Date: August 4, 2023
Just after seeing Laura and her family off, my heart remains filled with warmth and emotion. Today, standing at the summit of Huashan, my Italian friend tightly held my hand and said, “Without you, we probably wouldn’t have been able to climb the mountain so smoothly and have such a wonderful day.” Hearing those words made all the careful preparation feel completely worth it.
To ensure Laura and her family had the perfect experience, I did my homework in advance:
Booked e-tickets for them through Trip.com’s international platform
Meticulously planned the less strenuous “West Peak up, West Peak down” route
Prepared bilingual introductions to the sights in both English and Italian
The memories of that day are still vivid:
The alpine slide experience right at the scenic area entrance delighted Laura from the start. As she rode through the forest, she was as happy as a child. Her long, black hair flew in the wind—a striking contrast to the blonde women she typically saw back in Rome under the Italian sun—and she kept exclaiming, “È così divertente!” (This is so much fun!)
We then proceeded to the cable car station to queue for tickets. Although the line wasn’t short, time passed quickly as we chatted about our lives while waiting. As the West Peak cable car carried us upward, the breathtaking views left everyone in awe. Laura’s sleek black hair shimmered with a healthy glow in the sunlight streaming through the cable car window. She whispered, “Sembra di toccare il cielo…” (It feels like touching the sky…)
The most unforgettable moment was at the summit of South Peak. With the mountain wind blowing, Laura’s black hair danced in the breeze. Deeply moved, she said, “Today made me understand that the most beautiful thing isn’t just the scenery, but sharing these stunning views with a close friend. Without your help, we might still be confused, waiting in line down there, and we certainly couldn’t have enjoyed such beauty so effortlessly.”Her words touched me deeply. Truthfully, what I’m most grateful for is their trust—their willingness to entrust this day to my planning, and to share their laughter and emotions with me. On the return cable car ride, the setting sun dyed the sea of clouds golden.
Tips for Travelers:
- Plan ticket purchasing methods in advance for international friends
- The alpine slide + West Peak cable car combination enriches the experience
- Allow plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely pace
- Most importantly—travel with the right people
This trip to Huashan not only allowed Laura to appreciate the magnificence of China’s landscapes but also brought us an unforgettable friendship. I look forward to next time, exploring more beautiful scenery with more friends!