Western Sichuan: A Pilgrimage of the Soul

Setting foot on the vast and mysterious land of Western Sichuan is like opening a legendary book sealed by time, with every page filled with the wonders of nature and the profound cultural heritage of humanity. This is one of the places closest to the sky, a sacred land where snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and Tibetan Buddhist culture intertwine. Every inch of air is filled with the breath of freedom and mystery, attracting countless souls yearning for distant places to explore. Entering Western Sichuan: Encountering the Dream of Light and Shadow in Xinduqiao Departing from Chengdu, heading west along the winding mountain roads, the scenery gradually transitions from the hustle and bustle of a prosperous city to the tranquility of pastoral landscapes. When Xinduqiao comes into view, it seems as if time stands still for this picturesque beauty. Xinduqiao, known as the "World of Light and Shadow," has no specific attractions, yet everywhere is a scene. In the golden autumn, the sunlight becomes particularly gentle, generously spreading over the boundless grasslands, draping the earth in a golden veil. In the distance, the mountains undulate, and under the sunlight, the contours of the mountains are outlined with exceptional clarity and distinct layers. The vegetation on the mountains seems to have been splashed with a palette by nature, with reds, yellows, and greens interwoven, creating a colorful and vibrant oil painting. Along the roadside, rows of tall and straight poplar trees rustle in the autumn breeze, as if playing a hymn to autumn. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows that dance and flicker on the ground with the gentle breeze, creating magical patterns. Occasionally, a few yaks graze leisurely by the roadside, their simple and honest appearance adding vitality and energy to the tranquil grasslands. Strolling along the country paths, one can see scattered Tibetan-style houses. These houses, mainly built with stone and wood, have a simple and solemn appearance, with walls adorned with exquisite Tibetan patterns, vibrant colors, and rich ethnic flavor. Surrounding the houses are fields of golden barley, swaying gracefully in the breeze, as if telling the joy of a bountiful harvest. Wisps of smoke rise from the rooftops, blending with the distant mountains, fields, and poplar trees, forming a peaceful and harmonious pastoral scene that captivates the heart and makes one forget the troubles of the world. Exploring Daocheng Yading: Pursuing the Shangri-La in the Heart Leaving Xinduqiao and continuing southwest, we arrive at the enchanting Daocheng Yading. This is the legendary "Last Shangri-La," a pure land on the blue planet, and the poetry and distant place in the hearts of countless people. Entering the scenic area, the majestic and magnificent Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain is the first to come into view. It stands like a giant dressed in white holy robes, quietly standing between heaven and earth, with the eternal snow on the mountain top shining with a sacred light under the sunlight. At the foot of the mountain, Pearl Lake is like a dazzling blue gem embedded in the verdant forest. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the snow-capped mountains, forests, and blue sky and white clouds, like a dream, as if it were a natural ink painting. Walking along the boardwalk by the lake, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, the distractions in your heart are gradually cleansed by this pure beauty. The two snow-capped mountains, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji, with their unique postures, showcase the magic and grandeur of nature. Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain has graceful lines, like a slender girl, holy and elegant; Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain is like a brave and fearless warrior, towering and majestic. The three snow-capped mountains are arranged in a triangular shape, guarding this sacred land and every soul that comes to worship. In Daocheng Yading, the most challenging and anticipated experience is hiking to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake. This is a journey filled with hardships and sweat, but also a wonderful journey of self-challenge and intimate contact with nature. Climbing up the steep mountain road, every step requires tremendous effort. The thin air and rugged mountain roads constantly test our physical strength and willpower. However, when we finally stand in front of Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake after overcoming countless difficulties, all the fatigue instantly disappears. Milk Lake, named for its milky color, has a charming light blue hue, surrounded by a circle of white snow-capped mountains and green grasslands, like a pearl embedded in the embrace of the snow-capped mountains, beautiful and pure. Five-Color Lake, on the other hand, is like a palette overturned by nature, with the lake water reflecting colorful hues under the sunlight, like a dream, making one feel as if they are in a fairyland. Standing by the lake, overlooking this dreamlike beauty, a sense of inexplicable emotion and awe arises in the heart. This is the most precious gift from nature and one of the most unforgettable memories on our long journey of life. Entering Seda: Listening to the Buddhist Chanting in the Land of Buddha Leaving Daocheng Yading, we head north to the mysterious Seda. Here is the location of one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist academies in the world, the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, and a sacred place in the hearts of countless believers. From a distance, the red monk houses are densely packed, like a sea of red, exuding a solemn and sacred aura under the sunlight. Walking along the winding mountain road into the Buddhist academy, the air is filled with the rich aroma of butter tea and the sound of chanting. On the streets, lamas and nuns in red robes come and go, some holding prayer wheels and chanting, while others gather in small groups, exchanging insights on Buddhist teachings. Their faces are filled with peace and tranquility, as if all the troubles of the world have nothing to do with them. At the highest point of the Buddhist academy is a magnificent golden stupa. This stupa, built with stone and wood, has a beautiful design and exquisite craftsmanship. Around the stupa, colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, making a rustling sound, as if telling ancient stories. Believers circle the stupa, continuously turning the prayer wheels and silently reciting the six-syllable mantra, their eyes filled with devotion and determination. Here, time seems to slow down, and every moment is filled with sacred power, providing an unprecedented cleansing of the soul. As night falls, the entire Buddhist academy is enveloped in lights, like a dreamlike fairy tale world. Standing on the observation deck, overlooking this brilliant scene, a sense of inexplicable emotion arises in the heart. This sea of red is not only a symbol of faith but also a spiritual home for countless people. Here, we witness the power of faith and experience the profoundness of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The journey to Western Sichuan is a visual feast and a spiritual cleansing. Every snow-capped mountain, grassland, lake, and temple here carries the gifts of nature and the wisdom of humanity. They showcase the beauty and mystery of this land in a unique way, allowing us to find inner peace and belonging in this complex world. Leaving Western Sichuan, our hearts are filled with longing and reluctance, but the beautiful memories will forever remain in our hearts, becoming the most precious treasure on our journey of life.