Industrial city meets nature and time
The first ray of sunshine in the morning shines on the birch forest of Ma'anshan, and dewdrops roll on the leaves, reflecting crystal light. This saddle-shaped mountain attracts every visitor with its unique changes in seasons. In late spring and early summer, wild flowers bloom in the mountains, and purple horsetails and yellow golden lotus flowers are dotted among the green, like a flower carpet carefully arranged by nature. Walking slowly along the 5.5-kilometer wooden plank road, the sound of birds singing one after another, mixed with the rustling sound of leaves, is like a natural symphony. Climbing to the top and looking far away, the scenery of the entire Guyang Basin is in full view. The sudden enlightenment at that moment is enough to make people forget all worries.
The campus of Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology is always full of surprises. As my alma mater, every plant and tree here carries the memory of youth. The most amazing thing is the sika deer that roam freely. They either graze leisurely on the lawn or run lightly on the tree-lined avenue, forming a harmonious picture with the teaching building. I remember one late autumn afternoon, I met a little deer in the birch forest behind the library. It looked at me curiously. The sunlight cast mottled light and shadow on it through the golden leaves. At that moment, it seemed as if time had stopped. When the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the lake, the whole campus was dyed golden.
The incense of Lu Zu Temple has continued for a hundred years. This filming location of "Bleach" has a unique charm. Passing through the mountain gate, it seems to enter another time and space. The temple is built on the mountain, layer by layer, and the flying eaves and corners outline a beautiful curve under the blue sky.
Time seems to go particularly slowly in Shiguai Old Street. Walking on the polished bluestone slabs, the slogans of the year are still left on the brick walls. The window of the old-fashioned photo studio displays black and white photos, the wooden counter of the supply and marketing cooperative exudes a faint smell of tung oil, and the old man in front of the repair shop is wiping an antique radio. The afternoon sun shines obliquely into the old street, stretching the shadows of pedestrians very long. The occasional sound of bicycle bells makes people feel like they have returned to that simple and innocent era.
Speaking of food, the steam of Yuanxiyuan Shaomai always rises on time in the early morning. The thin dough wraps the delicious mutton filling. When you bite it gently, the soup fills your mouth instantly, and the fragrance of sand onion perfectly neutralizes the richness of the mutton. The crispy bone fish in Ma Shoujiang's old restaurant has another flavor. The fish meat is crispy and tasty, and even the bones are fried crispy. Paired with old-fashioned steamed buns, it is the authentic Baotou flavor. These time-honored restaurants not only retain traditional craftsmanship, but also carry the taste memory of generations of Baotou people.
The charm of Baotou lies in this wonderful fusion - modern industry and pristine nature, rapid development and slow time, coexist harmoniously here. It is not a typical tourist city, but it has retained the most authentic atmosphere of life. Here, you can listen to birds singing in the mountains in the morning, find tranquility in the ancient temple in the afternoon, and watch the sunset in the old street in the evening. Each experience is so pure and profound. The soul of this city is hidden in these inadvertent corners, waiting for those who are interested to discover it.