Escape the City and Embrace the Serenity and Simplicity of Jiuzhai

After a busy work life, would you escape the dazzling city to experience the natural beauty of a small village?

Last year, as a native of Chongqing, I went to Guangzhou and lived there alone for 50 days. In my memory, Guangzhou is not just the brilliant lights of the Canton Tower, the exotic charm of Shamian Island, the classical tranquility of Dongshankou, but also the sight of millions of people pouring into the city, each with an unyielding heart, passionately filling every position in this metropolis. Standing in Huacheng Square at dusk, gazing at the Canton Tower across the Pearl River, looking around at the brightly lit high-end office buildings, and seeing passersby hurrying by, I suddenly thought of Zhongcha Gully…

I first learned about Zhongcha Gully from a WeChat Moment posted by my college roommate during a family road trip: tourists admiring the scenery, Tibetan locals working diligently, and my roommate enjoying the peace that Zhongcha Gully brought her. It was still winter then, with Zhongcha Gully covered in white snow, a silver-clad landscape, snow-capped peaks like pyramids, and the entire valley resembling a fairy-tale world of ice and snow. I rarely get excited about natural scenic areas, but that time in Guangzhou, when I thought of Zhongcha Gully, I decided that once back in Chongqing, I had to go!

When I saw Zhongcha again, it was spring of the new year, and I came here in person. Along the road, I saw melting snow and revitalized mountains. Tibetan villagers lit cooking fires, adding a touch of earthly warmth. Prayer flags at every household painted Zhongcha in even more vibrant colors. Zhongcha is separated from Jiuzhaigou by just one mountain, but it has a more primitive Tibetan atmosphere, allowing you to experience Tibetan culture everywhere. With the arrival of spring, everything revived, and the mountain forest seemed to have put on a colorful dress. Turning my gaze, the vast, boundless grassland felt natural and unrestrained, making me want to run across it and receive the purest baptism of nature. Zhongcha in spring is colorful—no wonder everyone calls it "the back garden of Jiuzhaigou."

Zhongcha Gully does not have Chongqing's fiery passion or Guangzhou's hustle and bustle, but it has a rich Tibetan folk culture, unique villages, and the breath of nature. Take a break from a busy work life and enjoy rare tranquility in this secret back garden. I'm already looking forward to Zhongcha in summer. In the city, summer makes sweat stick to my skin; but in Zhongcha at that time, it becomes a scenic summer resort with clear waters and pleasant weather. I want to return to this lush valley again to experience the coolness of summer.

After seeing enough of the bustling traffic, taking time to enjoy the serenity and simplicity of Jiuzhai is truly a blessing~