Zhuoqi Mountain Resort, Zhongshan, China

 

The trip to Zhouqi Mountain Resort in Zhongshan started with a team-building event organized by the college. It was a cold Saturday, marking the onset of winter in Zhongshan, but the chill in the air felt refreshing. I had always preferred the cold over the heat, and today seemed perfect for a little adventure.

The bus ride was anything but smooth. A strange, burnt smell quickly filled the bus, making everyone uncomfortable. We hadn’t even traveled for 10 minutes before the driver had to pull over. Children on the bus looked nauseous, and the smoke from the engine signaled something was seriously wrong. After what felt like a long wait, we were told the bus was “fixed.” Though skeptical, we were back on the road with only a 15-minute delay.

As we approached the resort, I was reminded of the garment and furniture factories that lined this part of Zhongshan. This area felt isolated, a part of the city that few people explored. Once at the resort, the group dove into cooking Chinese food for lunch. I, however, set off to explore the grounds.

Wandering around, it was clear that the resort had seen better days. Many of the facilities were old and worn down, like the abandoned swimming pool I came across. There was a surreal quietness, made more prominent by the lack of people. The infrastructure here was substantial, but it seemed to be barely used, which added to the feeling of isolation.

I found a dirt trail that led up the mountain, and as I climbed, I was treated to a view of Zhongshan. In the distance, I could spot Guzhen, the "lighting capital of the world," known for its extensive lighting manufacturing industry. The opposite side offered a view of the Jiangmen mountains, with rivers and reservoirs scattered across the landscape.

Despite the peacefulness, the litter along the trails was disappointing. Plastic bags, empty drink containers, and tissues marred the beauty of the hike. It was a reminder that even in such a serene setting, human impact was unavoidable. But the hike itself was invigorating, especially on such a cool day. The trail wasn’t long, and soon enough, I headed back to join my colleagues for lunch.

At the resort, I reconnected with the group as they were finishing up their meal prep. The smell of fried chicken filled the air. The dish was simple but delicious—crispy, golden chicken with a hint of garlic and ginger. We ate together in a cozy restaurant, chatting and enjoying the meal as a team.

By the time we were done, everyone was full, and the devastation of empty plates was clear evidence of a satisfying meal. As the day wrapped up around 1 PM, we packed up and headed back to the city. I was looking forward to a nap after a morning of exploring, hiking, and indulging in good food.

Though the resort had its rough edges, the experience was a pleasant escape from the routine, offering a chance to explore a lesser-known part of Zhongshan and to connect with colleagues in a relaxed, natural setting.