Crossing Jinling Mountain

Crossing Jinling Mountain has been a wish of mine for the past few years. On June 16th, the fire prevention period for Qingdao's mountain parks was lifted, and I finally fulfilled my wish over the weekend. Entering from the mountain gate at the intersection of Yinchuan East Road and Yangling Road in Laoshan District, I passed by Jinling Spring. Thanks to the rain the previous day, the vegetation was fresh, the spring flowed continuously, and the stream babbled along. Following the stone path, I ascended to Jinguan Terrace. From afar, Jinguan Terrace resembles a regal crown of the Qin Emperor standing atop the mountain. The slopes are covered with black pines, some of which have tenaciously sprouted from the rocky crevices. Peach trees were laden with green and red fruits, suggesting that the spring here must be a vibrant display of blooming peach blossoms. Winding up the mountain path, I encountered various oddly shaped rocks, and after about half an hour, I arrived at Jinguan Terrace. Jinguan Terrace is a two-tiered, square viewing platform with a structure made of metal, wood, and stone slabs, wider at the top and narrower at the base. Climbing to the second level, I took in the panoramic views: to the west, the steep and majestic Fushan; to the east, the simple and solid Wushan; to the south, the vast expanse of the Shilaoren sea area merging with the sky; and to the north, Yandun Mountain, Loushan, and Laohu Mountain standing like guardians at the city's northern gate. Jinguan Terrace of Jinling Mountain sits at the heart of this scenic treasure, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing water on the other. Heading north from Jinguan Terrace, I crossed a valley and climbed another peak. The bare rocks on the mountain bore many natural wonders—Crescent Spring, Horse Hoof Prints, and Cactus Rock, to name a few. The mountain pool was teeming with tadpoles swimming freely, and the summer breeze made it feel like walking in a celestial street. For the descent, I chose the northwestern ridge. Clusters of mugwort grew along the path, their fresh fragrance refreshing the mind. Wild yellow and white chrysanthemums bloomed abundantly, with butterflies flitting joyfully among them. This area felt like Jinling Mountain's hidden garden, untouched and natural, its unadorned beauty evoking a sense of serene detachment. Exiting the northwestern mountain gate and skirting a reservoir, I arrived at Liujia Xiazhuang at the foot of the mountain. With the construction of the Zhangcun River Ecological Park, this area has become part of the city's rapid development. Jinling Mountain—its southern slopes like a gorgeously dressed beauty, its northern slopes like a plain, natural silk. I think the finery is but a fleeting glimpse borrowed from the world, while the plain silk is the eternal essence the heavens and earth will never part with.