Dragon Boat Festival in the Mountains

Life in the mountains during the Dragon Boat Festival carries a serene joy distinct from the city. As the scent of mugwort wafts over the gray tiles and white walls, and the soft, glutinous rice dumplings still steam in bamboo baskets, the path washed by morning dew is already bathed in golden sunlight. The stone-paved road winds towards the lakeside pavilion, and looking up, you can see wild loquat branches stretching out from the rooftops. Their heavy, golden fruits bend the tips of the branches, resembling countless little lanterns swaying in the breeze. There's no need to deliberately seek them out; a simple reach of the hand brings you the mountain's generous offerings. As your fingers peel away the delicate, translucent skin, the sweet juice bursts instantly in your mouth, carrying the unique freshness of the wilderness and the warmth of sunlight. Ripples shimmer across the lake's surface, and distant, unfamiliar bird calls echo through the air, which is filled with the mingling scents of grass, trees, and fruit. It turns out that the taste of the Dragon Boat Festival is not only found in the traditional bamboo-wrapped dumplings but also in these effortless gifts of nature, brewing the simplest joys in tranquil moments.