Winter Fades, Spring Arrives: The Spring of 2020 Has Come to Jiuzhai Zhongcha

Surrounded by green mountains, the meadows are lush.

Scattered dots of cattle and sheep dot the hillsides.

Bright prayer flags flutter over ancient Tibetan villages.

It's a pastoral idyllic scene.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city,

it makes you feel the tranquility and remoteness of being in the wilderness.

This is a fairyland within a hidden realm—Zhongcha Valley.

The spring scenery in Zhongcha Valley is best described as 'picturesque.' Snow-capped mountains, white clouds, Tibetan villages, grasslands, and yaks are elements that can be seen here all year round. In early spring, the grass starts to turn green—'looking from afar, green appears, but up close it vanishes.' As long as they can reach it, yaks and horses are not shy about eating. The most beautiful sight is the ancient village shrouded in morning mist, like a lady half-hidden behind a pipa, telling visitors its long-standing stories.

When I came to Zhongcha in spring, the activity I most looked forward to was horseback riding. During the ride, a local Tibetan accompanied me the whole way, holding a sheepskin whip, leisurely along the forest paths, accompanied by pastoral songs, roaming at the foot of the sacred mountain, listening to the breath of the wilderness, and experiencing nature's peace and harmony. We rode to a plateau where we could hear the murmur of chanting from a black tent in the distance. Beneath the fluttering five-colored prayer flags, Tibetan men on horseback galloped across the grassland. Black tents, lamas, cowhide drums, and neatly displayed luxurious Tibetan costumes. With the help of the local Tibetans, we dressed in Tibetan costumes, adorned with silver belts, coral necklaces, and felt hats. In the forest and on the meadows, standing or strolling, we captured our brilliant moments at the foot of the sacred mountain with our cameras.

During the lunch break, we sat on the ground, basking in the mild spring sunshine, experiencing the childlike joy of a picnic in the gentle spring breeze, fully enjoying the taste of the blossoming spring in the wilderness.

Basking in the plateau sunshine, feeling the mountain breeze, listening to the spring birdsong... Standing on the mountainside, grabbing a handful of fresh air to breathe freely—such is the wonderful early spring scenery of Zhongcha, how could I not miss it? The spring of 2020 has arrived, and Zhongcha Valley has taken on a new look.