Green Waves and Clear Ripples Cleanse the Dusty Heart—Seeking Serenity in the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea

Stepping into the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea Ecological Scenic Area, I was immediately surrounded by boundless greenery. This is a pure land in Maoping Town, Zigui County, Yichang City, Hubei Province, only 12 kilometers from the Three Gorges Dam, yet it feels as if a natural barrier separates it from the noisy world. Following the trail along the right side of the stream upstream, the sound of water flows gently, and bamboo shadows sway gracefully. The stream of Sixi is like a silver ribbon, linking this ecological secret realm of about 9 square kilometers. Strolling along the bamboo sea path, looking up, bamboo leaves cover the sky; looking down, the winding bluestone path unfolds. The scenic area boasts over 300 species of bamboo, from common moso bamboo to rare qiong bamboo, spotted bamboo, and golden inlaid jade bamboo—everything you could wish for. A gentle breeze rustles thousands of bamboo leaves, like a natural symphony. The slender bamboo stands tall, neither sprawling nor branching, embodying both the elegance of a scholar and the toughness of a hero. I followed the footsteps of ancient literati, seeking resonance of spirit and character in this bamboo sea. "After countless trials and tribulations, still strong and firm, no matter the east, west, south, or north wind"—the poem by Zheng Banqiao echoes here in the bamboo sea. Passing through the wind chime corridor and sitting on the water curtain swing, I headed deeper into the canyon. The Three Gorges Bamboo Sea’s San Diao Waterfall has a drop of 389 meters, one of the rare tall waterfalls in Asia. Standing on the viewing bridge and looking afar, a white ribbon falls from the sky, cascading down in three stages. Mist sprays the face, a rainbow spans across, and the natural craftsmanship is breathtaking. Nearly ten caves, including Dragon King Cave, Baiyan Cave, and Fish Spring Cave, are scattered throughout the scenic area, adding a touch of mystery to this landscape. Unfortunately, time was limited, and I couldn’t explore them all, leaving a bit of regret as an excuse for my next visit. To overlook the entire canyon panorama, I mustered the courage to challenge the via ferrata cliff climb. During the approximately 1.5-hour climb, my body pressed close to the cliff, using hands and feet, each step steady and firm. At the top, looking out, the bamboo forest stretches like a green ocean, extending to the horizon. Climbing to the top of the plank road, I crossed the high-altitude suspension bridge down the mountain, each step feeling like walking on clouds. The bamboo sea views from different angles were the best reward for my courage. After descending, I arrived at the Bamboo Sea Bathing Area (Sacred Water Lake) to go boating. Holding a bamboo pole, I gently pushed, and the bamboo raft slowly moved across the lake. The lake’s reflection mirrored the mountains and water as one, as if rowing through a giant ink painting. The lake was calm as a mirror, sharply contrasting with the grandeur of the waterfall earlier. In this tranquility, the summer heat and inner restlessness were washed away by the cool lake water. As I left, I looked back, and the layers of green waves of the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea still rippled before my eyes. Here are mountains and water, bamboo and waterfalls, and above all, a rare peace and coolness.