Scaling the heights of beauty

After this delightful serenade, I rejoined my tour group to explore another hidden gem — a village built in the style of the Bouyei ethnic group. Here, I marveled at beautifully woven clothes and handicrafts on display and available for purchase. A highlight of the exhibition was an elegant array of tie-dye clothing, showcasing one of the numerous cottage industries that are part of a broader rural vitalization initiative in the area.

Our next adventure led us to Wanfeng Lake in Runlong Bay, where we embarked on kayaks to immerse ourselves in the serenity of the surrounding valley. Wanfeng Lake boasts a unique distinction as the home of the current Guinness World Record for the world's longest wild fishing platform.

Covering an area of 176 square kilometers, this awe-inspiring body of water offers visitors the opportunity to jet-ski, paddleboard, canoe, kayak and go tubing. However, as we floated on the lake, with only the gentle sound of waves caressing our kayaks, we found peace more precious than any thrill.

Our second day brought us to Malinghe Canyon for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience. Filled with excitement and a touch of trepidation, my companions and I embarked on a 13.8-kilometer journey down the river.

Our skilled guides expertly navigated us through the rapids, using their paddles to guide us away from rocks and into the heart of the action. It was a remarkable experience, a must for those daring enough to explore the lifeblood of this vast landscape from the river.

Following a satisfying lunch, we headed to Longyin Mountain to witness paragliding over the valley below. The view was nothing short of exquisite. As I sat on the grass, basking in the warmth of the sun, lost in reverie, my newfound friends joined me. For a brief but special moment, we exchanged stories of past adventures and misspent youth.

Lounging on the hillside of the mountain, the view evoked cherished memories, as if they were being painted in the clouds against the piercing blue sky.