Danhe Longmen Wetland

Walking along the tree-shaded avenue, you can take in every inch of this treasured scenic spot.

Lakes stretch endlessly beyond lakes, and flowers bloom endlessly beyond flowers. Free from the solemnity and profundity of ancient architecture, this place has its own unique style: serene yet full of vitality.

On the footpath, groups of elderly ladies chat casually. As they smile, the winding gullies seem to imprint their vicissitudes and vitality into every line of their faces. Within this area of roughly 3 square kilometres, pagoda trees, plane trees, ginkgoes, ash trees, cedars and lacebark pines grow luxuriantly side by side. Green belts covering around 700,000 square metres form a pleasant pastoral scene, while the 300,000-square-metre lake shimmers with rippling waves. Blossoms in green, red, white and pink hues set against the lake create a perfectly harmonious palette.

The recreational facilities are not fancy, but blend naturally with the surroundings. Bicycles line the path: tandem bikes and group bikes in a riot of bright colours. In the centre of the park lies a slender suspension bridge spanning the water. Couples lean tenderly against the railings. Soft wind lifts the young woman’s hair and brushes gently across the man’s cheek. They exchange silent loving glances, and the only sound breaking the hush seems to be the mandarin ducks floating below. I wandered slowly forward, afraid to break this sweet peace.

On that day, The wind shook its leaves, The grass bore its seeds. Two people stood side by side, No words spoken, And everything was utterly beautiful.