I began my ride along the Prince Mountain Tourism Corridor on the morning of August 6. Starting from Hezuo under a gray sky, with a light drizzle threatening to fall, I pedaled eastward along the Heye Highway. The cool breeze accompanied me past grazing yaks on Meiren Grassland and through the pine-covered slopes of Yeliguan Canyon. After passing Yeliguan, I reached Lianlu Town in Kangle County—where the real adventure began.
In Lashi Village, the route turned into the mountains, leaving the national highway behind. Deep in the quiet hills, far from city noise, the landscape opened like a painting: mist-shrouded peaks in the distance, lush green fields nearby, and red-roofed villages nestled among trees. I rode as if moving through a scroll of art. As daylight faded, I ended the day early for safety, resting after completing the Jinggu section.
Day two started from the west of Jinggu. The route led northwest, climbing and descending through endless mountains. Chasing shifting clouds and sunlight, I lost myself in the rhythm of ascent and descent—sweat and mountain wind my only companions. This is what cycling is about: a mix of pain and joy. The struggle uphill, the thrill of the summit, the rush of the descent—it mirrors life itself, reminding us that effort brings reward.
The corridor connects attractions like Mashan Gorge, Bamboo Valley, Caochang Gully, and Songming Rock—though I didn’t have time to detour. A small regret. By evening, I arrived in Hezheng County. I found simplicity in a warm bowl of noodles and a good night’s sleep. For those of us often bound to office chairs, a journey like this quietly heals the soul. The people and views along the way soothe the anxieties we accumulate daily.
On the final day, I set off at 6:30 a.m. under a steady drizzle from Hezheng. The rain soaked through my light jacket, blurring my vision and chilling me to the bone—yet the fire of passion in my heart kept me going. After crossing several steep mountains, I reached Erziwa Liang (Fusu Town). The rain had kept tourists away, and Prince Mountain remained hidden in the mist. After a brief stop at a local shop, I continued west toward Xueshan Ranch, then north to Shuangcheng, and finally through rural roads to Tumen Pass.
By noon, the rain stopped. Cool weather and ample time made the long climb easier. I rode south along the familiar path beside the Da Xia River.
These three days taught me how to find strength in exhaustion and resilience in difficulty. Every pedal stroke was a challenge; every moment of persistence tempered my will. As a friend remarked on my trip:
“Holiday riding, wind brushing body and soul. Rolling wheels measure the earth; shed sweat tempers the spirit. By cycling, we keep a pact with health—and enjoy a vibrant holiday.”
