Huang shan gui lai bu kan shan." 5

[johnhuangshan]

We finished the entire trail towards the hotel by 3 pm. hungry yet fulfilled, tired but energized, and very thankful for the chance to recharge and to relax our swollen feet. Taking my shirt and pants off, I succumbed to oblivion, and all I could remember was that hotel bed has never felt so sweet.
The following day is the rise to the summit when the real climb begins. Another six hours and this time everything we pass through becomes my vision of heaven--mountains nestled in the sea of clouds, the greenest of painting-like trees, the clearest of skies, and the sun golden and pure. I wanted to take it all in for myself and just stay there; we were so blessed to not deal with so much fog that day.
At one of the "lower" peaks, I let the group go ahead while I savored the sweetest scent of pureness, literally touched the clear sky before me, sat then slept on one of the tree branches, listened to the wonderful music of breeze. Now I know that you can indeed paint the colors of the wind with your eyes closed, quieting all thoughts and letting the beauty of the universe unfold.
Ultimately, I reached the summit, the Apex of Lotus Peak, clocking in 1864 meters above sea level. If I had had enough stamina (plus food and water!) left like some of my warrior-friends did, I would have also laid claim to the Apex of Celestial Peak and the Bright Summit Peak.
But inside me was the most celestial fulfillment beyond conquest, beyond claims that I've reached several peaks of the Yellow Mountain. Because that day I touched heaven while Nature and I had a nice chat. And that was more than I could ask for. Coming down, I decided to reward myself with a very relaxing hot spring bath, after which we all wolfed through our lunch-dinner.
Next stop: Chengdu, Sichuan. The land of the gentle pandas, fiery dishes, and the colorful waters that Chinese say rival all others, thus the mantra "Jiu zhai gui lai bu kan shui".
After touching the water of Jiuzhaigou, you find there is lake worth seeing in China.