A Trip to Wulaofeng in Yongji

A Trip to Wulaofeng in Yongji

Yongji's Tiaoshan Wulaofeng,

Rugged, clustered, verdant and soaring,

Wondrous peaks rise like rosy clouds,

Standing out amidst boundless beauty in clouds and mist.

At six in the morning, the tour bus departed from Hongdong Railway Station Square, picking up other tourists in Linfen along the way, a total of 48 people heading to the Wulaofeng Scenic Area in Yongji. The pretty tour guide, Xiao Gao, briefed us on relevant precautions and requirements on the bus, and finally sang songs enthusiastically. Despite her saying, "Others sing for money, but my singing is life-threatening," I still wanted to say, "Xiao Gao, your singing isn't life-threatening; it's really life-threatening." Just kidding.

At 9:30 we arrived at the scenic area. Xiao Gao busied herself with handling the paperwork. Everyone scanned a code to enter as per the procedure, then took a shuttle bus (scenic bus) to the parking lot at the lower cable car station. We boarded the cable car one after another. The cableway had 90 gondolas, each holding 2 people, and the ride lasted over 20 minutes. Leaving the upper cable car station, you can see the landmark Taiyi Pingfeng (Taiyi Screen Peak), at an altitude of 1,400 meters. There weren't many people today, so no queuing for the cable car.

During the ascent, we saw some nice scenery. I took a photo along the way—the image somewhat resembled Lord Guan wielding his blade. Maybe Lord Guan revealed himself to bestow some fortune upon me.

At the square in front of Lingfeng Temple, after Guide Xiao gave some clear instructions, everyone scattered for free activities. She emphasized that we could only climb Yuzhu Peak; other areas were not yet open and we shouldn't wander off, with safety being the priority.

At 10:30 we began the climb. The elevation difference from Lingfeng Temple to Yuzhu Golden Summit is 400 meters, with 1,300 steps. Generally, from Lingfeng Temple to the slide ticket office takes about half an hour—this section has a steeper drop and is more physically demanding. From the slide ticket office to Yuzhu Golden Summit is another 500 meters; about 5 minutes to Lotus Terrace and Lotus Cave. Lotus Cave to Narcissus Cave takes about 15 minutes, a test of physical strength and endurance. At this point, I thought giving up would be pointless because victory was already in sight. From Narcissus Cave to the Heavenly Ladder is 7 minutes; I took 4 minutes to climb the ladder. Turning right before the Heavenly Bridge leads to the Southern Heavenly Gate and Jade Emperor Peak, about one story high. From Lingfeng Temple to the Golden Summit, it took us two old fellows about an hour, including photo stops—photos actually serve as breaks to catch our breath.

Entering the Southern Heavenly Gate and arriving at the Jade Emperor Hall, the main hall's doors were tightly shut today. The Jade Emperor had gone out and didn't meet us. In front of the hall there was a Golden Summit marker, and taking a photo there is a must.

My companion on the summit was a gentleman in his sixties from Linfen. After crossing the Heavenly Bridge, we started descending at 11:55, passed Lotus Cave at 12:13, and returned to Lingfeng Temple Square at 12:36.

The Heavenly Bridge is a scenic feature of Yuzhu Peak. Walking on it, you feel the canyon reverberating, the might of the surrounding mountains, and the height and steepness of Wulaofeng.

Along the climb, there weren't many scenic spots; you had to discover them yourself. At the start, the trail was shaded by lush trees and beautiful scenery. After passing the slide ticket office, we saw precipitous cliffs and jagged peaks, the mountains truly majestic and magnificent. Up near the clouds, some rock formations looked vividly lifelike, especially touching. I spotted a huge boulder resembling a "heavenly dog" and pointed it out to everyone; they agreed it looked quite similar.

At the summit, you can see towering cliffs, drifting white clouds, crisscrossing valleys, soaring rocks, and mountain streams. Indeed, the most breathtaking views are on the perilous peaks. There, you can appreciate the sentiment: "When I stand on the highest peak, all other mountains seem small."

Mountain climbing is a test of will and endurance. Only sweat and toil can yield such wonderful experiences.

Even though I was already drenched in sweat, I felt elated.

After a short rest at the square and an ice pop, we crossed the Wulaofeng suspension bridge, dubbed the "North China No. 1 Suspended Glass Bridge." Due to rain, I didn't feel the thrilling sensation of being suspended.

After lunch, we headed to Qipan Peak (Chessboard Peak), where there's Laomu Hall and the Immortals' Chess Terrace. Laomu Hall enshrines Wuji Laomu, also called "Doumu." The murals of the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars inside are exquisite. The Great Leader is also worshipped here, which inspires respect. The immortals playing chess on the chess terrace are the White Emperor and Fairy Chen. It's said that on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, you can hear them whispering. Here, you can admire the high mountains and perilous paths around, and the misty clouds drifting in the distance.

Leaving Qipan Peak, we walked to Lingfeng Temple for a visit. Lingfeng Temple has a long history; it's said that its incense burned most vigorously during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. Its main hall is the Sanqing Hall; the Wulao Hall at the back was not open.

Returning to the upper cable car station, we took the cable car down at 3:10 PM. At the entrance of the lower station, there's a sculpture of Lord Guan reading the Spring and Autumn Annals by night. Lord Guan has been deified as the God of Wealth; perhaps at this moment he was checking his records to see which tourist should receive some fortune.

Then we took the shuttle bus to the exit, snapped a few photos near the exit, and got back on the bus—our mountain climbing trip for the day was over.

Summiting Wulaofeng in Yongji,

Jade Emperor's Golden Summit, a sight so rare,

Sweat-soaked as if caught in rain,

With steadfast heart, strong body I fared.

Author: Dasong Wanjun

Saturday, August 15, 2020