Recently popularGore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization Eventgave me a bold idea. Since it’s a dream plan, I figured I’d come up with one of my own ― to travel through all the scenic spots described in Jin Yong’s novels. Things like hiking through the “Valley of Heartbreak,” bravely climbing the “Cliff of Heartbreak,” or even taking a road trip from the Mongolian desert to the Iron Spear Temple in Jiaxing. Now that’s how you have fun. I’ve preliminarily selected a few places that left the deepest impression on me when reading the novels. Let’s discuss how to make this “dream plan” truly dreamlike. Purely for fun, all feedback welcome.
Starting Point: Peach Blossom Island.
“Once, while drunk, ink was spilled on the rocks, leaving behind peach blossom patterns.” With a poetic name and the almost mythical presence of the eccentric Huang Yaoshi, plus the birthplace of Huang Rong, whose IQ exceeds 200, this place must have unparalleled feng shui. Truly a land blessed with exceptional people. This has to be our first stop.
Research shows that the real-life Peach Blossom Island is located south of Shenjiamen Fishing Port on Zhoushan Island, Zhejiang. The current Peach Blossom Island is known as Taohua Town, with Duizhi Mountain in the south being the highest peak in the Zhoushan Archipelago. The mountain range extends in all directions, forming undulating peaks and layered mountain-sea scenery. The island boasts abundant tourist resources, combining sea, mountains, rocks, reefs, cliffs, caves, temples, shrines, flowers, forests, birds, military relics, historical sites, cliff inscriptions, and myths and legends.
The only hassle here is that you’ll need to take a ferry to get there, which might be a bit tricky for those prone to seasickness.
After landing, there’s no rush to move on. You can explore Jiaxing, visit the Iron Spear Temple from “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and “The Return of the Condor Heroes” (though the temple seems to exist only in history), and soak in the Jiangnan scenery as depicted by Jin Yong.
Then head westward to Wudang Mountain.
As a die-hard Jin Yong fan, this is a must-visit. Zhang Sanfeng is one of the most realistic characters in Jin Yong’s works, and Tai Chi is one of the most well-known Chinese martial arts styles today. Wudang is backed by the vast Shennongjia primitive forest in the Daba Mountains and faces the vast Danjiangkou Reservoir. It’s definitely a sacred place for hiking adventures. There are already many hiking routes for exploring the uninhabited areas of Shennongjia and trekking the southern Wudang path, making it a relatively established trail.
I’m a bit stuck on the next leg of the journey. After careful consideration, I’ve tentatively decided to head north to Shanxi to visit the Hanging Temple at Hengshan Mountain and Yanmen Pass, then go west to Shaanxi to climb Mount Hua and see the Tomb of the Living Dead at Zhongnan Mountain, and finally head to Sichuan to pay homage to Mount Emei.
The Hanging Temple faces east and is built against a cliff, resembling an exquisite, delicate, and translucent jade carving suspended on a huge screen. Here, you can not only appreciate great architectural art but also relive the story of Linghu Chong (who was tied to the Hanging Temple by the mute granny) for fans of Jin Yong.
Yanmen Pass is one of the most emotionally stirring locations in Jin Yong’s novels. Xiao Feng’s tragic life begins with an unexpected incident at Yanmen Pass and ends with his suicide off the cliff there. I always sigh deeply every time I revisit “The Return of the Condor Heroes.”
After gathering myself, I continue onward to Mount Hua. Like Wudang, Mount Hua is also a must-visit pilgrimage site for Jin Yong fans. In Jin Yong’s works, this is the premier location for ranking heroes. Moreover, many of Jin Yong’s stories are connected to Mount Hua. Aside from the Sword Testing Assembly, the most memorable spot for fans is likely the Meditation Cliff. You have to cross the Lingkong Plank Road at Nantian Gate to reach it — definitely a test of courage.
After descending Mount Hua, head to Zhongnan Mountain. Many, like me, may not be very interested in the Quanzhen Sect, but the most desired sight is the Tomb of the Living Dead, where Jin Yong’s most moving love story unfolds. Some media reports claim that the real “Tomb of the Living Dead” did exist, as the place where Wang Chongyang practiced Taoism, though it was actually located in Chengdao Palace, about four or five li away from the Chongyang Palace. The tomb mound still remains today, with a stone tablet in front inscribed with the words “Tomb of the Living Dead.” I haven’t seen it myself, but if this dream plan comes true, visiting this place would be my greatest wish.
Having paid respects to Xiaolongnü, why not head to Sichuan to remember another remarkable woman who also had a unique connection to Yang Guo ― Guo Xiang. Although Jin Yong didn’t write much about how Guo Xiang entered the monastic life full of resentment, her fate still leaves readers feeling melancholy. A visit to Mount Emei is a must.
Mount Emei is truly a women’s mountain in the Jin Yong universe. Guo Xiang, Abbess Miejue, and Zhou Zhiruo are all exceptionally distinctive female characters in Jin Yong’s works — powerful martial artists with stunning beauty, the epitome of talent and looks.
That brings the “outdoor dream” plan of your humble narrator to a temporary close. If there’s more time for exploration, there are two relatively challenging extended routes: one heading south to Dali, and the other venturing west to the Kunlun Mountains.
That’s my “dream plan.” All feedback welcome. I especially hope veteran travelers participating in the Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization event can offer some advice on the route, because when it comes to martial arts and outdoor adventures together, you know what I mean.