My winter journey to Hehuashan

Welcome back to my travel blog!

This journey actually took place about six months ago, and I have been meaning to write about it ever since. Today, I’m finally excited to share this unforgettable experience with you.

Hehuanshan had been one of my dream destinations ever since I began studying abroad in Taiwan. Standing as one of the highest mountains in the country, it offers breathtaking scenery throughout the year, but visiting during winter is a truly unique experience.

Reaching Hehuanshan is not as simple as visiting most tourist attractions. Due to its high altitude and mountainous roads, the journey is typically made by car or motorcycle. I visited during the winter season, when the roads were covered with snow and ice. Before entering the mountain area, my friend rented snow chains for the car’s tires to improve traction and ensure our safety. During periods of heavy snowfall or icy road conditions, the Taiwanese government requires vehicles traveling into certain mountain sections to install snow chains. Although it added an extra step to our journey, it also reminded me how seriously Taiwan prioritizes road safety in mountainous regions during winter.

Even before arriving at the summit, I realized that this trip would be far more than simply visiting another scenic destination—it would become one of my most memorable travel experiences in Taiwan.

I still remember how incredibly cold it was that day. We arrived at Hehuanshan around noon, which is usually the warmest time of the day. Even so, the freezing temperature and powerful mountain winds made it feel much colder than I had imagined. The wind was dry, relentless, and seemed to cut straight through every layer of clothing I was wearing. Although I had bundled myself up in several warm layers, I was still shivering within minutes of stepping out of the car.

To be honest, it was my very first time seeing and touching snow. Before this trip, I had only experienced winter through photos and videos, so I had no idea what it would actually feel like. I wasn’t fully prepared for the biting cold, the strong wind, or the overwhelming excitement that came with standing in a snow-covered landscape for the first time.

Despite the freezing weather, I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything around me felt magical—the white mountains, the crisp mountain air, and the silence that only winter seems to bring. It was one of those rare moments that reminded me how beautiful it is to experience something completely new. Sometimes, the most unforgettable memories begin with stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing the unexpected.

The moment I stepped out of the car, this was the very first view that greeted me. I had already been amazed by the freezing temperature and the powerful mountain wind, but nothing prepared me for the breathtaking scenery unfolding before my eyes.

For a few seconds, I simply stood there in silence. The landscape was so magnificent that it felt almost unreal, as if I had walked into the setting of a movie rather than a place that truly existed. Endless mountain ranges stretched across the horizon, rising one after another like layers of a giant masterpiece created by nature. Between the peaks, soft clouds drifted gently through the valleys, giving the entire landscape a dreamlike atmosphere.

The dark green forests contrasted beautifully with patches of brown winter grass and wild vegetation, adding depth and texture to the mountains. Every direction I looked revealed another breathtaking view, making it impossible to decide where to focus my attention.

It was one of those rare moments when words simply weren’t enough. Standing there, surrounded by the mountains and clouds, I realized that no photograph could truly capture the beauty of what I was witnessing. Some places have to be experienced in person, and Hehuanshan was undoubtedly one of them.

After taking in the breathtaking view from the parking area, I decided to hike one of the nearby peaks. Although the sun was shining brightly that afternoon, the warmth never seemed to reach me. The freezing mountain wind was still strong enough to make me shiver throughout the hike. Nevertheless, the clear blue sky and bright sunshine created the perfect lighting for photographs—and yes, I couldn’t resist taking plenty of them! (Hihi.)

The trail itself was not particularly long, and after a short walk I reached a point about halfway up the mountain. Even without reaching the summit, the scenery along the path was already more than enough to leave me in awe. Every few steps revealed a different perspective of the mountains, the valleys, and the endless sea of clouds stretching into the distance.

One of the things I enjoyed most was that there was no need to rush. I found myself stopping frequently—not because I was tired, but because I wanted to take in every view. Sometimes the most memorable part of a hike isn’t reaching the highest point, but appreciating the beauty that unfolds along the journey. Looking back, those quiet moments on the trail remain some of my favorite memories from Hehuanshan.

The hiking trail itself was not particularly difficult. It was carefully designed with gradual slopes, allowing hikers to make steady progress toward the summit one step at a time. Of course, there were still moments that required extra caution. Some sections of the path were covered with melting ice, making the ground slippery, while others were quite narrow with steep drops beside the trail. Fortunately, the route was well maintained, and safety ropes had been installed in the more challenging areas, allowing hikers to move forward with greater confidence.

As I continued climbing, I found myself thinking about my own journey in life.

Standing at the beginning of the trail, I had no idea what lay ahead. I couldn’t see the destination clearly, and I didn’t know what experiences or challenges were waiting for me. At times, I felt uncertain, tired, and even wondered if turning back would be the easier choice.

Yet, with every small step, the path gradually became more familiar. Without realizing it, I had already climbed much farther than I had expected. When I stopped to look back, I was amazed by the distance I had covered. It was one of those quiet moments that filled me with a deep sense of gratitude and pride.

Life often feels the same way. We rarely know where our journey will lead when we first begin. We worry about obstacles we haven’t yet faced and fear challenges that may never come. However, by continuing to move forward—one step, one decision, and one effort at a time—we eventually realize that we are much stronger than we once believed.

Perhaps that is the greatest lesson Hehuanshan taught me. The destination is certainly rewarding, but the real transformation happens along the climb. Every challenge, every beautiful view, and every difficult step becomes part of who we are. Looking back, we don’t simply remember reaching the summit—we remember the courage it took to keep moving forward when the path ahead was still unknown.

Sometimes, all we need is the confidence to take the next step. The rest of the journey will reveal itself along the way.

The hiking trail itself was not particularly difficult. It was thoughtfully designed with gentle slopes, allowing hikers to make steady progress toward the summit one step at a time. Of course, there were still moments that demanded extra caution. Some sections of the path were covered with melting ice, making the ground slippery, while others became quite narrow with steep drops alongside the trail. Fortunately, the route was well maintained, and safety ropes had been installed in the more challenging areas, giving hikers the confidence to continue safely.

As I climbed higher, I found myself thinking about my own journey in life.

Standing at the beginning of the trail, I had no idea what lay ahead. I couldn’t see the summit, and I had no way of knowing what challenges or beautiful moments were waiting for me. Like many new beginnings, it felt uncertain. There were moments when I felt tired, intimidated, and even wondered whether turning back would be the easier choice.

Yet, step by step, everything began to change. The climb that had once seemed overwhelming became more manageable. Before I realized it, I had already reached places that had looked impossibly far away. When I paused to look back, I was amazed by how much ground I had covered. In that quiet moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride—not because I had reached the top, but because I had kept moving forward.

It reminded me that life is often very much the same. We rarely know what the future holds when we first begin something new. We worry about obstacles we cannot yet see and fear challenges that may never come. But as long as we continue taking one step after another, we slowly become stronger, more resilient, and more confident than we ever imagined.

Perhaps that was the greatest lesson Hehuanshan taught me. The summit is not the only reward. The true value lies in the journey itself—in every challenge overcome, every breathtaking view discovered, and every small victory earned along the way. Looking back, we don’t simply remember reaching the top; we remember the courage it took to keep climbing when the destination was still hidden beyond the clouds.

Sometimes, all we need is the courage to take the first step. The rest of the journey has a way of revealing itself, one step at a time.

I stood there quietly for several minutes, completely absorbed by the breathtaking view before me. It was so magnificent that it almost didn’t feel real. Until that moment, landscapes like this had only existed in movies or photographs, and I had always assumed that many of them were enhanced with special effects or careful editing. Yet here I was, witnessing such extraordinary beauty with my own eyes.

As I stood among the mountains and clouds, an overwhelming sense of gratitude filled my heart. I was grateful to be alive, grateful for the opportunity to study in Taiwan, and grateful for every challenge I had overcome that had eventually led me to this very moment. Looking back, every difficulty suddenly felt worthwhile because it had become part of the journey that brought me here.

I know this memory will stay with me for the rest of my life. Whenever I think about my youth, I believe there will always be a special folder in my heart titled “Taiwan.” Inside it are moments like this—quiet mornings, unforgettable landscapes, meaningful friendships, and countless experiences that have shaped the person I am becoming.

Perhaps that is why I love traveling so much. Every journey creates another folder filled with memories, lessons, and emotions. The more places I visit, the more perspectives I gain, and the richer my understanding of the world becomes. In the end, I am not simply collecting destinations; I am collecting pieces of life that will remain with me forever.

Even now, whenever I look back at these photographs, they never fail to bring a smile to my face. They remind me of one of the happiest and most unforgettable journeys I have experienced during my time in Taiwan.

More than just beautiful scenery, this trip gave me something much more meaningful. It reminded me how wonderful it is to step outside my comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the beauty that this world has to offer. Every photograph captures not only a breathtaking landscape but also a precious memory, a lesson, and a version of myself that continued to grow with every journey.

Looking back, I realize that Hehuanshan was never simply a destination. It became a milestone in my life—a place where I learned to appreciate both nature and the journey of becoming the person I aspire to be. I believe this memory will remain one of the most beautiful chapters of my years in Taiwan.

I couldn’t help but play in the snow like a little child. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure whether it was snow or ice—my lack of experience with winter made it difficult to tell. Growing up in Vietnam, I had never seen anything like it before, so every handful of snow felt completely new and exciting.

Looking back now, I’m glad I captured these moments. They may not be perfect photographs, but they perfectly capture my genuine emotions. Whenever I see them, I am instantly reminded of the joy, excitement, and wonder I felt the very first time I experienced snow with my own hands.

There are many “firsts” in our lives that we never get to experience again. Our first snowfall, our first mountain, our first marathon, our first journey abroad—these moments happen only once, yet they stay with us forever. This was one of those moments for me, and I know that many years from now, these photographs will take me back to the day when I met winter for the very first time.

As the day came to an end, I realized just how powerful nature can be. Standing among those mountains, I understood why people often say that nature has the ability to heal us. It gave me a sense of peace that is difficult to describe with words, and I truly hope that through these photographs and this story, I can share at least a small part of that feeling with you.

The breathtaking scenery left me speechless. I couldn’t stop saying, “Wow,” every time I looked around. It reminded me that the world is far more beautiful than we sometimes remember during our busy lives. I know there will be days in the future when life feels overwhelming or exhausting. When those moments come, I believe I will return to this blog, revisit these photographs, and remember how I felt standing among these mountains. It will be my way of recharging my heart and finding the strength to keep moving forward.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my friend, who made this dream possible. Thank you for bringing me to one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. This journey will always hold a special place in my heart.

Perhaps one day I will forget the exact temperature, the distance I walked, or even the route I took. But I know I will never forget how this place made me feel. Every journey leaves a chapter in our lives, and Hehuanshan will always remain one of the most beautiful chapters of my youth in Taiwan.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Taiwan, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Hehuanshan to your travel list. No photograph, video, or story can fully capture its beauty—you simply have to stand there and experience it for yourself. Whether you visit in winter, when the mountains are covered with snow, or in summer, when the landscape is painted in shades of green, each season offers its own unique charm and unforgettable memories.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. If this story reminds you of one of your own adventures, or if you have a special place that has touched your heart, I would love to hear about it. Feel free to share your thoughts with me at jailee145@gmail.com.

Until our next adventure, take care, keep exploring, and never stop collecting beautiful chapters of your own life.

See you in the next blog.