So there I was in the primaeval forest of Mangshan Mountain National Nature Reserve in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China, with its 1,000-year-old trees, climbing to Five Fingers Peak in the mist with almost zero visibility.
Prayer flags along the walking route at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Focusing on not looking at the sheer drop to my left, I was less concerned with the possibility of coming across the indigenous snakes, the gloriously bamboo-green Mangshan Pit Vipers.
Trees left in place along walking route at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Following my previous post, this post shares very misty photos that speak for themselves, I hope: of the clearly defined mountain trail, with wheelchair access—and I am in high praise for those who push or operate a wheelchair or similar up that gradient—with several bench rest stops placed for best views, and to catch your breath.
Atmospheric walking route at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
The trail is securely railed and festooned in yards and yards of red prayer ribbons. Even the trees sticking out of the mountain and the trail floor were dripping with prayers and wishes of the many travellers to the mountain. At the steepest part of the climb, an almost vertical ascent, suddenly, there was a glass lift, next to a flight of steps, next to an escalator. An escalator. On the mountain. I took the escalator.
Care for a game? Another stop on walking route at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Rest stops along walking route at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Members of the Yao ethnic group gifted us with spirited performances, warm welcome songs, and traditional hot tea and snacks. The walk down took us past several praying stations and a temple. It was a wholly holy experience.
Traditional Yao refreshments offered after walk up Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Yao ethnic group welcoming us at the misty top of the climb at Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
Very familiar ingredients used to prepare Yao traditional refreshments. Photo: SLCT
Yao traditional clothing and designs. Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT
The temple on the way down Mangshan Mountain. Photo: SLCT