Baiyan Temple on Baiyan Mountain, spring rain during the beginning of spring

More than 80 kilometers west of Fuzhou City, in Sanxi Township, Minqing County, is the famous Baiyan Mountain, named for its white jade-like rocks. Today is the beginning of spring, and we took the highway to the national road, then the national road to the country road, heading west to explore spring. The city gradually receded, and the population became increasingly sparse. The last few kilometers of country road were cement, winding and quiet. On one side was the mountain, and on the other were continuous peaks. The spring rain was drizzling, and the spring mist was lingering between the peaks, making the distant scenery look like a fairyland, refreshing and delightful. Upon entering the Baiyan Mountain Scenic Area, several towering giant rocks came into view. The road up the mountain was a few meters wide, with a cement mountain road and ancient stone steps covered with grass in the forest. The rain was pattering, and considering the elderly and children, we finally took the mountain road. Fortunately, except for the initial section, which was slightly steep, the slope of the other sections was not low, but it was not difficult to handle. A thoughtful companion even brought a hiking stick, but it was not needed. After passing a small pavilion for resting, we turned onto the ancient stone steps and continued climbing. It was a shorter distance, and we could enjoy the cliff carvings along the way. Stepping on the thousand-year-old bluestone, with raindrops ticking in our ears, the surrounding square bamboo was as fresh as a young man after a bath, and Zhu Xi's "Eight Min Mountains" was clearly visible. There was also a seven-character quatrain by Song Dynasty poet Ge Tianmin, but it was unclear if it was carved by the famous poet. Baiyan Temple was about halfway up the mountain. Since we had reserved lunch at the temple, the master greeted us and led us to the dining hall after the ceremony. The meal consisted of dry rice steamed with rice offered by believers at the foot of the mountain, plus a hot soup, two cold dishes, and four stir-fried dishes, which were very delicious. The meal was free, with no need for payment, but there was a QR code for donations, which was optional. After the meal, the master invited us to the tea room for tea. We chatted for a long time, exchanged Buddhist insights, and discussed life directions. It was a good time! On the way back, a friend exclaimed that they had lost their camera. After a brief recollection, it was probably due to being engrossed in the tea conversation. It was amusing. On the way down the mountain, a beautiful woman mentioned a youthful story of her entire junior high school class spending a night at Baiyan Temple: in December, they set off at 4 a.m., without telling their parents, riding bicycles, and only bringing a few sugar canes as food, arriving at dusk... February 3, 2025, Beginning of Spring