Qing Cheng Mountain

Qing Cheng Mountain is one of Taoism's holy mountains. And, at only 1600 meters high, it isn't so high I'm going to get mountain sickness, either! I was there a number of years ago, very briefly, but I thought I would have another look. This time, I chose "Hou Shan" or the back of the mountain, which is a little more remote than the front. The scenery in the lush gorge path winding its way up the mountain was absolutely stunning. Waterfall after waterfall sprayed into clear pools, mossy rocks overlooked verdant growth. I should have brought a camera for this one- it is some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen anywhere. One downside was a tout who followed my journey up the mountain, and probably got a cut of the hotel where I eventually stayed, near the top. That, and the fact that the hotel was very dirty and uncomfortable were the only downsides. And if I say a hotel is bad... well, let's just say I'm pretty tolerant. This place was dingy and host of a great variety of insect fauna.

The hike back down was not quite as impressive. I hadn't considered that today is May Day- (International Worker's Day) so everybody and his brother was out of the trail today. Hundreds and hundreds of people, and even a line of cars kilometers long leading into the little village at the base of things. Not as much fun. Maybe I'll head back after the weekend, when things have quieted down (and stay at a different hotel!).