Okay, don’t hate me for saying this, but…here in China, I actually look forward to the winter.
I know, I know. This is winter after all. The coldest season of the year!
But here in the Hangzhou region, winter happens to be one of the best seasons for hiking. And ever since we’ve discovered a beautiful little hideaway in the mountains, it’s become our own private “winter wonderland” for evening walks.
When John and I happen to stay at his family home in rural Hangzhou, the best part of our afternoon comes when we pull on our fleece (or nowadays, down) jackets and head for the hills.
The first time we discovered this corner of the mountains, I think my heart stopped. I couldn’t believe how utterly beautiful the scenery was. Or how it was literally just a short drive from his parents’ home in the countryside.
It always feels like these hills are filled with treasures, even in the winter. Just look at the Persimmon trees just behind me. They may have lost their leaves long ago, but those ruby-red persimmons still cling to the branches, just daring you to pick them.
Mountain springs flow down the hillside, creating lovely little waterfalls like this one.
There’s even quite the waterfall running straight through this gorge — and it’s best viewed in the wintertime.
Sometimes the clouds even put on a show for us.
Wishing you a a very happy holiday season! And may you too find your own private winter wonderland, wherever you are in the world!