Wugegangding

　　Wugegangding in Changbai County is a world nature reserve, boasting not only unique natural landscapes but also exceptionally rich geological features...

　　On March 16, 2008, to complete the photography task for the “Changbai Scenery Photo Collection” published for the county’s 50th anniversary, our photography association team of 10 rushed to the shooting location—Wugegangding. In early spring, the land was already awakening with greenery and birdsong, yet here, it was an icy, snow-blanketed world. The vast expanse—emerald tinged with frost, deep in color and thick with mist—was vibrant and colorful. The journey was full of breathtaking scenery, filling everyone’s heart with poetic charm.

　　Arriving at this scenic area where beauty abounded everywhere, we happened upon a sky full of dancing snowflakes. The swirling, misty snow had frosted the trees and branches, covering the mountains and fields like blooming white pear blossoms.

　　The boundless expanse—snow-laden mist and swaying pine waves. Dense Korean pines stood like giant umbrellas sheltering the sky, their overlapping branches draped with hanging lichens that resembled silver beards, revealing the ancient grace of the primeval forest. Graceful and elegant beauty pines were dotted among them, tall and straight, with branches reaching skyward, lush, beautiful, and charmingly graceful. This reminded me of a poet’s two wonderful lines:

　　So fair it makes Xi Shi jealous, so noble it scorns the sky.

　　Aging only adds to its charm, yet who truly appreciates it?

　　The road was like a colorful ribbon fluttering through the expanse, and along the forested roadside,

　　streams appeared and disappeared, crystal clear and shimmering with silver light, joyfully running through the woods... Their gentle and delicate power not only nurtured the forest but also created the splendid scenery of Wugegangding.

　　The bus wound along the twisting mountain road toward the distance. Emerging from the forest and rounding the mountain path, we saw an endless stretch of birch trees. Stepping into the birch forest, towering trees, fallen leaves carpeting the ground, and wild vines twining around created a uniquely charming scene. The tall birches leaned gently against poplars, like graceful ladies standing tall and elegant, pure and refined. Their roots entwined, branches reached for each other, growing in clusters and groups within this vegetated woodland, forming a stunning landscape.

　　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 out of control due to the slippery surface and plunged into a deep roadside ditch around 3 p.m. This sudden accident sent chills down my spine, and the only thought in my mind was: “It’s over...” When I crawled out of the vehicle, the first thing I saw was Chairman Zhao Zhenghao, despite his own injuries, helping others bandage their wounds; what I heard were the mutual greetings and care among photography friends like Li Guiling, Chu Hongcai, and Chen Xiaobin. My heart warmed, a surge of warmth spreading through my body. At that moment, I felt this profound sense of kinship came from the team, from this unbreakable fighting force. Then I noticed, fortunately, countless tree trunks as thick as bowls had snapped, saving the lives of everyone on the bus. Only the vice-chairmen of the photography association, Han Zhengjun and Miao Zhenjun, were injured. Miao Zhenjun had a cut eyelid and received three stitches; Han Zhengjun had 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 to the hospital from the accident site, he said, “Don’t worry about me, contact the insurance company first, call them quickly.” 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 companions 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 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—culturally refined and highly approachable. When the accident occurred, they put personal safety aside, prioritizing everyone else, asking after each person’s well-being, and delivering meticulous care that touched everyone’s heart. They were moving, truly moving... They were messengers of beauty, embodiments of beauty. Leading by example, they guided this photography team through the mountains and valleys of Changbai County, leaving behind beautiful snapshots and echoes of history, scattering fragrant traces of their journey...

　　Wugegangding in Changbai County not only allowed me to feast my eyes on its majestic and spectacular beauty but also, the thrilling experience of the car accident made me witness the photographers’ spirit and noble realm. At the same time, I felt their realm was as beautiful as the natural scenery—delicately lovely, tenaciously respectable. How much they resembled a mirror reflecting the human soul.