A Summer Fairy Tale in Hexi Park and the Gentle Haven of Chileju Hotel

As the morning light just dyed the sky of Baotou a pale blue, I plunged headfirst into the greenery of Hexi Park, like a child stepping into a Hayao Miyazaki comic, my eyes busy trying to catch every surprise 🥳 1. The "Time Playground" in the Park 🎠 Right at the entrance, the elephant slide caught my eye—the red and orange "elephant back" was bathed in sunlight, and the slide was dappled with shadows from the trees. I tiptoed to touch the elephant’s trunk and suddenly remembered how I used to rush down slides clutching cotton candy as a child. I just sat down and slid all the way to the bottom; as the hem of my skirt brushed the brick ground, it felt like my childhood was pulled back to me ✨ Not far away, the vintage steam locomotive gleamed black, with wild grass growing wildly around its wheels. I leaned in front of the engine to take a photo; my shadow overlapped with the old train’s outline, and I almost heard the whistle echoing from the past 🚂 Walking deeper along the willow-lined path, the lotus pond suddenly pushed a pool of lush green right before my eyes! The lotus leaves crowded together, holding up pink and white buds. When the wind blew, the green willow strands dipped into the water to paint. I squatted by the wooden fence, wanting to tuck this coolness into my pocket, but was startled by a little sparrow suddenly darting out. It fluttered its wings and flew into the reeds, leaving me laughing foolishly at the swaying grass shadows 🤭 At another corner of the park, a sculpture of a flying horse pulling flowing clouds galloped under the blue sky. The colonnade of Roman columns sliced the sunlight into segments. I spun around under the colonnade, my skirt and laughter twirling into a circle 🌞 2. The "Cozy Warm Nest" of Chileju Hotel 🏠 After playing until the sunset stretched the tree shadows long, returning to Chileju Hotel (Saihan Tala City Grassland Branch) felt like diving into cotton candy~ Opening the guest room door, warm light softly illuminated the cloud patterns on the carpet. The big bed was as white as if kissed by clouds. I “plopped” down; the mattress was so soft it absorbed all my fatigue 😌 Drawing the curtains, the treetops of the park still held the golden dust of the sunset. The evening breeze mixed with the scent of grass slipped in, and I actually felt a bit reluctant to sleep! The next morning, sunlight slipped through the gaps in the white gauze curtains, casting light spots on the wall. Hugging my pillow and lingering in bed, watching the tree shadows sway outside the window, I suddenly felt like “living life as a walk in the park” — it’s this kind of feeling that makes you want to grin ☀️ 3. Travel Photography Tips 📸 Want to weld happiness into your photo album? Listen to me! 1⃣ In front of the elephant slide, wear a bright-colored dress and sit at the top of the slide. Have a friend shoot from below looking up; the sunlight will wrap you like a glowing little sun; 2⃣ By the lotus pond, squat by the wooden fence using the lotus leaves as a background. Shoot from a low angle with your phone to frame the lush greenery and your smiling face; 3⃣ Don’t miss the steam locomotive! Stand by the tracks, let the engine fill half the frame, and run toward the camera for a full vintage vibe~ From childhood dreams in the park to the warm nest of the hotel, a day in Baotou blends “wild fun” and “healing” into a candy that’s so sweet I still can’t forget it 🍬 Next time I come, I’ll bring a picnic mat, lie by the lotus pond all afternoon, and pack the willow shade, cicada songs, and train whistles into my suitcase to take away~