Time flies, and as 2023 draws to a close, I find myself deeply grateful for the many places I’ve visited, the diverse landscapes I’ve witnessed, and the fascinating individuals I’ve encountered. Each journey has enriched my life experiences and broadened my horizons. Upon every trip’s conclusion, I always find myself saying, “It’s wonderful, I’ve turned another page in the book of the world.”
Among the places I’ve visited in 2023, some evoke a sense of romance, while others seem like fairytales come to life. Those that truly made me feel like I’d stepped into a comic book world are as follows:
- Kurdelning, Xinjiang: Reminiscent of the scenic backdrop from “Heidi and Grandpa,” Kurdelning’s snow-capped mountains, grassy meadows, and cozy cottages present a breathtakingly unreal beauty.
- Qiaxi Grassland, Xinjiang: This vast grassland forest, with its tiered hillsides and snow-covered peaks, complements the grazing horse herds, creating a picture-perfect scene.
- Binhai Middle Road, Yantai: Reminiscent of a comic book setting, the striped crosswalks leading to the sea, the serene seaside bus stop, and the lonely road signs all offer exceptional photographic opportunities.
- Gediram, Sichuan: Standing atop this mountain, I experienced a sense of what a sky city feels like, a place of pureness and ethereal beauty. The green cottages, merry-go-rounds, pianos, swings, benches, mini buses, and red lighthouses all seem like scenes plucked from a comic book.
- Rehe Valley, Chengde: Autumn here is like a palette turned upside down by God, offering a vibrant display of colors.
- Siguniangshan, Western Sichuan: With its yellow fir forests, snow-capped peaks, winding roads, and crystal-clear lakes, the autumn scenery of Siguniangshan surpasses even its summer beauty.
- Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden, Kunming: Stepping into this garden feels like falling into a painting. The water-reflecting gardens, reminiscent of Monet’s works, are truly deserving of their reputation.
- Hemu, Xinjiang in Winter: Transformed into a winter wonderland, Hemu presents a fairytale-like scene of cottages, cedar forests, horse-drawn sledges, and horseback rides through the forest.
- Xuegu Wusongling, Harbin: It’s astonishing to see that the bear-inhabited forest from cartoons actually exists! The rime-covered trees and white Christmas pines offer a breathtaking sight.
- Linhuaiguan Road, Qingdao: This road, touted as Qingdao’s most beautiful forest road, offers an exceptional sense of depth. Regardless of the season, the lush cypress trees lining the sides maintain their vibrant green hue.
- Dongshan Island, Fujian: Half-covered by the sea and half-occupied by a small town, Dongshan Island exudes a charming atmosphere. The colorful houses of Nanmen Bay, the red and blue fishing boats on the beach, and the green lighthouse on the reef are all unforgettable sights.
- Lihuangpi Road, Wuhan: This street is a delight to explore, reminiscent of Shanghai’s Wukang Road. The various beautiful old houses offer both a pleasant shopping experience and excellent photographic opportunities.
As the year 2023 draws to a close and we approach the dawn of 2024, I cherish these memories of my travels and the beauty they have brought into my life. May these experiences continue to inspire and enrich me in the coming year.
