After saying goodbye to the children from the Chengdu Summer Camp, Yanzi set out on a new journey — the ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp. Yanzi shared her journey with us with heartfelt insights.
ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp: Yanzi's Insight
As we traveled along National Highway 318, the view outside the window gradually transformed from towering city buildings to an intertwining landscape of highways and mountains. Stretch after stretch of green fields, streams, and blue skies signaled that we were about to embark on a completely different kind of adventure.
Our first stop was Honghaizi, sitting at an altitude of 4,188 meters. As the car slowly entered the plateau lake area, the crystal-clear surface of the lake reflected the distant snow-capped peaks — a sight so breathtaking that it made me hold my breath.
Next, we headed to the legendary Golden Mountain at Sunset. Although the weather didn’t allow us to witness the glowing peaks, the scenery along the way was already more than enough to fill our hearts with contentment. That vastness and serenity seemed to wash away all the noise of the world.
Then came the part I looked forward to the most — Daocheng Yading.
Before arriving, I had little idea of what to expect. But once I stood there, surrounded by the magnificent view, I was stunned. Snow mountains, forests, streams, and sky merged into one continuous scene. The sight stirred something deep inside me — an impulse to reach the summit.
Together with my fellow volunteers from the Taiwan Police College, we formed a small team and began our ascent. With every section of the trail, the scenery transformed — from golden grasslands to emerald lakes, to mist-shrouded mountain paths. When we finally reached Milk Lake, the dazzling blue water reflecting the snowy peaks brought us to tears as we shared a long, heartfelt embrace.
We continued upward toward Five-Color Lake. At that moment, I couldn’t believe I had actually made it. The shortness of breath, exhaustion, and dizziness all vanished the instant I saw that otherworldly view — my eyes filled with tears of joy. I realized that the strength to keep going came from the encouragement and companionship we gave one another.
Beyond the mountain challenge, we also experienced many aspects of Western Sichuan’s culture: throwing prayer papers for blessings at Rabbit Ear Mountain, dressing in traditional Tibetan clothing for photos, and interacting with locals — each moment was filled with freshness and emotion.
But what left the deepest impression on me were actually the ordinary moments — sharing meals and conversations, laughing while taking photos for guests, and our nightly reflection meetings. Every discussion about improving the next day’s plans, every honest sharing of feelings — all of it made me realize that this journey was not only about exploring nature, but also about discovering the connections between people.
This Western Sichuan Exploration Camp taught me so much — how to find strength in challenges, how to play my part within a team. From the city to the valleys and lakes, I returned with memories and personal growth that I’ll cherish forever.
Whenever I recall those snow-capped mountains, that embrace, that moment we reached the summit together, I realize that this journey wasn’t just about seeing scenery — it was about becoming braver and more sincere.
Thank you to the ADLINK Education Foundation, and to every companion who walked beside me.At 4,000 meters above sea level, along Highway 318, I found both the warmth of humanity and the most beautiful version of myself.
