My daughter is a loyal runner of the Guangzhou Marathon, participating every year since the event started in 2010. Due to the pandemic, the Guangzhou Marathon was canceled in 2020. She signed up for the Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon. Unexpectedly, the Chengdu Marathon was also canceled. To participate in the delayed Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon, on April 19, 2021, my daughter and I took the high-speed train to Chongqing.
After arriving in Chongqing, we first booked a hotel and settled our luggage. We reserved train tickets to Sichuan for the next day. Then we explored the streets and alleys of Chongqing, searching for delicious food.
This is the bench noodles from the streets of Chongqing, a popular spot for social media check-ins.
Leisurely wandering in Chongqing, enjoying the night view of the mountain city.
I often encounter situations like this, walking on someone else's rooftop while thinking I'm strolling on flat streets.
On the afternoon of the 20th, we took the high-speed train to Sichuan and stayed at the Great Rivers and Mountains Hotel.
People in Sichuan say, "If you haven't eaten the yin-yang hot pot, you haven't truly tasted Sichuan cuisine."
We tasted the yin-yang hot pot at a small restaurant called "Drunken Sichuan Flavor."
Cycling to explore the local customs and culture of the small town.
On April 21, I was finally going to realize my long-held dream. I could go to Emei Mountain to see my lovely monkeys! 😄
At the foot of Emei Mountain, it was misty and drizzly as we climbed the steps. Beyond a step, we could hardly see the people ahead.
We reached the cable car station, where countless people were queuing. The tour guide said this cable car to the mountain top is currently the largest in the world, capable of accommodating one hundred people at a time.
Finally, we boarded the cable car. The cable car rushed upward at high speed. At the moment we burst through the clouds, everyone on the cable car exclaimed in surprise: "Ah!"
The sky was illuminated by the sun, shining brilliantly. ☀️
Compared to the misty scene at the foot of the mountain just moments ago, it was a world of difference.
Here is the renowned Emei Golden Summit.
The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is located at the Golden Summit of Emei Mountain. It is the highest and largest Bodhisattva statue in the world. The golden hall and copper hall have gilded copper roofs. It is the largest golden hall in China. Countless beings come here to pay their respects, make wishes, and seek peace of mind.
After a round of respectful worship, I sat on the stone steps and meditated for a moment. Then I looked up at the clouds, quietly watching them roll and unfold. When I found myself in the mist, everything before me was shrouded in a layer of ethereal veil. The clouds sometimes gathered gently, like a thin veil floating. At times, they surged violently, majestic like a stampede of thousands of horses. It was intoxicating, dreamlike, and surreal.
On April 22, we joined a tour to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area. I have long yearned to see the Leshan Giant Buddha. This desire stems from a movie I watched as a child, depicting two groups fighting on the back of the Leshan Giant Buddha.
The Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area is located at the confluence of the Min River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River. The mountain is lush with bamboo and trees, remaining green all year round. It is renowned as the crown of southwestern landscapes.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, built here, is magnificent and breathtaking, deserving of reverence.
That afternoon, the tour guide took us to visit Baoguo Temple.
Baoguo Temple, the first temple to enter Emei Mountain, is a comprehensive temple dedicated to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty based on the meaning of "repaying the kindness of the country" from the Buddhist scriptures.
The temple is surrounded by red walls, and there is a strong incense presence inside, along with many couplets.
"Open your mouth and laugh, laughing at the past and present, letting everything be a joke; a big belly can hold, holding heaven and earth, accommodating everyone." This popular couplet comes from here.
On April 23, we visited Dujiangyan.
Dujiangyan was built in 256 BC, managed and planned by Li Bing, the governor of the Qin state, and his son. It embodies the hard work and wisdom of the ancient Chinese people. For over two thousand years, it has played a role in flood control and irrigation, making the Chengdu Plain a "Land of Abundance" with fertile fields.
After enduring wind and rain, it remains as solid as a rock, a true miracle.
On April 24, the long-awaited 2021 Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon finally arrived.
Marathon runners from all over the country cheered and ran forward after the starting gun fired.
Some participated in the full 42.195 km, some in the half marathon of 20 km, some in the 10 km race, and others in the 5 km mini marathon. The runners orderly ran on their respective tracks.
Due to the lack of experience and preparation for marathon events by the relevant authorities in Sichuan, when we reached the 30 km aid station, all the staff had already left, and there were no supplies, not even water. The weather was cold and rainy at the time. Many runners had to take the shuttle bus back after reaching 30 km.
My daughter never expected that, with such enthusiasm and having traveled a long distance to participate, it would end so abruptly.
On April 25, we embarked on the journey home. Due to time constraints, we had not yet explored many famous mountains and rivers in Sichuan. My daughter said, "Leaving a little regret can be a reason to come back next time."