Huashi Mountain

　　Huashi Mountain, located due south of Huangyuan County in Qinghai, stretches approximately 12 kilometers and serves as the boundary between Huangzhong County and Huangyuan County. Its highest peak reaches an altitude of 4,289 meters. According to the Huangyuan County Annals: “It boasts a majestic presence and beautiful scenery. Extending all the way to Riyue Mountain, it is lush and enchanting, with red leaves in autumn. Viewed from the county seat, it appears as a continuous barrier, with peaks stabbing into the sky — pristine, elegant, and shaped like a crescent moon or a brush rack. There are twelve peaks in total, all standing tall and steep. Snow remains on them throughout spring, autumn, and winter... It is referred to as 'Cui Mountain' in the Classic of Mountains and Seas.” On a scorching summer day, we once again experienced its charm.

　　A van carried us out of the county town. After turning a few corners along National Highway 109, we headed south toward Xiaogaoling Village. In the distance, the sun shone brightly, clouds layered over deep valleys, purple hues veiled the perilous cliffs, and the peaks stood like swords thrusting straight into the blue sky — Huashi Mountain had come into view. Moving further ahead, we arrived at the foot of Huashi Mountain. The road ended there, so we had to get out and walk into the valley. Before us, wild vegetation flourished, proudly displaying the vibrancy of life. Golden potentilla, silver potentilla, and crystal-clear flowers bloomed everywhere, and the soft grass beneath our feet felt like a carpet. In the distance, ridges and peaks rose layer upon layer, forming a vast, misty screen. We wound our way up along narrow and steep mountain paths, where thorny bushes grew densely. From time to time, we had the sensation of brushing past wisps of clouds. Looking up at the summits, bizarrely-shaped rocks resembling animals appeared vividly before us, standing majestically. On some peaks, lions stood proudly, gazing fiercely ahead; on others, monkeys climbed the rocks, hunting for prey; some peaks looked as if they had been split vertically from top to bottom by an incredibly sharp sword, leaving behind smooth, sheer cliffs that even agile monkeys would find hard to climb — humans could only sigh in awe at the sight. Around us, light clouds lingered, and green grass stretched as far as the eye could see. Waterfalls tumbled down from the mountain tops, and in the depths of winter, icicles hung from the rocks, making the peaks appear even more towering and sharp. Unidentifiable mountain mists seeped through cracks in the rocks, rolled up from the valleys, or leaked out from the hazy sunlight — appearing and disappearing intermittently. At times, they resembled a magnificent brocade unfurled in the sunlight, bursting with colorful hues. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the valley, churning up snow-like waves, like a painting of sheep herding on the Tianshan Mountains. Standing here, we felt as though we were before a grand, richly inked oil painting. Whether it was the emerald mountains, streams, waterfalls, or vines — everything was composed of dazzling splashes of color. The exaggerated contrasts of light and shadow, the vividly protruding lines, left us in awe. Huashi Mountain features rugged rocks, steep and unique peaks. It possesses the delicate beauty of Guilin’s spring hills, the peril of Huashan, the spiritual charm of Huangshan, and the majestic aura of Mount Tai. Truly, it is blessed by nature.

　　Venturing further, the roaring mountain winds and the crashing sound of cascading streams created music as delightful as nature’s own symphony. Rocks were covered with various types of moss, while gnarled ravines and vine nets sprawled around. Occasionally, fine droplets floated down like strands of hair, feeling like rain yet not quite — cool and refreshing against the skin. The lush greenery of the mountains dyed visitors in jade hues. The gushing waterfalls in the valley shifted in form, their stone channels smoothed as if meticulously polished by hand. The water beneath the falls was several meters deep; tossing in a rock produced a resonant “thump.” Diving into the “water curtain cave,” where drops continuously seeped through, was cool and refreshing, and as you conversed with the Monkey King, the calls of his monkey followers echoed in your ears. Climbing out from a crevice just wide enough for one person, you’d emerge into an open area of tranquil mountains and still waters. Sitting cross-legged on the emerald-green grass, cupping your hands around your mouth and shouting loudly, your voice would shake the valley, with lingering echoes. Suddenly, the sky felt closer; the clouds seemed to be right beneath your feet. — Here, there was no clamor of worldly traffic, nor the burdens of human worries. With a heart as calm as still water, you could watch the drifting clouds and solemn mountains, their heads held high as if ancient philosophers demonstrating the mysterious power and unwavering will of nature...

　　As the sun set behind the mountain, amid the colorful glow of the sunset, we felt as if we were inside a transparent, beautifully enhanced watercolor painting. The forests glowed with jade hues, the water shimmered, the blue sky tinged with red, the green grass washed in gold. The creek flowing through the valley resembled a silvery ribbon, glowing softly. All the space before our eyes seemed to flow with color.

　　Unknowingly, the sky darkened. Gazing into the distance, the mountains appeared gray, swallowed by the rising mist. Countless stars twinkled across the blue sky. In the quiet valley, the evening breeze blew gently, the nearby stream continued its gurgling, and occasionally, the cry of a bird returning home echoed through the air. For the moment, the weary Huashi Mountain fell asleep...