The cool Wuyi Mountains, perfect for a stroll among rocky peaks and floral scents

Take the shuttle bus from the north gate of the scenic area to Water Curtain Cave, which is the starting point of the rocky peaks and floral scent trail. In my opinion, the best way to experience Wuyi Mountains is not by bamboo raft, but by choosing a quiet mountain path for a hike. On the first day of cooling, the mountain wind already hints at winter. There is no sunlight, no blue sky, only cold green, which instead brings a sense of calm. The beginning is still noisy with people, but after passing Water Curtain Cave to Zhangtang Stream, the only companions are the sound of the stream and the fragrance of tea. Steep cliffs hang on both sides, and among the scattered rocks, tea trees are budding. It’s not tea-picking season now, but the camellias are just beginning to bloom. I found a camellia on the path, apparently picked and discarded in the middle of the road. Not wanting it to be trampled, I held it in my hand and brought it to Huiyuan Zen Temple, my hand fragrant with its scent, and placed it on a stone bench in the back courtyard. The temple has a pleasant sandalwood incense smell, along with the tea fragrance from visitors brewing tea. At this moment, the sun came out, warming everything. Leaving Huiyuan Zen Temple and walking forward, more people gradually appeared. I met a grandmother from Taiwan who asked me for directions, kindly calling me “younger sister” and thanking me, which lifted my spirits. Walking along Liuxiang Stream, I saw a poem and really liked this line: "Walking several miles along the village, entering the valley one smells orchids... Mist light wets the walking stick, moss color chills the clothes." Those who have never been here might think this is a literary trick. Those who have been here are only amazed at how sharply it captures the vague yet real feelings inside. On this path in Wuyi Mountains, people are swallowed up, and the boundaries of perception are shattered. The hiking endpoint is Dahongpao. Tea in the scenic area is quite expensive, so I went out to the tea competition at Tianxin Village near the entrance and enjoyed a round of Shui Xian tea. Next time I come to Wuyi Mountains, I will definitely go hiking again.