After the Chendu Children’s Summer Camp, the Exploration Camp began right away. With the quick shift in roles and settings, what did the volunteers discover among the mountains and rivers? Now, Let’s take a look at Yong-Yong’s heartfelt insight/reflection.
ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp: Yong-Yong’s Insight
As the summer camp came to an end, the chapter of our journey quietly turned a new page. The children’s tender figures had taken their leave, and we, the volunteers, parted ways and moved forward along our own paths. What remained were the silhouettes of us and our ADLINK teammates walking side by side—continuing another journey amid the mountains and rivers.
Leaving behind the bustling city, we drove toward the mysterious Western Sichuan Plateau. It stood there in silence, waiting patiently for travelers from afar. Funny enough, I never used to be fond of mountains—I only loved the sea. I feared the mountains for their towering majesty; feared their imposing height; and feared that, shrouded in mist, they would quietly conceal travelers’ paths and lead them into the unknown.
People are often like that—afraid of the unknown, anxious about the future. We imagine countless possible dangers and let fear occupy our hearts. Yet, when I finally stood upon the plateau of Western Sichuan, overlooking the world below and gazing across the endless grasslands, I was surprised by an unexpected calm. Even at the 4,700-meter-high Wuse Lake, I felt no fear at all.
That day in Daocheng Yading, the weather was unkind—as if the heavens wished to keep this magnificent land to itself, not allowing outsiders to trespass. Rain and wind lashed fiercely; the temperature dropped sharply; icy raindrops struck our bodies mercilessly; and the howling wind scraped against our skin, heightening every sensation. As the altitude climbed higher, my body began to struggle with the lack of oxygen, and I had to rely on a small oxygen bottle just to breathe. The harsh external conditions and my weakening body tested my resolve to reach the summit. With each heavy step on the steep stairs, my mind buzzed: “I can’t do this anymore,” “Should I give up now?” “If I quit, will I miss the breathtaking view at the end?”
Countless negative thoughts surfaced uninvited, disturbing my concentration. Thankfully, with my teammates’ encouragement and my own stubborn willpower, I found the strength to continue toward the peak. With every breath and every step, I could hear the echo of my inner voice urging me forward.
Each renewed step became not just the triumph of perseverance over doubt, but also a green signal that brought me closer to the finish line—a witness to our shared camaraderie. Climbing through the muddy path, with sweat and rain mingling on my face, I finally saw the vast and silent beauty of the summit unfold before my eyes. In that instant, the world fell into complete stillness. I realized then that the meaning of reaching the top was never about conquering the mountain—it was about the journey we shared, the hardship we overcame, and the brilliance that bloomed along the way.
“Your eyes are in heaven, but your body is in hell”—that’s how people describe Daocheng Yading’s sacred trail, and it couldn’t be more fitting. This single phrase captures the love and hate of those who came before us—love for its unique beauty, and hate for the arduous path required to witness it. That day, I felt a deep reverence for the mountains and pride in the resilience of life itself. The mountains taught me that fear is merely an illusion of the unknown. As long as we hold reverence, prepare well, and face challenges with wisdom, we can coexist with nature in harmony and together create a better future.
Standing on the ridge, overlooking the vast valleys that stretched endlessly below, I was overcome with emotion. The stillness of the mountains allowed me to truly hear the voice within my heart. Standing atop the peak, I felt like an ancient ruler gazing over the universe—pondering the path of life and the meaning of existence. The wind whispered in my ears; the songs of insects and birds surrounded me. Each breath felt like a conversation with the mountain; each gust of wind gently brushed against my soul. In the embrace of the highlands, I learned to listen inwardly—to rediscover my truest self through every whisper of wind and every note of birdsong.
The vastness and serenity of the mountains seemed to dissolve the barriers between people. Our Western Sichuan group was composed of volunteers and ADLINK colleagues from diverse age groups—as far apart as the North and South Poles. Without this journey, our paths might never have crossed. Yet before the boundless and accepting mountains, worldly prejudices melted away, leaving only genuine connection and resonance. Each rest stop was filled with cheerful conversation; every meal was a moment of laughter and shared joy, forming a melody of togetherness. The mountain breeze blew softly, sunlight streamed down gently—and before we knew it, our journey had woven itself into a story that transcended age and experience. The trip became more than sightseeing—it became an encounter of hearts. The mountains’ embrace erased our distances, turning every smile into warmth that carried us forward.
That’s how mountains are—always silent and unassuming, standing with ancient wisdom. They have been here since time immemorial, embracing all things with a vast and patient heart—silent, yet never cold. Even if the world forgets them, the mountains will always remember—with quiet gentleness and boundless acceptance.
Thank you, Western Sichuan, for giving me so many unforgettable memories. Whether it was the breathtaking scenery—the winding Highway 318, the endless plateau, or the majestic Daocheng Yading—or the people I met along the way—the tentacled, talkative driver, the well-read guide Xiaoya, and the precious moments shared with my ADLINK companions—I will remember them all, until I forget everything else.
