Mount Emei: Golden Summit Buddha Light and Monkey Herds

Mount Emei is the sacred site of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and also home to the mischievous monkey group. After three days and two nights, from the low mountain temple to the Golden Summit Buddha Light, encounter the spirit and wildness of nature.

At the foot of the mountain, Baoguo Temple and Fuhu Temple are lined with incense offerings, with ancient trees towering into the sky. Following the stone-paved path upward, the sound of the stream gradually echoes. At Qingyin Pavilion, you can listen to the 'Clear Sounds of Shuangqiao'—the mountains and waters have clear sounds, which fits perfectly.

The monkey area halfway up the mountain is a favorite among children and a place travelers must be careful of. The Emei Tibetan macaque is not afraid of people at all and will form groups to "block the road and rob" snacks. Remember: don't show your food, don't provoke them, admire them from afar at their cutest.

Take the cable car straight up to the Golden Summit, where the golden statues of Samantabhadra from all directions shine brilliantly in the sea of clouds. If you're lucky enough to encounter Buddha's light, your shadow casting into the halo is Emei's most mysterious gift. In all directions, golden light and sea of clouds appear together, creating a solemn scene that takes your breath away.

Descending the mountain, I walk along the line to Wannian Temple, where the beamless brick hall and the bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding an elephant have been silent for a thousand years. Along the way, mountain flowers bloom profusely, and occasionally the sound of bells comes from the woods, gradually calming the restlessness.

The charm of Emei lies in the coexistence of fairy and monkey aura. When you are "blackmailed" by a monkey and then put your palms together at the golden summit opposite, you suddenly realize that spirituality and wildness are both on the same mountain.