Qingming Holiday: A Joyful Nanjing Journey – Part 1: No Pearly Whites but Silver Hair, No Rosy Cheeks but a Red Dress; Dance and Feel Young!

During the Qingming holiday, I joined a three-day group tour to Nanjing and stayed at the five-star cliffside deep-pit hotel known as the “alien base”—Fengchao Hotel. There, we enjoyed the natural oxygen bar and luxury. The hotel cost 3 billion yuan to build. Taking advantage of the rugged quarry rock face, two towering beehive-shaped buildings were erected a hundred meters up the cliff, embedded into the rock so that the twin 'honeycombs' blend with the natural surroundings. Flanking them are a pair of stone lions—male and female, left and right—perched majestically on the cliff, so lifelike they seem like loyal guardians. Architecture and nature are cleverly integrated, complementing each other in perfect harmony. Currently, the hotel is developing hot springs on the back hill, and just a hundred meters down the mountain, a large amusement park is about to open. Then the hotel will become the core of a high-end leisure and entertainment district, and more and more people will choose to stay here.

Yesterday morning, we set off from Shanghai but hit holiday traffic jams on the highway. After a tiring journey, we arrived in Nanjing at 1 p.m. After lunch, we braved the rain to visit Xuanwu Lake, Laomendong, and Confucius Temple one after another. Back at the hotel that evening, there was no time to sort photos; we washed up and fell asleep right away.

The second day, I woke up naturally without an alarm. Before even getting out of bed, I felt the gentle sunlight. With a sudden burst of energy, I sprang up like a carp, got into position, and started snapping sunrise photos from high up. Not satisfied shooting through the window, I quickly went downstairs to take more pictures.

The sun rose bit by bit from behind the mountain, then pierced through the trees and buildings, climbing into the sky to illuminate a vast, spectacular sea of clouds. It was a bright, sunny day. Against the blue sky, white clouds, and brilliant sun, the two beehive-shaped towers looked even more beautiful, as if suspended in the clouds.

The pair of stone lions beside the beehives, using the natural terrain, stand majestically on the rocks, looking extraordinarily fierce. Their paws are brown, cleverly mimicking the natural color of the rock, making them even more lifelike. On the viewing platform, a giant silver bee clings to the honeycomb structure, wings outstretched as if about to take flight—so vivid and animated.

Under the veranda at the entrance, there is a huge piece of green jade, crystal clear and eye-catching, carved with two dragons playing with a pearl—the craftsmanship is exquisite and strikingly lifelike.

All kinds of plants and flowers are dotted around the hotel, adding a touch of softness to the grandeur, creating a harmonious whole.

Everywhere was picture-perfect. We couldn't help but raise our phones to snap away, joking as we took photos, 'We'd better stop, we're almost out of film!'

Around 9 a.m., we ran into a dozen or so hiking enthusiasts with trekking poles. One of them, who looked like the leader, had the characters 'Old Wolf' boldly printed on his white T-shirt—so imposing! We couldn't resist taking photos of them, capturing their dashing vigor and masculine wildness.

The hotel's interiors and exteriors are decorated extensively with marble in flowing, streamlined designs—solemn yet dynamic. The restaurant is resplendent, and the food variety is vast, satisfying all palates, whether from north or south.

In the lobby, two giant bird's-nest structures add a lot of charm. Huge crystal chandeliers are everywhere, luxurious yet elegant.

Before setting off, we had prepared cheongsams and bright red dresses. Whenever we had a free moment, we took photos together and made Douyin (TikTok) videos, drawing curious onlookers who stopped to watch.

The glass ceiling in the corridor reflected the floor below: a flower on the ground, a flower in the sky.

A huge deadwood log, perhaps centuries or even a thousand years old, showed us the power of time. After drying, sanding, lacquering, and other treatments, the log was transformed from decay into something magical—a stunning root-carving artwork. Together with the natural marble floors, walls, and the golden relief above the marble walls, it created a magnificent picture. Beside it, a gilded relief of the 'Mouth of Truth' added a touch of exotic splendor, evoking the classic film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn.

It was a perfect spot for photos. We set up a selfie stick and got to work.

In the afternoon, as the sun crossed the cliff and streamed through the tall glass doors, dappled shadows fell on the walls and floor—so peaceful and serene, a testament to the quiet beauty of passing time.

The four of us have an average age of 63, and we might look a bit old. But it doesn't matter; as long as you have passion for life, age is not an issue. We may not have rosy cheeks, but we have red dresses; we may not have pearly teeth, but we have silver hair. When we dance, that's youth.

Everywhere is a stage, we can perform anywhere—happiness is the ultimate truth!