Perhaps, there are many peaks named "paradise" in Guangdong and even in China, but none of them are as haunting to me as the Paradise Ridge at the junction of Lianzhou, Guangdong and Linwu, Hunan.
Is it because of the 10,000 acres of green grass alpine grassland? Is it because of the endless blossoming of red mountains? Or is it the sunrise and clouds and the bright starry river that I can easily encounter? Or maybe it is because all these beautiful scenery are embraced by Paradise Ridge, which is why I can't stop thinking about it.
Paradise Ridge, with an altitude of 1,711 meters, straddles the border between Lianzhou and Linwu, and is an important part of the Nanling Mountain Range. Since this big mountain straddles two provinces, it has two different names. The Hunan people call it Tian Tou Ling, while the Guangdong people call it Tian Tang Ling.
From the village of Meishuchong in Yaoan Township, Lianzhou City, there is only a mature hiking route, and it takes three to four hours for the average physically fit person to reach the top; however, there is a machine road on the Linwu County side that goes straight to the top of the mountain, and you can easily drive a hardcore 4WD off-road vehicle up the mountain.
The mountain pass on the machine farming road is located in the village of "Duck Pond" in Shuangxi Township, Linwu County, which can be reached directly by entering "Duck Pond" on the mobile map. The village of Duck Pond is still 100 km away from the city of Lianzhou, but of course, for 4WD enthusiasts, this is not a big problem.
There is a total of 8 kilometers of machine farming road up to Paradise Ridge, with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters. It should be reminded that this farming road has many curves, narrow roads, steep slopes, and the road is full of gravel, so urban SUVs and small cars should not try it. When the road is slippery in the rain, it is also very dangerous to drive 4WD off-road.
The Heavenly Ridge is majestic, with countless hills stretching for dozens of kilometers. It rains a lot in the Southern Ridge, and the mountains are often covered in clouds and fog. But when you pass through the clouds, it will be clear in front of you, and behind you will be a magnificent sea of clouds!
The lush primeval jungle gradually turns into low bushes, and the machine road stretches upwards in a zigzag pattern. Now, we can finally open our arms and embrace the endless slope of grass.
In many people's opinion, the blue grass grassland only appears in the distant Inner Mongolia. Who would have thought that the endless alpine grassland also grows in Paradise Ridge? If you can, you can get on a horse and gallop on the carpet-like grass slopes with your sweetheart.
Individual 4WD enthusiasts will not be able to resist driving up to the top of the mountain to demonstrate the powerful performance of off-road vehicles. However, it should be reminded that alpine meadows are very fragile, and the crushing of the wheels will cause deep damage to the ecology. It is the proper attitude of outdoor people to park the car on the mechanic road honestly.
There are no horses on the mountain, and the beloved is in a distant city, so galloping can only be thought of. But surprisingly, there is a herd of yellow cows on the hillside unattended. I envy them for being able to walk freely in the mountains and have an endless meal without having to work.
It is only by climbing high and looking far that you can appreciate the immensity of Paradise Ridge. As far as the eye can see, the mountains stretch out to the depths of the sea of clouds. Often, it is not clear which peak is the main one, as dozens of peaks are connected together with little difference in height.
As far as we could see, a bush, a cluster of red in full bloom instantly took our eyes. They bloomed silently along the slopes and valleys, turning the mountains into a blood-like red. If you are not there, you will not be able to understand the excitement of the moment.
The rhododendron of Paradise Ridge mainly grows in the junction of shrubs and meadows at an altitude of 1300 to 1500 meters, due to the low temperature, the flowering period is half a month later than the rhododendron sea of other places in Guangdong, and it is the best viewing period of the rhododendron sea of Paradise Ridge during the May Day holiday every year.
Since Paradise Ridge is far away from the Pearl River Delta city group, the road is relatively distant, so compared with other alpine rhododendron sea in Guangdong is always crowded, so spectacular rhododendron sea has been less people.
But what does it matter? The sea of azaleas at Paradise Ridge never intends to compete with others for favor. It always blooms silently and fades quietly, just for the sake of the annual agreement.
The azaleas in Paradise Ridge are all over the mountain, so many that they are as numerous as the stars in the sky. I think it's a pity that such a spectacular sea of azaleas blooms silently once a year without being appreciated.
This, then, is Paradise Ridge. For most people it is a distant and secret place, like a paradise that is unattainable. It always stands there silently, blocking the cold wave from the north with its broad body; bringing abundant precipitation to the south of the country. It is enough for us to always remember its goodness.
(Graphic: Discovering the Lingnan Panther)
