Touring Dongjiang Lake and Mangshan in a Warm Winter

Guide: Day 1: Visit Dongjiang Lake. First, take the eco-friendly bus to Station No. 2, enjoy the beautiful lake scenery while hiking to Station No. 3, then take the eco-friendly bus to the final stop to explore Longjing Canyon. Day 2: Mangshan Five Finger Peak (East Area). First, take the eco-friendly bus to the cable car station, then ride the cable car to the first-level plank road (Golden Toad Worship), followed by the second-level plank road (Five Finger Peak, Yin Xin Terrace, Wonderful Brush, Calabash Brothers). These two levels are mostly flat and easy to explore at a leisurely pace. There is a canyon restaurant and a place selling grilled skewers (15 yuan each, quite tasty) for energy replenishment. To reach the third-level plank road, you need to climb 888 steps, which is a bit steep. For mountain climbing enthusiasts, the intensity is not high and takes about 20 minutes. Those with less stamina can choose to take the Motianling elevator (40 yuan). The view from the top is stunning. From there, you can walk along the plank road to the Xiaotiantai sightseeing elevator (downhill 40 yuan) or hike down 666 steps (15 minutes, recommended). The entire route is a loop, so no backtracking is needed. You will reach a free downhill escalator that overlaps with the starting point near the cable car. The whole climb is not very strenuous, and most people can complete it on their own. Experience: The water of Dongjiang Lake is really clear, blue-green and you can clearly see the stones at the bottom. The air by the lake is especially fresh, carrying the unique scent of nature. Taking a deep breath instantly refreshes you. Walking along the lakeside, listening to the chirping of insects and birds, the rustling of leaves in the breeze; watching the golden sunlight shining on the mountainside in the distance, while nearby is a sea of Rhine blue and gem green, sparkling with waves. My heart gradually calms down, all anxiety and stress are cleared away. At this moment, I am like the birds, fish, and ducks, just a part of this vast natural painting blending together. Due to time constraints, we only took the small loop in Longjing Canyon. What left a deep impression was walking in the lake, getting close to the tranquil blue of Dongjiang Lake. The path beneath my feet was soft and slightly wobbly. In the distance, clear springs rushed down the canyon, creating a vivid and lively scene. The perceived temperature on Five Finger Peak is a few degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain. The weather on the mountain is changeable. While riding the cable car, the sun was shining brightly; during the climb on the first and second plank roads, it started to drizzle; by the time we reached the third plank road, the sun came out again, the sky was deep blue, and sunlight streamed through the clouds, shining on the distant mountains. The colorful scenery was truly beautiful. If time allows, you can enjoy some grilled skewers, take photos, watch small animals, and use your imagination to observe the nearby or distant scenery while climbing the first and second plank roads. On the third level, you can sit on any stone bench inside the plank road, feel the wind, gaze at the sky and mountains, and experience the vastness of nature. At this moment, live in the present, neither dwelling on the past nor fearing the future, savoring the slow passage of time—how delightful.