KunYu Mountain

Last last Saturday, April15, I organized a trip to KunYu Mountain. Our group consisted of 13 people; American, Russian, and Chinese. We planned to go to the mountain in the morning around 11am and meet the Chinese family which I met at the hot springs. Together, we would climb the mountain and enjoy the beautiful 80 degree weather day.

The Long Dirt Road

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We set out around 10:15 am in 3 different taxi cars. Little did we know, in order to get to the mountain we needed to travel through the mountain on many dirt roads. The path was anything but smooth, but it was also extremely beautiful. The taxi driver informed us that soon on the mountain would be many places to pick cherries and that KunYu Mountain is known for its vast amount of cherry trees.

Arrival and Lunch

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When we arrived at the mountain, we needed to wait for the Chinese family to arrive because they purchased our tickets for the mountain through a friend who could get us a great discount. After the family arrived, they informed us that they had made reservations at a restaurant for everyone. Shocked by this, we gladly accepted and headed to the restaurant. They provided us with a ton of food: fish, meat, rice, soup, etc. I have noticed that when dining with big groups, there is always way too much food. The Chinese family was very excited to talk with many new and foreign faces and to treat us to lunch.

Hiking Time

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After lunch, we headed up to the mountain. Several of us rode in the back of a pick-up truck while others took a ride in the family’s Tesla. There were many people at the mountain that seemed to be having a great time. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! Everyone split off into small groups to wander around. This worked out perfectly for everyone because at the end of the day, we all reconvened at one of the water holes. It was at this time that I managed to get myself into a water gun fight with one of my friends. Sadly, my water gun was not as efficient as my friend’s and I definitely lost the battle.

Chinese Temple

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Along the trail was a small temple. In China, there are many temples and they all serve different purposes. This temple was for men who are looking for a wife. Unfortunately, no one in our group was looking for a wife, so this temple was of no use to us.

Teslas can dance?!

Lastly, the Chinese family’s Tesla put on a small performance! It turns out that Tesla cars are very talented, especially when it comes to dancing. The car played a song and while doing so, the lights on the car blinked on and off to the beat. Also, the doors opened and closed to the sound of the music. How awesome! Everyone had a blast while taking videos of and pictures with the car. During this time, I tried to offer some money to the Chinese family for our tickets as well as our lunch. They would not accept it as they said it was evident that everyone was having a great time and no amount of money could equate to the amazing day we all had.

I am very thankful to have met such amazing people. They have told me that in the future they may move to the United States. I hope that they at least visit the US at some point so that I may show them the same hospitality that they have shown me and my friends.