Spring Outing and Summer Exploration: Embracing Nature – A Travelogue of the 2016 Rongda-Nabaichuan May Summer Camp

Spring outings and summer retreats: Embracing nature

—A travelogue of the Rongda-Nabaichuan May Summer Camp in 2016

In the warm spring of May, at the turn of spring and summer, all things revive, presenting a thriving scene. On the morning of the 7th, under the bright sunshine, a group of more than 50 people from Rongda Nabaichuan Trading Company embarked on a pleasant and unforgettable summer camp trip—a day trip to Qinglongzhai Leisure Resort in Dongfu, Haicang.

The car slowly started, carrying the excited, joyful, and expectant hearts of more than 50 people. It sped through the bustling city center, lined with towering buildings, along the wide and majestic elevated highways, crossed the Haicang Bridge spanning the sea, which appeared shrouded in mist, and joyfully entered the embrace of lush green trees and the earthy scent of mountains and water. Laughter and songs filled the air, accompanied by the fragrance of grass in the gentle breeze. We arrived at the entrance of Qinglongzhai Xinlong Valley Village.

The car stopped, and I got out. A field stretched before me, dotted with a few small houses, lush and verdant, yet serene and tranquil. I strolled slowly along the path, and around a bend, a stone archway with the air of a mountain village suddenly appeared before me; behind it, a large, smiling Buddha greeted visitors from all directions. A clear pond hung beneath the trees, and fish swam among the flying eaves. Visitors frolicked in the shadows, finding themselves back in nature. How beautiful!

Walking amidst the lush greenery, breathing in the fragrant mountain air, and bathed in the gentle sunlight, is nature's most beautiful gift. The group strolled along the winding mountain path leading to the ancient village. The mountains were verdant with trees and grass, carpeted with fallen leaves, and filled with the fragrance of fruit blossoms—a simple, pristine beauty that greeted everyone. After a brief rest and appreciation of the scenery, they slowly descended the steep steps, circling back to the small pavilion at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain.

A small lake beside the pavilion offered opportunities for fishing. Everyone picked up their fishing rods, chose their spots, baited their hooks, and cast their lines. Regardless of gender or skill level, the sound of fishing hooks hitting the water was accompanied by bursts of joyful laughter. Several children were seen darting through the corridors or playing together, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Before long, the shadows of fishing rods were everywhere, and every time someone caught a fish, even the smallest one, they were greeted with cheers. The customer service and human resources departments were the biggest winners, catching two large fish in quick succession, their exclamations of surprise and cheers resounding.

As noon approached, the most exciting moment arrived—the picnic competition! Everyone was divided into five groups for a culinary showdown, creating a bustling scene. Smoke billowed, pots and pans clattered, and everyone was busy washing vegetables, chopping them, mincing chicken, cooking, serving dishes, and taking photos. Each person had their own role, moving about enthusiastically. In the first group, President Xu showcased his skills, personally wielding the ladle and preparing three delicious dishes, earning praise from all the female colleagues as a "perfect family man"! Under the meticulous care of the chefs in each group, dishes brimming with rustic charm were prepared, filling the air with enticing aromas. Perhaps it was the collective effort of everyone on the team that made the food even more tempting. Amidst cheerful toasts, everyone enjoyed a unique and meaningful lunch.

After lunch, we took a short rest in the lakeside pavilion, brewed a pot of tea, and sipped it slowly while chatting quietly—it was truly delightful. Some played cards (like Dou Dizhu) with three people, while others played 80-point games with four. The sweltering midday heat slipped away quietly in this way.

After relaxing and resting for a while, the final activity of the day began – a fun suspension bridge challenge. Divided into five groups, mixed-gender, working together, the competition aimed to see who could cross the suspension bridge the fastest. Ultimately, the first group emerged victorious, the fifth group narrowly missed out by one second, and the remaining groups secured third, fourth, and fifth place. This concluded a perfect day of unforgettable summer camp activities. Everyone gathered at the village entrance for a group photo, looking forward to the next trip!