Exploring the "Little Emei" of Eastern Sichuan: An In-Depth Travelogue of Dazhou's Batai Mountain

Introduction: A Hidden Gem Above the Clouds Nestled among the mountains of northeastern Sichuan lies a fairyland known as "the first place in Sichuan to greet the sunrise"—Dazhou's Batai Mountain. Standing at 2,348m, it is the second-highest peak in eastern Sichuan. Named for its eight-tiered terraced landscape, it has earned the nickname "Little Emei of Eastern Sichuan" thanks to its sea of clouds, sunrise vistas, rugged peaks, and winter wonderland. In early summer 2025, I embarked on a soul-stirring journey to this land where natural wonders and cultural heritage intertwine. ### I. Natural Wonders: The Four Seasons of Batai Mountain 1. **Sunrise Over the Sea of Clouds: A Poetic Dawn** At 5 a.m., I stood on the glass walkway at the edge of the eighth terrace, with rolling clouds beneath my feet and the horizon tinged with pale light. As the first golden rays pierced the clouds, the entire valley turned gold, and the mist flowed like waves. Due to its high altitude and unique terrain, Batai Mountain is the first place in Sichuan to welcome the sunrise, attracting countless photographers eager to capture this "divine light from the clouds." Staff shared that after rain, visitors might even witness the rare "Buddha’s Halo," where one’s shadow appears within a radiant ring, as if stepping into a myth. 2. **Karst Landscapes: Nature’s Masterpiece** Riding the sightseeing shuttle between terraces, the Moyan Stone Forest left me in awe. Tens of thousands of gray-white stone spires, some reaching 20m high, formed a labyrinth of rock. Geologists explain this is a 400-million-year-old karst formation shaped by weathering of marine sedimentary rock, appearing even more rugged than Yunnan’s Stone Forest. At Qipan Miaoyun Scenic Area, nature’s artistry unfolds: wild firethorn trees grow stubbornly in chessboard-like fissures, their red berries dotting the gray rock in autumn like an ink-wash painting. 3. **Four Seasons in One Mountain** Batai Mountain dazzles year-round: spring brings rhododendron blooms from base to summit, with rare pink-and-white alpine varieties; summer offers cool 18°C retreats; autumn paints the slopes in fiery hues, with wild kiwis and chestnuts ripening; winter cloaks the peak in frost, transforming it into a crystal palace. A local tea farmer chuckled, "Here, you can experience ‘spring at the base, snow at the summit’ in a single day." ### II. Thrill-Seeking: Adventures Above the Clouds 1. **Glass Thrills on the Cliff** Batai’s three high-altitude challenges test courage: - **2,288m Glass Walkway**: A 108m transparent path hangs over a 160m-deep chasm, trembling slightly in strong winds. - **Cross-Province Glass Bridge**: This 198m bridge links Sichuan and Chongqing, offering misty "sky walks" or clear views of two provinces. - **Via Ferrata Climb**: At 403m, China’s highest via ferrata route includes a 260m vertical cliff traverse, with guides ensuring safe "dancing on the precipice." 2. **Speed and Adrenaline** For dynamic thrills: - **Granite Slide**: Eastern Sichuan’s longest natural stone chute drops 800m in 3 minutes, flanked by primal forests. - **Zipline**: Soar 300m over Lover’s Valley with a 200m drop, above a silver-threaded stream. - **Grass Skiing**: The only alpine slide in eastern Sichuan at 1,800m, where colorful tracks meet cloud seas, plus a petting zoo for kids. ### III. Winter Fairy Tale: A Snowy Wonderland 1. **Ski Resort Revelry** By December, Batai transforms into a snow kingdom. Its 30,000m² ski area features five beginner/intermediate runs, including wave-like slopes. Snowmobiles and mini trains delight families. Coaches note its powdery snow and three-month season make it a favorite for Sichuan-Chongqing skiers. 2. **Ice Festival Extravaganza** The winter festival hosts feasts, ice sculptures, and light shows. "Glacier Tug-of-War" pits teamwork against -5°C chill. At night, selenium-rich hot springs steam under starry skies. ### IV. Cultural Echoes: History and Tea 1. **Red Legacy** The Wan Yuan Defense War Museum displays bullet-riddled flags and canteens, recounting 1934’s bloody battles. Outside, elders exercise to *"Ten Farewells to the Red Army,"* keeping revolutionary spirit alive. 2. **Centuries of Tea** At a fifth-terrace plantation, I picked leaves for "Bashan Sparrow Tongue" tea, a Ming Dynasty tribute. The "Phoenix Nods Thrice" brewing ritual, performed with mountain breezes, deepened the aroma. ### V. Culinary Journey: Flavors of Bashan 1. **Local Delicacies** - *Shadow Puppet Beef*: Paper-thin slices with numbing spice, a culinary-art hybrid. - *Dafeng Mutton*: Free-range black goat stewed with 26 herbs, clear yet rich. - *Black Egg Rice*: Nutrient-rich green-shelled eggs over selenium rice, aromatic and hearty. 2. **Unique Stays** - *Courtyard Lodges*: 17 Sichuan-style villas facing Bashan’s "Sky Pool," ideal for stargazing. - *Snow Hotel*: Ski-in/ski-out chalets with floor heating and fairy-tale views. ### VI. Nearby Gems: Bashan’s Symphony 1. **Bashan Grand Canyon** 97km away, this 300km² geological park features sinkholes, gorges, and caves. Cliff trails overlook serpentine streams, while a glass platform showcases karst peaks. 2. **Zhenfo Mountain** 30km distant, this sacred site blends Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. During temple fairs, thousands ascend stone steps to chant under towering incense. ### Epilogue: Batai’s Call Three days revealed Batai’s multifaceted charm—adrenaline rushes, serene sunrises, and snowy joy—proving that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." As a farmer gifted me firethorn branches ("Return in autumn for redder leaves"), I knew my bond with Batai Mountain was just beginning.