Hulu Tao

　　On an autumn day ablaze with golden hues and sweet nectar, I arrived at Hulu Tao Village, located 7.5 kilometers southeast of Badagou Town in Changbai County. Approaching Hulu Tao, I was greeted by emerald mountains all around, wisps of village smoke, the chirping of insects and birds, and the lowing of cattle across the green fields—such a refreshing and enchanting scene, it felt almost like a fairyland... Legend has it that in the old days, there was a greedy and cruel local landlord named Chen in the village who exploited the people. He was eventually eliminated by a girl named Hulu, and the villagers were deeply grateful. To honor her kindness, every household planted gourds along the riverbanks. The gourds grown here were large, solid, and renowned far and wide. Eventually, the locals named this small village “Hulu Tao.”

　　Covering an area of over a hundred hectares, Hulu Tao is home to 132 households. The village is neatly arranged, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, stretching in a ribbon-like formation along the banks of the Yalu River. It faces a small North Korean village called “Moli Gou” on the opposite bank. Here, the scenery of mountains and waters is delightful, with misty landscapes resembling a fairyland. Truly, it feels like: “The five-li river beach shines like a mirror, with scenic wonders gathering in an unusually serene setting.”

　　In the early morning, we stepped onto the riverbank, dew still fresh on the ground, just as the dawn began to rise. The sky ignited with fiery hues of sunrise, the peaks adorned in splendid morning colors, even the floating clouds on the horizon edged with purple-gold, like lotus flowers drifting across the blue sky. As the sun rose higher, sea-like clouds and rolling mists surged forth. The vast misty waves clung lovingly to the forests and flowers. Lush valleys and caves were veiled in mist, while patches of red maple trees on the hilltops glowed crimson. From time to time, the melodious calls of cuckoos echoed through the valleys. Gazing at the riverbank, the shallow grass spread out flat, the water like a mirror, with mist hovering above, drifting in and out with the wind. The mist, in drifting clusters tinged with light red, exuded a fragrant, hazy aroma. The dimly lit fields wore a soft morning glow. Flocks of egrets and wild ducks flapped their silver wings leisurely, soaring through the violet-hued morning mist and landing gracefully on the river’s surface. The jade-green Yalu River shimmered with ripples, winding westward like a docile dragon. Witnessing this spectacular and magical beauty filled me with joy, as if a scroll of ink-wash painting had suddenly unfurled before my eyes. It reminded me of the ancient verse: “The east wind carries smoke over a myriad homes; the water and mountain hues seem to touch the sky.”

　　A gentle breeze caressed the river’s winding banks and the tufts of velvet-green grass dotted with unnamed, vibrant flowers. These formed a colorful carpet, purple-shaded and emerald-hidden, sprawling across valleys and covering hills as far as the eye could see, creating yet another breathtaking riverside landscape. Sister Peaks, Golden Horse Peak, Dragon Head Peak, Candlestick Peak, East Big Slope, Jiaxinzi, Shuangshantou, Houtao, and other stunning sights lined both sides of the Yalu, each carrying romantic legends of mythical charm.

　　Pebbles shimmered under the sunlight. Countless rugged, isolated rocks were scattered across the river, the rushing waters swirling around the protruding stones as they flowed turbulently downstream. The glistening river water murmured softly, echoing through the valley like music. Fish floated and darted leisurely. This is the famous “Old Turtle’s Nest.” Legend says a thousand-year-old turtle, as big as a wok lid, lives deep in the riverbed. Whenever floods come, this magical turtle swims ashore to help the villagers. This wonderful legend adds an extra touch of magic to this beautiful mountain village.

　　Following the river downstream, one is greeted by the fragrance of flowers carried on the breeze and birdsong welcoming you. Frosted reeds dyed red by early frost line the riverbanks, twisting and turning in vibrant beauty. On the river, people paddle gently in boats, casting nets to catch fish. Along the shore, people relax, fishing in peace. On the calm, green riverbanks, willows veil the mist, with green curtains fluttering amid a stretch of a hundred homes. The rows of poplar and willow trees, graceful and elegant, sway in the wind like a green silk ribbon dancing along the mirror-flat shoreline, shifting shapes enchantingly. Their charming forms inspire one to sigh: “Birdsong in the quiet mountains, waves stretching for miles; lotus flowers and willows intoxicated in autumn mist.”

　　Passing through the riverside of mountain and water views, you arrive at the lotus-filled paradise of the Lotus Pond. The pond is filled with clear, limpid water, abundant algae, and plump, pink lotus flowers poking out from emerald leaves, seemingly a group of graceful fairies ready to dance, allowing you to fully admire the beauty of these “water nymphs.” The buds about to bloom, the moving purity and charm, instantly evoke the feeling and imagination of: “Lotus leaves stretch boundless and green to meet the sky; lotus flowers glow red under the sun’s embrace...” Surrounding the lotus pond are blooming flowers, picturesque fields, and the fragrance of ripening rice. Golden ears of rice, corn shedding tassels, soybeans rattling golden bells, and sorghum blushing in the sun complement each other, playing the joyful symphony of harvest. Scattered across the fields are a few weeping willows, gracefully swaying with lush foliage. Through the fields, clusters of pear trees dot the open land, their fragrance wafting through the air. Gazing upon the mountains full of blossoms and fruits; beholding the piles of emerald and gold; admiring these scenic wonders, one is filled with the sentiment that “it is hard to capture in paintings or poems.” I am enchanted by this indescribably beautiful scene...

　　It’s as if the view unfolds before your eyes, and you find yourself strolling within a painting. Sing and dance freely around the bonfire. The blazing fire not only warms the earth but also heats the passionate hearts of the people. The fierce flames cast colorful reflections on the water, creating an exceptionally beautiful spectacle, with clouds and shimmering ripples stretching across the vast blue expanse. The beautiful bonfire weaves a dazzling panorama.

　　The moving ballads bring you closer to a musical journey—truly unforgettable:

　　The moon rises above the river,

　　Graceful and enchanting.

　　Amidst the Changbai Mountains and waters,

　　The scenery blooms like a tide of flowers.

　　The picturesque Hulu Tao, with its enchanting charm, cannot be fully grasped by the eye, nor can its delicate beauty be fully captured in words.