So Many Stairs, Over 2500 Steps to the Top of Bai Yun Mountain. (白云山丽水) @solarguy Photojournal
I’m quite certain my hiking partner was trying to kill me and wouldn’t let me rest, she kept saying I will lose weight
This is one of Lishui's local scenic sights on the edge of the city. It’s quite popular with the locals to take the climb but not too busy since it's quite the mission to the top. I’m glad I wasn’t tasked with building the stairs, that would have been a brutal job carrying the rocks up. Though from what I understand they use a lot of materials found on site.
The first 1000 steps were the worst. Non-stop uphill, I could feel my heart beating out of my chest as if it were about to explode. What a way to start a hike. My partner seems to have done this countless times and encouraged me to hurry up because walking down the other side would be easier. She was an interesting lady, older than me and she kept referring to me as ”Lao Wei” which I hate when it’s from someone I know. Lao Wei means ”foreigner” like it’s my only identity to her. She could have called me by my name or in the least she could have said friend. This is why I call her ’ my hiking partner’. She is a sweet lady, even though she didn’t get my sense of humour.
After 1000 steps the signs declaring how many it’s been ceased to appear but it was easily at about the halfway point I’d guess. I’m really glad I went for this hike. It’s a staple must do in this city if you visit. The weather was great, a little cloudy but the air was crisp and cool. I can’t imagine doing it during the hot summer. I was sweating after the first 200 steps; if it had been a hot day I surely would have collapsed.
(Both sides of the mountain)
And then I noticed these contraptions.
I also saw a bunch of these as I crawled my way to the top. At first, I thought they were some sort of bird feeder but after asking my hiking partner she said they were bug traps. I dread to meet such an insect but I know I will eventually.
Walking down the other side was easier.
(a very random spot to have picnic should you decide to)
There were a few pavilions along the way for resting which I took advantage of, even if it was just a brief pause in the trek to the top. Getting to the top took about 45 minutes and we passed several slower people along the way and I wouldn’t let anyone pass me, I would feel bad if I was too slow keeping up with Shirley, my travel partner’s name.
(Waterfalls could be heard, finally I saw one.)
Once at the top there is a long winding road back to the bottom where we started. It was much longer to get back down this way but she insisted ”going down so many stairs is bad for the knees”. Either way, I prefer to see new things rather than trace back my steps seeing the same thing again. Luckily she knew some shortcuts, and I got to feed a deer. I also scouted a few good places to camp overnight when the spring arrives.
(I took a few steps in to the cave but it was water above the shoe line. I decided cave dwelling is not for me)
We’ll see where I end up next weekend. There are so many places for me to explore here and there is no shortage of adventure. Hopefully, I can get further out of the city and really see some of China’s wilderness. This will be my first winter ever where I don’t get snow. I’m told it gets chilly but not cold enough for the snow to stay on the ground, should we get a scattering of flakes from the sky.
*(To the best I could understand from my hiking partner’s explanation; this character means Longevity or have a long life.)
It is true that Chinese usually call "foreigner" as "lao wai", but it is absolutely impolite for any Chinese to call "foreigner" as "lao wai" face to face.
I only know that Chinese worship and admire/respect (even fear) western people from the developed countries very much, pitifully I never thought those wealthy Chinese good at English could "bully" foreigners from developed countries sometimes, too.(The tragic death of my late American husband's death in China let me know about the truth.)
She didn't say it to me, she said it about me, in front of me. "Wai Gou ren" is more appropriate.
Whoa... I wonder if I can make this one.
I only make 268 steps in Hong Kong.
But this looks like sure worth the climb.
Well worth it. You know I'm always up to try something new. Every step that goes up is a step in the right direction isn't it? My legs are like noodles now. lol.
So cool! and very interesting place. The view on top is breathtaking. Your hiking partner is funny, she seemed wanted you to lose weight all at once hehe. Losing weight takes time, you'll get there very soon. They say exercise helps to gain weight too. I'm wondering if I would gain weight making a thousand steps? maybe gain some muscles lol. I'm glad to see you discovering many beautiful places in LiShui. Lol, I know you hate bugs, maybe they come out during the night.
Are those wild deer that you fed? I've not seen a wild deer for real. Wonder how big they are? I'd love to see one some day too. And also a giraffe.
Great job for making the thousand steps. Your post here makes me want to go to Lishui. I enjoyed reading them.