The Joy of Travel Is Truly Wonderful
The Joy of Travel Is Truly Wonderful
Travel brings delight regardless of season. Ming dynasty scholar Gao Lian vividly described seasonal joys in *Zunsheng Bajian: Anecdotes on Comfortable Living*. He wrote: "In early spring, gentle winds and pleasant scenery, birds singing among blossoming trees—invite friends to the countryside, walk and drink, sail on lakes, seek willows, find flowers, listen to birds in dense woods, admire mountains and waters… all springtime delights." This describes spring travel. Summer travel calls for loosening clothes, letting hair down, releasing emotions, and singing freely—“in summer, wear open robes and let hair loose, gaze upward and sing.” With summer heat, the best places are quiet groves, valleys, or water pavilions, offering "tranquil joy beyond worldly concerns, flowing melodies"—how delightful!
Autumn travel offers either "climbing high to shout," "writing poetry by water," or "chanting under moonlit towers"—this poetic wilderness is more refined than other seasons. In winter, "walking on frozen layers, chanting in temple halls, boating beneath the moon, enjoying the Xiangxi River"—another unique charm.
Though each season has its own appeal, summer is too hot and winter too cold. Spring and autumn, with mild climates, are ideal for travel—especially spring, richest in charm.
In early spring, skies clear, air fresh, breeze gentle, peach blossoms red, willows green—life abounds, everything renewed. In this splendid season, stroll with new friends through fields and mountains, wander freely, chase butterflies, climb high for distant views, sip tea and chat, compose poetry or paint—these are all joys of spring.
In September, autumn is crisp and clear, cool breezes blowing—traveling now brings another kind of pleasure. Yang Pu’s poem reads: "Red maple leaves drift in autumn, frosty winds blow fiercely. Old horses lead forward, unwilling to stay in stables; winding paths bring carefree joy."
Summer travel is best suited to famous mountains and seaside resorts—enjoying mountain and sea views while escaping heat. Winter travel is better kept close to home—walking through snow to admire plum blossoms, watching snowflakes fly, offering unique charm.
When discussing travel destinations, famous mountains naturally come first. Tang dynasty poet Li Bai loved exploring famous peaks, writing: "Holding a jade staff, I leave Huanghe Tower. Seeking immortals across the Five Great Mountains, I never tire of traveling to renowned mountains." Modern artist Liu Haishou also adored mountains, saying: "I love touring famous mountains and rivers, capturing countless scenes. I’ve climbed Huangshan nine times, Taishan nine times—great rewards indeed."
Why do famous mountains attract travelers across ages? Famous mountains boast stunning scenery. Jiangxi’s Lushan features layered peaks, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and streams—renowned for its extraordinary beauty, earning the title "Lushan’s wonder and grace surpass all." Anhui’s Huangshan is famed for its "three wonders": majestic rock formations, sturdy pine trees, and ever-changing clouds. Hunan’s Zhangjiajie and Sichuan’s Jiuzhaigou are hailed as "paradise on earth"—every peak is strange, every stream beautiful, hosting rare flora and fauna.
Mountain tourism differs from competitive mountaineering—it’s for leisure, not speed. No need to rush; just enjoy the journey. Whether walking stone steps or following forest trails, proceed slowly, admire scenery, visit landmarks, appreciate ancient relics, talk and laugh along the way—endless fun. Encountering inscriptions of famous poets amid cypresses, pines, bamboo groves, and clear streams adds special charm.
Reaching the summit, gazing far into the distance, taking in panoramic views, absorbing the beauty of mountains and rivers, instantly opens the chest and fills one with exhilaration. Standing atop the peak, it feels like stepping toward the sky—profound and extraordinary: "One step to heaven stirs the traveler’s heart; crane tears echo in the wind. Holding aloft, I seem to reach the ninth heaven—once, I felt myself a celestial being."
Qing dynasty writer Yuan Mei, famed for his longevity and literary fame, considered visiting famous mountains his greatest joy. When happy, he’d run across mountain tops, savoring the feeling of "all mountains racing with me." Even in old age, he remained energetic, traversing thousands of miles to climb mountains. In his poem *Old Traveler*, he wrote: "Travelling ten thousand miles relies solely on courage; chanting among a thousand peaks, I turn my head again and again. Always feeling famous mountains resemble famous scholars—I won’t rest until I’ve seen them." Mountain climbing and travel brought him immense benefits, keeping him vigorous into old age. As a friend wrote for his 80th birthday: "Eighty years young in spirit, feet strong enough to tread cloud and smoke."