Fifty-Gangding

Fifty-Gangding

Fifty-Gangding

Fifty-Gangding in Changbai County is a world nature reserve. It boasts not only unique natural landscapes but also showcases its rich geological features and precious three-dimensional resources in full splendor.

On March 16, 2008, in order to complete the photo shoots for the publication of the "Changbai Scenery Photo Album" commemorating the county’s 50th anniversary, our group of 10 members from the Photography Association headed to the shooting location — Fifty-Gangding. In the warm spring of March, when the earth was already teeming with budding greenery and birdsong, this place remained an icy, snow-blanketed wonderland. The vast expanse — emerald-tinted with frost, deep in color and thick with mist — was vibrant and colorful. Breathtaking scenery abounded along the way, filling every heart with poetic inspiration.

Arriving at this picturesque scenic area, we were greeted by a flurry of snowflakes dancing in the air. The swirling, misty snow coated the trees and branches, transforming the mountains into a vast field of blooming white pear blossoms.

The vast expanse — snowy mist and pine waves — came alive with the rustle of pines. Dense Korean pines stood like giant umbrellas sheltering the sky, their layers of branches weighed down with usnea that hung like silver beards, revealing the ancient grace of the primeval forest. Among them were gracefully elegant Beautiful Lady Pines, tall and straight-trunked, with leaves reaching skyward, lush and graceful in their beauty — prompting me to recall these lines by a poet:

So fair she’d make Xi Shi envious, so proud she scorns the heavens.

Aging only adds to her charm — yet who truly appreciates her?

The road stretched like a ribbon through the expanse, winding past the forest edges.

Streams appeared and disappeared, crystal clear and glimmering with silver light as they joyfully meandered through the woods... Their gentle, delicate flow not only nurtured the forest but also helped shape the magnificent scenery of Fifty-Gangding.

The bus wound its way along the twisting mountain road heading into the distance. Emerging from the forest and rounding the mountain path, we saw endless stretches of birch trees. Stepping into the birch forest, we found towering trees, a carpet of fallen leaves, and wild vines twining about — all contributing to its unique charm. The tall birches leaned gently against poplars, like graceful maidens standing tall and pure. Their roots entwined and branches reached for one another, growing in clusters and groves within this vegetative woodland, forming a stunning scenic view.

Eager to capture the sunset, we reluctantly left this beautiful birch forest and began our journey back. As the bus traveled along the forest road, it skidded on the slippery surface and veered off into a deep roadside ditch — it was around 3 p.m. This sudden accident sent chills down my spine, and the only thought in my mind was: “This is it...” When I climbed out of the vehicle, the first thing I saw was Chairman Zhao Zhenghao, despite his own injuries, helping others with their bandages. What I heard were the mutual greetings and care among photography friends like Li Guiling, Chu Hongcai, and Chen Xiaobin. My heart warmed, filled with a comforting glow, as I realized this profound sense of kinship came from the team, from this unbreakable fighting force. Then I noticed that, fortunately, countless tree trunks as thick as bowls had snapped, saving the lives of everyone on board. Only the vice-chairmen of the Photography Association, Han Zhengjun and Miao Zhenjun, were injured. Miao Zhenjun had a cut eyelid that required three stitches; Han Zhengjun suffered a head wound and a fractured right clavicle, and was transferred to the Bethune Medical University in Changchun at 5 a.m. the next morning. While we were escorting Han Zhengjun from the accident site to the hospital, he said, “Don’t worry about me, contact the insurance company first, call them right away.” His firm and simple words were deeply moving. One can only imagine how excruciating a broken bone is, yet he remained resilient and composed. After emerging from surgery, the first thing he did wasn’t to call his family — he thought of his teammates with whom he spent every day, and called them from faraway Changchun to reassure them. What a remarkable state of mind...

What moved me even more was the strong cohesion and centripetal force of this team, and the leadership — headed by Chairman Zhao Zhenghao, Secretary Xu Baolin, Chairman Liu Yukun, and Secretary-General You Hua — who were highly cultured and incredibly approachable. When the accident occurred, they put their own safety aside, prioritizing everyone else, asking after each person’s well-being, and offering meticulous care that touched everyone’s hearts. They were moving and inspiring... They were messengers and embodiments of beauty, leading this group of photographers fearlessly through the mountains and valleys of Changbai County, capturing the essence of its beauty and the echoes of its history, leaving behind trails of fragrant memories...

Fifty-Gangding in Changbai County not only treated me to the grandeur of its majestic landscapes, but the harrowing experience of the car accident also allowed me to witness the character and noble spirit of the photographers. I also felt that their spirit was as beautiful as the natural scenery — tenderly lovely, tenaciously admirable. They were like mirrors reflecting the soul of humanity.