To experience the joy of on-site travel, a group of 15 photography enthusiasts set off for Taining, Fujian, to enjoy a carefree early spring excursion. Although the weather forecast predicted heavy rain over the next three days, fortune smiled upon us — by the time we reached the Zhai Xia Grand Canyon and the Great Golden Lake, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining brightly. Carrying our DSLR cameras, the group eagerly hiked, climbed mountains, and waded through water, thoroughly enjoying the experience. The theme of this Taining event was the “I’m Waiting for You in Taining” outdoor photography activity, running from March 19 to March 31, 2013. The first leg of the trip included visits to the Zhai Xia Grand Canyon and the Great Golden Lake, spanning two days.
Enchanted by the Zhai Xia Grand Canyon, a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. On the first day of our journey, we set out from the hotel to hike in the Zhai Xia Grand Canyon. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating insights. The ancient trees in the mountains made it hard to tell vines from trunks, bamboo shoots were just beginning to sprout, and waterfalls of all sizes had polished the rocks smooth. Tadpoles gathered in the pools like dark, sprawling nets, creating a striking contrast with the golden fish — a truly beautiful sight. The mountains were quiet, save for the sounds of birds and the patter of raindrops.
The Lively Great Golden Lake, Nourishing Everything Silently. On the second day, we headed straight to the Great Golden Lake to take in its scenery. The crystal-clear lake surface occasionally saw carp leaping out of the water, while the distant haze made it difficult to distinguish between mist rising from the earth and the green veil descending from the sky. Everyone cherished these tranquil moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this magical, serene realm, there was little development, no clamor of traffic, no crowded pathways, and no hurried footsteps. We were able to intimately connect with Taining’s unique landforms and traditional culture. Taining is spotlessly clean, and the photography enthusiasts sat, lay, reclined, or climbed, forgetting the fatigue of travel and the weight of their cameras. The natural oxygen bar invigorated the spirit and swept away all worries, all in pursuit of capturing Taining’s hazy silhouettes and breathtaking moments.
In the evening, our group of friends sampled Taining’s local cuisine. Twenty of us feasted on Taining mountain chicken, wild duck, fish from the Great Golden Lake, red mushrooms, and other local specialties. The local rice wine instantly bridged the gap between us, its mellow and heartwarming taste making everyone feel as though they had returned to the comfort of home.
Taining embodies a myriad of beauties. Currently open to the public are seven major scenic areas: the Great Golden Lake, Shangqing Stream, Zhai Xia Grand Canyon, Jiulong Pool, Mao’er Mountain, Zhuangyuan Rock, and the Taining Ancient City. Most of these areas remain in their pristine state, and it’s not uncommon to spot locals strolling leisurely, making us — the first to arrive at this mystical and enchanting place to experience “Taining’s Beauty” — truly fortunate.
This is Taining: the exquisite water-born danxia landform, the profound winding canyons, the peculiar rock caves, the peaks and stone pillars shrouded in mist, all set against a vibrant contrast of reds and greens. What are you waiting for? Come join us in Taining — at 26 degrees north latitude, we’re waiting for you.