insignificance.

After that, we went directly to Hankou Riverbank, where a chrysanthemum exhibition was underway – diverse and colorful. Chrysanthemums blooming in autumn have been praised by poets throughout history, especially Tao Yuanming's 'Plucking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, gazing leisurely at the southern mountains.' Here by the vast riverbank with tall reeds and competing chrysanthemums, it was hard to believe that in the morning we were in Liaoning, nearly 2000 km away, and now in the evening by the Yangtze in Wuhan – modern technology indeed brings convenience.

At dinner, we finally met uncle and cousin (brother). We hadn't seen uncle for over ten years; he looked visibly older. Words cannot express the longing and family affection. Dinner was at Tan Duck Blood Hotpot, for which cousin's child had queued early. Even with early booking, we waited outside for a while, during which the restaurant arranged a face-changing performance to ease waiting guests.

On the 8th, early in the morning, cousin and her husband took us out for 'guo zao' (breakfast). It is said that few people in Wuhan cook breakfast at home – different from Liaoning, where we usually eat at home or in the office canteen. There are not as many breakfast shops on the streets in Liaoning. We had tofu skin, sweet tofu pudding, pan-fried buns, etc., which are uncommon where we live, tasting different flavors and experiencing different customs. While eating breakfast, I thought how desolate this bustling city must have been during the lockdown. But everything has passed, and Wuhan has regained its vitality.

When we arrived at Yellow Crane Tower, there were many empty parking spaces. The scenic area and surroundings are well-planned with excellent management and reasonable tour routes. Ascending and descending in order, from the top you can gaze into the distance – naturally recalling Cui Hao's poem 'The sage on yellow crane was gone amid clouds white, To what avail is Yellow Crane Tower left here?' Watching the river flowing, the bridge spanning, the Han River joining, and the three towns of Wuhan. Especially when seeing the couplet by Sa Ying'a: 'One tower gathers the spirit of three Chu, with clouds and cranes empty, a horizontal flute remains; two rivers converge hundreds of tributaries, through ancient and modern times, the great river flows endlessly,' I deeply understood the author's vision. When descending, there were many visitors queuing, but due to reasonable route design, there was no congestion. Just after descending, we caught a live dance performance in the square in front of the tower – very graceful, climaxing the visit.

Due to traffic restrictions, we took a taxi from Yellow Crane Tower via Yangtze River Bridge to Guiyuan Temple. The taxi driver, hearing we were from Liaoning, immediately said: 'You must visit Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, it's worth seeing.' This was the first time a taxi driver recommended a museum first, which surprised me. Guiyuan Temple was not as grand as I imagined, though the area was large; the famous Arhat Hall was under renovation and closed. After touring, we took a taxi to Hubu Alley. To our surprise, another driver, upon hearing we were from out of town, also said we should visit the provincial museum – amazing! That taxi drivers in a city recommend the museum shows how deeply Jingchu culture has permeated everyone. Brother-in-law agreed we should go, but we had too little time. I said it's fine; leaving some regrets gives a reason to return.

Hubu Alley snack street is not long but offers many snacks. Deep impression: lotus root starch with peanuts, sesame, nuts – sweet but not greasy, translucent, worth trying. We ate our fill and experienced local culture. Originally planned to take a taxi back to Yellow Crane Tower parking lot, but the driver stopped at a square and said to walk through. We got out, and soon saw a red building – it turned out to be the Hubei Military Governor's Mansion, so we visited this unplanned site and learned about another piece of history.

From the Yellow Crane Tower parking lot, we drove directly to East Lake. After parking at Pear Garden, we took an electric cart along the greenway to Moshan. East Lake is really beautiful and huge – far beyond my imagination. Many visitors. Since the electric cart ran until 4:30 PM, cousin worried we might not get a ride back after climbing Moshan, and shared bikes might not be available. But brother-in-law said it would be a waste to come to East Lake without climbing Moshan. So we went straight up to Chutian Pavilion, reached the top in over ten minutes. Brother-in-law was surprised we climbed so quickly; he exercises regularly but didn't expect our good stamina. Past Chutian Pavilion, we stopped briefly at Zhurong Star Observation, then continued to Zhu Bei Pavilion, climbed to the top for a distant view. Brother-in-law pointed out the Plum Garden, Cherry Blossom Garden, etc. Facing the setting sun, East Lake vast and sparkling – the scenery was breathtaking.

At dinner, we gathered with uncle's whole family – three generations enjoying harmony and laughter. Uncle in his later years with children and grandchildren around him seemed very happy. After dinner, we strolled along Wuchang Riverbank to feel the night air, with the river breeze blowing – a rare moment of leisure. These two days, uncle's family, especially cousin and her husband, arranged everything meticulously, driving us around, accompanying us on climbs, and constantly explaining – truly hard work.

On the morning of the 9th, cousin (brother) went out early to buy hot dry noodles, sweet soy milk, and small steamed buns as cousin (sister) had instructed. After breakfast and some rest, uncle and cousin drove us to Wuchang Station. Parting was bittersweet; the trip was rushed – nominally to visit uncle, but we only spent time together during dinner on the 7th and from last night to this morning. At least uncle was well. The Z137 from Wuchang to Yueyang was delayed nearly 30 minutes. We took Bus 22 from Yueyang Railway Station to Yueyang Tower scenic area, bought tickets, and entered. On the left was the vast Dongting Lake – I had memorized 'Notes on Yueyang Tower' in junior high, but only now at age 51 did I visit. Though familiar with the tower from various sources, being there was deeply moving. Inside, there are one genuine and one fake inscribed screens of 'Notes on Yueyang Tower' by Zhang Zhao, and the couplet by He Shaoji from the Qing Dynasty are treasures. In scale, Yueyang Tower is smaller than Yellow Crane Tower and Tengwang Pavilion, but its unique helmet-shaped roof is distinctive. From the top, gazing at Dongting Lake, Fan Zhongyan's 'Be the first to worry about the world's troubles, and the last to enjoy its pleasures' echoed in my ears. Exiting the scenic area, we walked to Baling Square, took some photos, then took Bus 55 directly to Yueyang East Station, and took G1032 back to Wuhan. We checked in near Wuhan Station, had dinner, and made a reservation for the next day (Monday, the 9th, the museum is closed, so we used that day for Yueyang) for Hubei Provincial Museum. Slept well.

On the 10th, after breakfast, we took a taxi to Hubei Provincial Museum. The driver said the museum is worth visiting, especially the Sword of Goujian and the Zeng Hou Yi Bells. Having taken taxis in many cities, it's rare to find so many drivers recommending a free museum – kudos to Hubei and Wuhan! The museum opens at 9:00. When we arrived, there was only one female nurse from Anhui visiting Hubei; she was a bit older than me, her child already working in Singapore, and she had a few years until retirement. We all sighed about the pandemic, but glad domestic control allowed us to travel. Upon opening, our first stop was the Sword of Goujian – I first saw it in August 2014 at the National Museum in Beijing; it still shone. In the Zeng Hou Yi Bells exhibition area, a volunteer began explaining soon after we entered; we learned a lot. The volunteer, who said he majored in mechanical engineering, had profound knowledge of cultural relics – truly admirable.

Exiting the museum at noon, to save time we took a taxi to Gu De Temple, recommended by a colleague. At the temple entrance, we saw a vegetarian restaurant on the second floor and asked if they served visitors; it was already 12:00, so we decided to have lunch before touring. Gu De Temple is not large, but its unique architectural style blending European and Asian religious features is refreshing. The temple incorporates Mahayana, Hinayana, and Tibetan Buddhism – rare among inland Buddhist temples. After lingering for over an hour, we took a taxi to Hankou Station. The driver, hearing we were heading to Xiangyang, said we must try local beef noodles and rice wine. Thanking him, we took G6827 from Hankou to Xiangyang East, arriving on time at 15:12. At Xiangyang East, we took Bus K12 directly to Xiangyang Station, walked a few steps to check into Home Inn, rested a bit, then went to Xingfu Road beef noodles recommended by the front desk. Each had a bowl of beef noodles and a bowl of egg rice wine. The beef noodles were tasty, but as a Liaoning native, I found them a bit spicy; the sweet egg rice wine helped – a perfect match.

After dinner, we took Bus 1 from Xiangyang Station to Tang Cheng scenic area for the night tour, which we had booked through Huihui Hubei during the day. As a film base, the Tang Dynasty-style architecture is majestic and magnificent, even more splendid under colorful lights. Many visitors, especially enjoying the timed performances in different areas – crowds gathered. The scenic area has city walls, gates, towers, pavilions, pagodas, bridges, hills, water, flowers, grass, and trees – well-managed, night tour has a unique charm.

On the 11th, after breakfast at Home Inn, we took Bus 512 directly to Gulongzhong scenic area. Noteworthy: Home Inn Xiangyang Station branch offers convenient bus access to scenic spots; our room window faced the station exit, yet we hardly heard train noise at night – very quiet. At Gulongzhong visitor center, we showed the booking code to enter. Originally we planned to buy the 20 yuan per person scenic shuttle ticket, but a notice said visitors from Ningxia, Liaoning, and Fujian could ride free. At the ticket check, we showed our ID, and staff immediately opened the side door for us. Thinking it might be due to Liaoning's aid to Xiangyang during the pandemic, I asked: 'Excuse me, why are people from these three provinces exempt from the shuttle fee?' The staff said: 'Because you helped Xiangyang during the pandemic, so we waive the fee as thanks!' Though I had guessed, I was deeply moved. It was the medical staff who risked their lives on the front line, bringing us peace – salute to them! When I thanked her, she said, 'No need to thank; we should thank you!' On the shuttle, I calmed down – our peaceful life is indeed bought by countless silent heroes carrying heavy burdens.

A short walk from the shuttle stop, we saw the Gulongzhong stone memorial arch. Visitors took photos in turn. The four-pillar, three-arch arch is not very tall but solemn and simple, inspiring reverence. Following the scenic route, we visited Longzhong Academy, Wuhou Shrine, Three Visits Hall, Thatched Cottage Pavilion, etc. We climbed to Tenglong Pavilion, from the top viewing the surrounding majestic mountains covered with greenery. Descending via another path, we came to the Three Kingdoms Cultural Village. Further down, at Zhuge Restaurant, we had a set meal – one meat, one vegetable, one soup plus rice – only 20 yuan per person and filling. Such prices are very cheap for a scenic area. After lunch, we visited Laolongdong scenic area – green bamboo forests full of vitality. Peony Garden and Cherry Blossom Garden, though warm in early winter, were out of season, but unknown birds chirping added charm. After visiting Gonggeng Field, Qin Platform, and Lotus Pond, we saw the Gulongzhong arch again, knowing the tour was near end. At the shuttle stop, we asked staff if there was more to see; they said the Thatched Cottage Theater was under construction, and Yueying Flower Valley had no flowers this season, so nothing else. They suggested taking the shuttle to Guangde Temple, then Bus 512 back to Xiangyang city. We followed their advice. Notably, we saw many wild ducks in the lotus ponds at Gulongzhong and near Guangde Temple, indicating good ecology. But I unkindly wondered if wild duck would taste delicious.

Following the Bus 512 driver's guidance, we got off at Cross Street stop, walked to the intersection, turned left, crossed the road to Xiangyang Ancient City. Passing Xiangyang Museum, since it was still early, we entered. On the first floor, the exhibition hall displayed the 'First Bronze Horse of Huaxia' – said to be the only life-size bronze horse of the Three Kingdoms period in China, a rare national treasure. There were few visitors, but a young male volunteer explained earnestly – admirable. Thank you. Then we walked to Xiangyang Ancient City, famous for Jin Yong's 'Condor Trilogy.' After showing the booking code, we ascended the city wall. The moat below glittered; in peacetime, no smoke of war – tranquility tells the 2800-year history. This ancient city with rich history has many famous people. The Migong Shrine, commemorating Mi Fu, one of the four great calligraphers of the Song Dynasty, sits on the bank of the Han River. Inside, there are many steles and pavilions. Few visitors at first – we could tour slowly. Calligraphy needs quiet appreciation; sadly, fewer people nowadays calm down to learn calligraphy.

On the 12th, after breakfast, we took a train from Xiangyang Station to Wudangshan. After arriving, we took Bus 203 to the foot of Wudang Mountain and checked into the pre-booked hotel. After lunch, we toured Wudangshan town. Unfortunately, Yuxu Palace, Yuzhen Palace, and Xiangfu Nunnery were all under renovation and closed. Only Wudang Museum and Xuan Yue Gate were visited.

On the 13th, early morning, we left some luggage, had breakfast, and headed straight to Wudang Mountain visitor center. The scenic area management is excellent with clear routes. We took the shuttle to the first stop: Taizi Slope. After getting off, a short climb brought us to Taizi Slope. The 'Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall,' 'One Pillar with Twelve Beams,' 'One Li with Four Gates,' and 'Ten Li of Osmanthus Fragrance' are the four sights of Taizi Slope. In late autumn we couldn't experience the osmanthus fragrance, but the other three were captivating. As a World Cultural Heritage site, it is well preserved – simple and natural.

The second shuttle stop was Xiaoyao Valley, with beautiful mountains and water, especially playful monkeys in the mountains and clear streams – very refreshing. We saw many azaleas along the road; if coming in spring with all flowers blooming, it would be even more beautiful. From Xiaoyao Valley, we took the shuttle to the third stop: Zixiao Palace. The main hall is magnificent and grand, with many visitors. Several Taoists practiced swordsmanship in the square, their movements flowing like clouds, giving an immortal air. The square outside Zixiao Palace is large, and shuttle transfers are convenient. Many dining options nearby, and as netizens said, prices for meals and drinks inside are similar to outside – you can eat here without worry. Since we had brought bread, fruit, and yogurt, and didn't want to carry them, my wife and I ate some of those for lunch.

The fourth stop was Nanyan (also called Crow Ridge), the most time-consuming scenic area and the last before the summit. Accommodation and dining here are convenient with many choices, not expensive. If you have time to stay a few days or have average fitness, this is the best place for food and lodging. Nanyan is said to be the most beautiful of Wudang's 36 cliffs; Longtouxiang (Dragon Head Incense) is also famous. After the loop tour, we rested near Langmei Shrine. Checking the time and our stamina, we decided to proceed to Fenjinling for overnight stay to watch sunrise and sea of clouds the next morning. The climb was strenuous, all uphill, and after much earlier exertion, the second half was quite difficult. Upon reaching Fenjinling accommodation, my wife, having sweated a lot in the cooler mountain temperatures, showed signs of hypothermia – feeling cold all over. The innkeeper made the bed and turned on the electric blanket; she lay down to rest. After resting a while, I took a small backpack and climbed to Golden Summit Diaozhongtai to watch sunset. Since it was late, few visitors were on the summit; later a person staying at Golden Summit also came to watch sunset, and we helped take photos of each other. The accommodation at Golden Summit is much better than Fenjinling and very convenient for sunrise viewing, but the price is also much higher. After descending, I asked the innkeeper at Fenjinling to make some hot food and soup noodles. After eating and washing up, we slept. Mountain wind blew, but thick quilts and electric blanket kept us warm against the cold. At this altitude, besides pine trees, everything was withered, leaves gone – completely unlike the green valley below. Due to rapid elevation gain, low air pressure caused the cap of our big moisturizer bottle to pop open, spilling some cream.

On the 14th, my wife didn't want to watch the sunrise, so I went to a high spot near Fenjinling. The sunrise and sea of clouds were quite spectacular. Many people from Nanyan and Fenjinling were heading to Golden Summit for sunrise – admiration for those starting early from Nanyan! After my wife got up, we finished the remaining food and fruit, drank some hot water, filled our thermoses from the innkeeper, then bid farewell and headed for Golden Summit. At the summit, there were many visitors, the sea of clouds was magnificent, the rising sun made Golden Summit look like a fairyland. On the opposite peak, three Taoists practiced swordsmanship, like flying in the clouds – the term 'hermit master' came to mind. The Golden Hall is bronze-gilt, enshrining Emperor Zhenwu; many pilgrims worshipped.

We took the cable car down to Qiongtai Middle View, toured it, then took the shuttle down the mountain – back to green scenery. Wudang Mountain, as a World Cultural Heritage site left by Zhu Di's 'Build the Forbidden City in the north, repair Wudang in the south,' has extremely exquisite and magnificent architecture, beautiful natural scenery, excellent management, complete facilities – very worth visiting.

After descending, we had lunch (beef noodles), then booked the airport bus. With some time left, my wife and I took a bus to Tai Chi Lake (Jinhua Lake), part of the Danjiangkou Reservoir – vast, clear water, many tour buses bringing visitors for boat rides; pleasant scenery.

At 6:00 PM, we flew from Wudangshan to Dalian – again arrived over 20 minutes early. Walked from Zhoushuizi Airport to the pre-booked Home Inn Dalian Airport branch, quiet and comfortable, slept well.

On the 15th, after checking out, we took Bus 710 to Dalian New Mart, stored luggage at the train station, then took Bus 23 to Xinghai Bathing Beach stop, toured Xinghai Park, strolled by the sea. Xinghai was still the same, waves as before, but our daughter was now a graduate student at Xiamen University, no longer accompanying us here. Then we went to daughter's undergraduate alma mater, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. Had planned to walk through campus to enjoy autumn colors then lunch at Bashu Renjia, but the campus was still not open, so we detoured by taxi via student apartments to Bashu Renjia. After lunch, took Bus 23 from Zhishuyuan Student Apartment stop to Youhao Square, then strolled to the train station. On the platform, I took a photo of the panoramic view of high-rises opposite the station. Though in my mind Dalian remained as beautiful as ever – autumn waters, golden ginkgo, deep autumn atmosphere, clean streets – our daughter was no longer in this city, and we would not be able to visit often anymore. Regardless, this city where our daughter strived for four years and we visited most often, blessings to Dalian, goodbye Dalian!

Back in Anshan, I compiled the photos and text of this trip. After entering December, I became busy and stopped writing. Only this weekend, after returning from Shenyang, did I sit quietly at the computer and finally finish recording this trip. Many thanks to netizen Saga for answering 'How many days needed for Wudang Mountain tour' on 'Footprints on the Stone of Three Lives,' and to netizen for the Wudang Mountain tour and hiking guide [Guide to the Four Famous Taoist Mountains]. The content is detailed and clear; especially after the tour, I realized how helpful those articles were. Very grateful! I hope this article can also provide some help and tips to those planning a trip to Hubei.

First drafted in November 2020, completed on March 21, 2021