Hebanshan

🦌Hebanshan: Living poetically in the forest

Today, I immersed myself in the embrace of Hebanshan and finally understood why it’s called “Heban” — the whole mountain is wrapped in green velvet, the air filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees. Walking through the forest, I always felt like a white crane would swoop past the treetops any second, carrying the gentle mountain breeze~

Entering the mountain early in the morning, the mist hadn’t yet lifted. The grass beside the stone steps was covered in dewdrops, wet underfoot but refreshingly cool. The trees on both sides grew densely, sunlight filtering through the leaves in scattered golden patches, warming my body. Occasionally, a squirrel would dash past with a “whoosh,” clutching a pinecone as it disappeared into the bushes, leaving behind the rustling sound of leaves, as if playing hide-and-seek with us.

Halfway up the mountain, I came across a clear spring called “Yinhe Spring.” Water bubbled out from the cracks in the rocks, tinkling as it flowed down into a small pool so clear that the pebbles at the bottom were visible. I crouched down and cupped a handful of water — cool and slightly sweet. Washing my face instantly refreshed me, as if all the fatigue from climbing had been washed away by this spring. Nearby, an elderly man was collecting spring water, saying, “This water nourishes people; it makes tea especially fragrant.” He poured us a cup, and sure enough, it was crisp and sweet, carrying the very essence of the mountain in every sip.

The viewing platform at the summit was a delightful surprise! Standing there and looking down, the sea of trees rolled like green waves. In the distance, villages nestled in the valleys with smoke curling up, like the blank spaces in an ink painting. The wind was strong, tossing my hair wildly, yet it made me want to spread my arms and shout out loud, letting the mountain hear all the heaviness in my heart. A fellow traveler said, “This mountain nurtures cranes and people alike.” Taking a deep breath filled with fresh negative ions, I felt as if my lungs had been thoroughly cleansed.

On the way down, I took a different path that led into a dense forest. The ground was covered with thick pine needles, soft and cushiony like a carpet. Occasionally, I spotted wild jujubes, bright red and translucent. I picked one and popped it into my mouth — sour enough to make me squint, but the more I ate, the more addictive it became. Passing through a bamboo grove, the bamboo leaves rustled in the wind, sunlight filtering through the shadows and dancing on the ground like scattered silver. Suddenly, I felt this must be what “peaceful times” really look like.

By the time I left the mountain, it was almost dark. The aroma of home-cooked food wafted from a farmhouse restaurant at the entrance. I ordered a plate of wild vegetable scrambled eggs, paired with flatbread — absolutely delicious. The owner said spring brings wildflowers, summer offers cool retreats, autumn is for picking wild fruits, and every season has its own unique beauty. But I think today’s Hebanshan was just perfect — with its clear spring, sea of trees, unexpected little surprises, and that sense of freedom hidden in the mountains and waters.

If you’re looking for a place to “catch your breath,” come to Hebanshan~ No need to rush, just walk slowly, listen to the wind, watch the shadows of the trees, drink some mountain spring water, and let the great mountain take away all your fatigue, leaving only lightness and joy in your heart~

Post by Grace Cook Grace?64 | Oct 26, 2025