Wugong Mountain Hiking: From Shenzicun to the Golden Summit and then to Zhong'an

Many people say that Wugong Mountain is a must-climb. I ask: Why? They say, Wugong Mountain is one of the three famous mountains in the south of the Yangtze River. Hmm? Aren't the three famous mountains in the south of the Yangtze River Huangshan, Jiuhuashan, and Qiyunshan? At least that's what people in Anhui think. They say, Wugong Mountain has starry skies, fireflies, and rare alpine meadows. Hmm, well, it seems that other places have these too. They say, have you heard this saying: 'Mount Tai is full of beggars, Wugong Mountain is full of suspenders.' Hmm, really? That's good, I'll go! So, led by an old donkey, I hiked up the mountain to demonstrate our professionalism in pretending. From the hotel at the entrance of the scenic area to the Shenzicun hiking entrance, it's 12 kilometers, then following the Shuoxi stream upwards. The beginning of the hike is joyful. The rain was sparse last night, and the gravel road is still a bit damp, but walking on it is still brisk. The bamboo is green, the stream is tinkling, the birds are chirping, and the white flowers of the tung trees are in full bloom! Such hiking is exhilarating. Not far along, there are small bridges, flowing water, and homes, while we, the foodies, are at the ends of the earth. The tinkling stream comes from the lofty peaks, winding its way to see the vast sea; we, the chirping ones, come from the seaside, rushing all the way to see these lofty peaks. On the way, I encounter several senior groups, thinking: If they can do it, is this route not challenging? They turn right, to Jiulong Mountain; we turn left, heading straight for Tieti Peak! No more coffee in the Wild Valley, let's go! If you don't take the usual path, then it's the muddy road. Muddy road, still a muddy road, all muddy roads. Walking along, I don't know where my old companions have fallen behind. No more flowers, no more wind, no more bird songs, only the endless muddy road, only my own heartbeat, only panting and secretly annoyed: Why didn't I follow the senior group? After an entire hour and a half of torment, from an altitude of 800 to 1500, I finally see the light of day again! Alright, after a few dozen steps, the view suddenly opens up. From then on, it's all about the scenery, all about taking photos, how exhilarating it is. The high mountain azaleas are in full bloom, swaying. I am swaying, my heart is blooming. The Gate of Heaven is not far ahead. Upon arrival, snap a photo. Finally, I reach the Tieti Peak Inn. Fifteen yuan for a bottle of cola tastes exceptionally refreshing. Is there anything more exhilarating than drinking cola? Yes, it's the eight dishes at this moment, with rice all you can eat, even without soup. After the meal, even looking at this withered tree feels meaningful. Continue towards the Golden Summit, the scenery gets more and more beautiful, the road more and more dangerous. Below the Golden Summit, there is an altar, it is said that praying to a photo also works. You're welcome. Above the Golden Summit, the crowd is like a weave. But mostly in long robes and trousers, where are the suspenders, liars! The weather is very good, many tents are set up on the mountain top, for the prepared young people, with prices varying, to each their own. As a middle-aged person like me, I don't have the patience to queue up for check-ins, nor to strike poses, so I just take a casual photo, been there, done that. Down the mountain, running down, a bit showy, but indeed someone exclaims in admiration. All the way running to the Diaoma Zhuang intersection. Continue straight, should have turned left to go down the mountain. However, the glass walkway is also a scenery. Back to Hao Han Slope, the slope is steep, the stairs narrow, the people many. Walking, running, with the stream and waterfall accompanying. Again, it's the bamboo forest by the stream, and the slanting sun shines through the shade, with colorful rays, too beautiful for words. From Diaoma Zhuang to the Zhong'an Tunnel Transfer Station, eighty minutes, going down the mountain is indeed much faster than going up. Looking back at the mountain I climbed, I will come again. My blessings are with you.