Forest Bathing on Qinhu Lake Island

From a place you are used to, to a place others are used to. — That is travel. It makes sense: the sudden change of environment brings joy to people. A few hours ago, I was in Shanghai surrounded by skyscrapers; now I am in Taizhou, in the "poetry and distance."

After traveling on the vast Qinhu Lake for nearly half an hour, the ferry docked. Stepping ashore, visitors were greeted by a long wooden boardwalk hovering close to the water.

The first time I walked a wooden boardwalk at a scenic spot was in Jiuzhaigou. It felt great—the wooden path gave a slight spring to my steps, making me walk briskly. On both sides of the boardwalk, the water shimmered. Lotus flowers had disappeared, withered remnants emerged, but water lilies were in full bloom! Someone was fishing with a net bag and actually caught a fish. No wonder people call Qinhu Lake "Fish and Shrimp Lake"! Passing a wooden pavilion with a horizontal plaque inscribed: "Near Water for Fish Gazing." The character for "near" was flamboyantly written, and the child beside me couldn't recognize it! Another wooden pavilion had a plaque reading: "Autumn Reeds Reflecting Snow." That was quite unique, but literati often say: "Autumn reeds surpass snow." Guide Wang added: "We came a bit early; we can't see the snowy white reeds and large flocks of migratory birds." This remark rather spoiled the scenery.

After walking the long boardwalk, I finally reached the island—and it was the pier! The wetland is a water network area. Most tourists walked; we turned left and boarded a yulou boat.

At the pier stood an electronic bulletin board showing: Negative oxygen ions: 5530, Temperature: 20.3°C.

I felt a little surprise! The air quality was excellent! You should know that the negative oxygen ions in a forest are generally around 5000. Then I overheard a tour guide from another group talking to tourists:

— How many negative oxygen ions are in Shanghai's air?

— In Shanghai's parks, it's probably around 500. On the streets or at home, it's much, much lower!

— What are the benefits of negative oxygen ions?

— More negative oxygen ions mean better air quality, which can boost immunity and lift spirits...

— Oh my! Then we won't get COVID-19 here?

— Of course not. Walking in the forest is called 'forest bathing.' Today we are also having a 'forest bath.' Look, there are so many trees on the island, and so many negative oxygen ions!

— Ha ha ha...! All the tourists burst into laughter.

Among the laughter, two people wearing masks quietly pulled them off!