The Visual Appeals of Sichuan: Its Scenery and People
Green Diexi Haizi (Lake)
On August 25th, 1933, Diexi city was stricken by a major earthquake, which
claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people and numerous livestock. Only one
shepherd child survived. Diexi Lake was formed in that disaster, covering 3.5
million square meters.
The lake meanders through the dry valley on the upper reaches of the Min
River. On both sides of the lake there stand towering bare mountains. Diexi Lake
looks even greener against the gray cliffs.
Perhaps the lost of lives were exchanged in return for the most lively
waters. Legend has it that the lake is a drop of tear falling from the heaven,
hence its crystal-clear and enchanting appearance. Of all the lakes in the
jokuls (snow-capped mountains) and grasslands, Diexi Lake is the brightest one
since it is gestated by life.
Blue Qing City Mountain
Qing City Mountain has a circumference of 120 kilometers. The towering old
trees, weather-beaten over hundreds or thousand of years, have long cast away
the fresh green and taken on tranquil jade
green all the year round.
Qing City Mountain is one of the birthplaces
of Taoism, the place Taoist master Zhang went into religious self-discipline.
The essence of Taoism is living in seclusion and doing nothing, which is best
shown in the tranquility and beauty of the Qing City Mountain. The blueness of
the mountain and the pureness of heart, both of which are reflections of life,
bring out the best in each other.
Bluish green Haizi Shan waters
The color of bluish green is somewhat ambiguous. It is green as well as blue
with little sensibilities. Yet it is neither green nor blue literally. One can
only catch a glimpse of this indescribably free color in the perfect place,
opportunity, weather, and season. The color of bluish green is proximal to
divinities and devotional to life.
If Haizi Lake is a drop of tear from the Creator, Haizi Shan must be the
outpouring tear of a wailing god. Both of them are sacred lakes in the eyes of
Tibetan people.
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