Prose about the charming mountain city Zhangjiakou

Zhangjiakou, my hometown, is located in the northwest of Hebei Province. It is a well-deserved mountain city beyond the Great Wall. The reason why it is called a mountain city is that it is divided according to the scenic spots. The North Mountain has Yu'er Mountain, Jellyfish Palace, West Taiping Mountain, and Dajingmen Great Wall; the East Mountain has Longquan Square and Qili Mountain; the West Mountain has Ci'er Mountain, Xize Garden, and Bajiao Terrace... …The urban area is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the entire city is almost surrounded by mountains.

In July 2009, I returned to my hometown for vacation. I always wanted to go out for a walk. Although I have lived here for many years, I have never taken a good look at this beautiful mountain city. The day was finally free, and I arranged a day trip with my family. Although the weather was slightly less visible and there was no sunshine, it was much cooler. In summer, it is considered a good weather for travel. We have been to several scenic spots in Beishan several times, and finally we decided to go to Dongshan - Qili Mountain as our first stop.

Qili Mountain is located in the southeast of the city, about four or five kilometers away from the city center. Our mode of transportation is motorcycles, and only bicycles can ride into the mountains. Because the mountain roads are narrow, cars cannot enter. It only takes 20 minutes to get there by motorcycle, which is very convenient. Arriving at the mountain gate, a beautiful archway marks "Transportation Ecological Park". I haven’t been here for many years, and the name of this place has long since been changed to “Traffic Ecological Park”, probably related to some of the animals and plants inside. Wild ducks, peacocks, mandarin ducks, red-crowned cranes, ostriches, turkeys and various flowers and trees... In such a quiet and beautiful environment, it is a good home for these animals. However, I think they must yearn more for freedom and return to nature, rather than being kept in cages by humans.

The mountains in the north are also very beautiful in summer. Although they are not as beautiful as those in the south, they are at least green, with flowers, grass, and trees, and the mountains are connected to each other. When you climb to the top of any peak, you can't see the end. There are still mountains in the distance. The mountain road is very narrow, but motorcycles can ride freely along it. It wasn't until there was a steep slope that we came down to climb it on foot. The mountain road is very flat, the plants on both sides are also very lush, and there are many unknown trees. There are stone steps on the steep slopes, and beautiful pavilions are built on the top of each small mountain for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. This is really a good place for leisure. Riding a motorcycle is really convenient and saves us a lot of effort. I couldn't finish the entire mountain. One mountain already made me sweat profusely. The weather was a bit hot and it was also due to lack of exercise on weekdays. I was exhausted.

Leaving Qili Mountain, ride along the newly built wide East Ring Road and ride straight to another scenic spot - Shuiquangou. The current Shuiquangou is really different from what it used to be, with a magnificent Longquan Square, as well as the International Conference Center. The Central Heart-to-Heart Art Troupe has also performed here, attracting thousands of spectators and star-struck fans. The gantry on the east side of the square is unique in shape and majestic. It consists of two keys symbolizing hard work and wisdom. It stands on 66 steps. The gantry is inlaid with small seal reliefs of "dragon" and "horse" and arranged in Song style. In the shape of dragon and horse, two thick keys are staggered at different heights, forming a rising artistic shape, which means that after crossing the dragon gate, you will embark on the road to success. The dragon gate echoes the Longyuan Tianzhu at the east end of the square, reflecting the desire of the people of Zhangjiakou to continuously create a better future with hard work and wisdom. The time for playing always seems to fly by very quickly, and it’s already noon before I know it. Although I still have more to say, I’d better go home and eat to replenish my energy. Stir-fry two exquisite side dishes and drink a glass of cold beer. It is extremely comfortable, beautiful and happy!

In the afternoon, my excitement remained undiminished, and I still wanted to find a good place to go. I had no goal, so I just let the horse rein and drove towards the Western Ring Road, heading towards the West Mountain. There are mountains on the right and developing urban areas on the left. The road seemed to be built in the middle of the mountain, with the city at its feet. Every step of the way is a new view. On the way, we saw a sign indicating that the road ahead was Ci'er Mountain. There is a temple on this mountain called Yunquan Temple, which has many magical stories. It has been more than 20 years since I last visited. In recent years, many new entertainment venues and facilities have been built. Perhaps because I have been there before, Ci'er Mountain no longer has much appeal to me at this time.

Further ahead is Xize Garden, another scenic spot in Xishan. I have heard friends mention it a long time ago, but I have never had the chance to go there. Now, finally, we are in front of us. The entrance of Xize Garden is very unique. The huge flower bed in front of the door is full of flowers. The parking lot here is already halfway up the mountain. Due to the steep terrain, our motorcycles were powered up enough to barely reach here. After parking the car and entering through the mountain gate, you will still see the flat and winding path on the east mountain, with green trees on the mountain, and a panoramic view of the entire mountain city at the foot of the mountain. Only in the west mountain can you see the whole mountain city. Flowers, plants, and trees have given the mountain a beautiful new look, and the elegant pavilion is the icing on the cake, making the mountain charming and attracting countless tourists.

During the holidays, I was fortunate enough to visit Beishan, Dongshan and Xishan in the mountain city of Zhangjiakou, which made me understand this city better and like it even more. Her development and changes have brought people harmony, beauty and happiness. Live and work in peace and contentment. Zhangjiakou is beautiful and full of charm, and I fall in love with this mountain city even more. No matter where I am, my hometown Zhangjiakou will always be in my heart.

In 2022, this will be the venue for the 24th Winter Olympics, making the people of my hometown even more proud of it. At that time, Zhangjiakou, my hometown, will attract global attention and show its endless charm to the world.