My wife grew up in Qingcheng mountain town.

Qingcheng Shan's natural splendor has a way of nourishing one's spirit. Away from the city's hustle, all is quiet here except for the sounds of nature. Birdsong fills the forests, and tiny insects chirp in the undergrowth. A gentle breeze rustles the treetops above me. It's easy to forget the noise and crowds when surrounded by such profound stillness.

New vistas unfold at every turn. Peaks jut up amongst lush foliage. Tiny temple structures peek out from the trees as if the forest spirits are watching over the valley. It's easy to surrender to the simple beauty of this place and let my mind wander freely without distraction.

Up here, there is no schedule to keep, no constant demands on my time and attention. I can move at a leisurely pace and simply exist within the ebb and flow of each moment. It never leaves me feeling deeply refreshed, like my soul has been recharged. This special place will always hold a calming sense of home for me. Some photos: