Strolling Deer Mountain: Enjoying the Slow Life in the Park, Reading the Charm of Shengzhou from the Pavilions and Towers

As the morning sunlight just spreads over the rooftops of Shengzhou, after breakfast, I walk along Lushan Road towards Lushan Park. As the "green lung" of Shengzhou city, this park is hidden in the heart of the city, yet it always manages to block out the noise, offering a rare sense of relaxation with its lush trees and scattered pavilions. Starting from the south gate entrance and climbing up the steps, the first thing you encounter is a large area of camphor trees. Their branches and leaves overlap to form a green dome, with sunlight filtering through the gaps, casting dappled light spots on the bluestone path. Halfway up the mountain, a vermilion pavilion suddenly appears in the woods, named "Wangyan Pavilion." The couplet carved on the pavilion's pillars reads, "Leaning on the railing to watch the Yan River, raising eyes to gaze at Deer Peak," perfectly describing the scenery before you. Upon reaching the summit, the view instantly broadens. The "Lansheng Terrace" at the top is the best spot to overlook the entire Shengzhou panorama, with the whole cityscape in full view. Sitting down on a stone bench, the wind blows through the mountain, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees. Bathed in gentle sunlight, I almost don't want to leave—turns out, even in the city, you can find such a corner to "steal half a day's leisure from a busy life."
By the time I leave the park, it is nearly noon, and the sunlight has grown warm. Looking back at Deer Mountain, it still stands quietly in the city center, like a gentle guardian. This trip to Deer Mountain had no thrilling sights, but a comfort hidden in the details: the wind in the woods, the view from the pavilion, the city from the summit, and the people living freely—all made me feel that happiness can be so simple—just climbing a not-so-high mountain, seeing a familiar city, and enjoying a moment undisturbed.

Post by ISABEL KLEIN | Oct 17, 2025