Where did you go during the recent May Day holiday?
Why the head shake? Oh, you were hoping to relax and have some fun. Little did you expect that everywhere you looked — mountains were packed with crowds, the seaside was swarming with people, and crowds upon crowds were everywhere.
And so, my little heart sank along with those dark, dense crowds, completely deflating any desire to have fun.
As an avid explorer of suburban getaways, I’ve pretty much visited dozens of scenic spots across Jizhou. Just before this year’s May Day, I suddenly heard about a place called Heiyu Mysterious Valley in Jizhou — and I’d never been there.
So, I rounded up a couple of friends and drove over to check it out.
After leaving the northern ring road of Jizhou, we wound our way through nine turns and eighteen bends along smooth mountain roads until we reached the village where Heiyu Mysterious Valley is located — Dongguoyuan Village. The farmhouse we had booked in advance truly lived up to its reputation, giving us a warm, homelike first impression: the thoughtful landlady, worried we might not find the place, greeted us at the village entrance and led us there. Once we arrived, she served us freshly prepared fruit and tea at just the right temperature.
The host’s smile was sincere and friendly, and the courtyard was quiet, elegant, and tidy, making me feel as though I wasn’t on a trip but rather returning home.
After sipping some fresh tea and snacking on a few pieces of fruit, we set down our luggage and decided to go explore the scenic area. No need for words — here are the pictures first:
The scenic area’s entrance gate. In the spacious open area, there weren’t many visitors. The beauty of a new scenic spot is just this: whether it’s with the background of Wa-style thatched cottages or cliff stone carvings, you don’t have to worry about photobombers. You can take pictures however you like, saving a lot of time on photo editing.
After entering, we saw the Zhuang people’s embroidered tower. This also serves as a performance venue, with ethnic-themed shows held here every day.
After watching the performance by our Zhuang compatriots, my fellow travelers shared the same feeling: their smiles were genuinely radiant, as warm as the late spring sunlight.
Even though I couldn’t understand the language, I could feel it: when they sang, they were solely focused on the beauty of the song; when they danced, they were entirely immersed in the joy of the movement.
In the end, people don’t live solely for houses, cars, or money — we can also seize every moment of the present for the sake of mountains, rivers, songs, and dances.
Look at that little girl, dancing along with the singing and dancing girls. Truly, a moment of pure innocence, unspoiled by spring.
Actually, we wanted to join in the dancing too, but we lacked the little girl’s courage. Adults often care too much about how others perceive them, and thus, gradually armor themselves and lose their true selves amid the trivialities of work and life.
Perhaps we should learn from that little girl — in the mountains and waters of Heiyu Mysterious Valley, let loose, follow the voice of our hearts, cast aside the hidden struggles of the workplace, and freely revel in nature, embracing a moment of genuine self.
The windmill and lantern corridor — is this family of three making a wish? The big red lanterns fulfill wishes, while the colorful windmills spin with the breeze.
After a 1,500-meter switchback climb, we reached the second parking lot. Gazing at the light green hues of late spring blanketing the mountains, we began our adventure of exploration.
The Storm Tribe. In the valley, the Wa people’s wooden houses add an air of mystery. This lone sentinel at the entrance of the tribe’s gate...
The strong, dark-skinned Wa young man, with his handsome face, melancholic gaze, and unique ethnic charm, made my female companions completely forget about us guys, as they couldn’t help but exclaim: “What a handsome and cool guy!”
The dance stage halfway up the mountain — the unique sounds of ethnic instruments and the exquisite performances of the Wa people tell you about an alternative mountain life.
The audience in the stands. Basking in the warm sunlight of late spring, feeling the mountain breeze, breathing in the fragrance of flowers from the valley, enjoying the visual feast, with cheers and applause never ceasing.
Reaching the mountaintop, we took a rest at a small pavilion. A gentle breeze blew, bringing indescribable comfort — remaining untroubled by fame or disgrace, watching the flowers bloom and fade in the mountains; indifferent to staying or leaving, gazing at the clouds rolling across the blue sky.
Making our way to the Strange Stone Forest on Luohan Slope, we saw strangely shaped rocks standing, sitting, leaning, or lying down, resembling all walks of life in the human world. But none of us could compare to these strange rocks — peculiar as they may be, they remain utterly unfazed. Having endured wind and rain, witnessed the vicissitudes of life, they stand firmly unmoved. Truly, a realm unto themselves.
After some reflection, the group descended the mountain. On the way down, we happened upon a young couple at a wooden house and exchanged greetings with them. Seeing their sweet smiles, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of love. We gave a quick “Hi,” said our goodbyes in a hurry, and couldn’t help but be amazed by the magic of nature — it brings strangers closer without them even realizing it. Just a sincere smile and a clear gaze can convey the goodwill in one’s heart.
After descending, we returned to the performance area near the entrance, where the gorgeously dressed girls were still dancing under the warm sun. Once our group had all gathered, we bid farewell to the Mysterious Valley scenic area, headed to the farmhouse, and set off to experience the beauty of a rural evening.
After climbing the mountain, we were somewhat tired. The moment we stepped into the yard, our taste buds were stirred by the aroma of farmhouse food, instantly making us feel ravenous. After washing our hands, we snacked on some fruit to tide us over, and the eager group followed the landlady, playing the role of apprentices. Here are some pictures of our handiwork:
Cornmeal mantou (steamed buns) — don’t laugh. No matter if they’re round or square, I’m making them myself. Time to eat some healthy whole grains.
Dumplings stuffed with wild vegetables——no matter how they’re wrapped, whether steamed, pan-fried, boiled, or deep-fried, they carry the freshness of nature’s gifts and the immense satisfaction of DIY.
Now, let’s take a look at the chef’s specialties at the farmhouse:
Stewed young rooster in a big iron pot, sprinkled with mushrooms picked from the mountain—how else can you describe this authentic farmhouse aroma!
Wild fish served with cornmeal flatbread. Just look at that color—tempting golden yellow—and taste it—exceptionally delicious and not greasy at all.
Roast whole lamb: locally raised goats, freshly slaughtered on-site, tender and succulent.
At the farmhouse, surrounded by green mountains, we eat meat heartily and drink freely from big bowls. Don’t laugh at the rustic flavor of the farmhouse wine—the revelry here in the yard is even more spirited.
After a hearty meal, the fatigue of the day fades away. The group heads out under the moonlight, humming tunes, on our way to the scenic area’s night event.
At 8 PM, the bonfire is lit!! The music plays!! The dancing begins!!
Give me your hand—whether you’re an old friend or a new acquaintance.
I’ll give you mine—whether you’re a queen bee at work or a budget-solo traveler.
Let’s hold hands together!!
Dance and sing around the bonfire.
Enjoy the moment—laughter and joy.
What are you laughing at? I’m laughing because you’re stepping all wrong!
Hahaha, laugh all you want—who says dancing steps have to be perfect?
What are you smiling about? I’m smiling because you’re singing off-key!
Hahaha, laugh all you like—who says singing with abandon has to sound like real singing?
Come on, come on, come on—sing with me!! Dance with me!! Be happy with me!! Scream with me!!
Follow me, follow me, follow me!! Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!
Let’s light up this late-spring valley night—make it burn brighter, burn hotter, burn to the max!
It ends at 9:30—bonfire party over, sweat-drenched and exhilarated crowds say their cheerful goodbyes—no sadness in parting when the fun is right here and now. We head back to the farmhouse bathed in mountain moonlight, listening to the evening breeze of late spring.
We step into clean, convenient guest rooms, freshen up a bit, and bring a relaxed, joyful day to a close.
The next morning, we sleep in till we wake naturally. Truly, lulled to sleep by the mountains and water, and waking to a leisurely day filled with birdsong.
Such blissful, carefree living makes us decide on the spot to extend our stay a few more days. Nearby attractions like Maojiayu Longevity Resort, Ji County Jiulong Mountain Scenic Area, and Panshan Scenic Area are all within a short drive—since we’re here, we check them all out. The kind farmhouse owner helps us get discounted tickets for these spots, a lovely surprise.
The May Day mini-vacation comes to an end. Our absolutely worthwhile trip to Hei Yu Secret Valley ushers in summer. And the post I just shared on social media? Not only does it steal the spotlight, but it also brings a great mood for the work week ahead: the lush green mountains and waters of Hei Yu Valley in late spring, so many trees and flowers you couldn’t capture them all; the authentic hometown dishes at the farmhouse, each bite tasting like mom’s cooking; the simple guesthouses, brimming with nostalgia and homesickness. Families on vacation find photo after photo of unfiltered pastoral beauty and family joy; friends on a getaway capture nothing but real, vivid “inviting me to the farmhouse, drinking and chatting of farming life.”
If you’ve missed out on late spring, how could you miss early summer?
Come on, here you’ll find clear mountains and waters, fresh and serene, as well as farmhouse courtyards full of warmth.
Come on, here you’ll find picturesque landscapes like a poem or painting, and the peace of time passing slowly, with rustic charm and heartfelt local feeling.
Come on, in the gentle summer of May, Black Valley Secret Valley is waiting for you!!!
Tips
The ticket price for Heiyu Mysterious Valley Scenic Area is as follows
Adults: 78 RMB per person
Seniors/students: 39 RMB per person
1) Children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70, and people with disabilities may enter free of charge upon presenting valid identification.
2) By car: Navigate to “Heiyu Mysterious Valley Scenic Area, Jizhou District, Tianjin” (located 8 kilometers northeast of Jizhou City)