Jiuzhaigou Paradise

I had long heard of Jiuzhaigou, and many have extolled the scenic beauty of this famous World Heritage Site in China. The best time to visit, they say, is in autumn, so we chose to go in autumn, of course. I personally had a hankering for taking photographs of autumn scenery, after seeing all the fabulous photographs of autumn in the photoblogs. I found that I couldn't have chosen a better time, or place...


The series of mountains here at Jiuzhaigou reach a height of  4,800 metres and they form a scenic backdrop for the one hundred or so lakes there. This lake reflects the mountains beautifully.



This is part of the Five Flower Lake which is remarkable not only for its beautiful turqouise-blue colour, but also for its mystery. When all the other lakes freeze in winter, this lake remains as it is, all year round! No wonder the locals there refer to this lake as the "soul of Jiuzhaigou". It has a mystical allure that adds to its physical charm.















The virgin forests here are truly impressive in autumn!




The Pearl Shoal Station is a series of shallow rapids that glisten in the sunlight like beads of pearls.







The Pearl Shoal Waterfall, also known as Pearl Beach Waterfall, is one of the more spectacular of the waterfalls found here. I find the upper reaches of this waterfall a delight to photograph. Many people forget to look out for the beauty to be discovered here and they make a beeline for the lower part of the falls to hear the thunderous sound and see the voluminous outpouring of the falls.This view is what they miss.

Surrounded by the delicate beauty of the lakes and the magnificence of the mountains and forests, how could we not be thankful for Nature's gift to us in this paradise called Jiuzhaigou?

For Donna's Words for Wednesday:

Pattern and Texture

there's pattern in paradise 

i declare

the mighty mountains align

in a v-shape design

there are ink-blot patterns so enchanting

i see

the mirror lakes reflect

the mighty mountains that project

patchwork patterns of interest

i observe

in the foliage of green and gold repetitious

on the canopies of lush virgin forests

there's contrast in texture too

i note

when the soft water falls 

down the hard cliff walls

the soft blend with the hard 

i discover

when the soft cottony clouds that float in the sky

blanket the tough rugged peaks as they sail by

yes, there's pattern in paradise

and the wind and the water

harmonize well together

humankind just can't compete with Nature's design

For Poetry Picnic, Haiku Heights and Sensational Haiku Wednesday:

quiet meditation

in Nature's loving embrace

dreamy obsession

Linking to:
W4W
Sensational Haiku Wednesday
Poets Rally
Watery Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Share The Joy Thursday
Skywatch Friday
Haiku Heights
Haiku My Heart
Poetry Picnic

Nov 20, 2011
My thanks to Poetry Picnic for this award for my submission entitled "Pattern and Texture"

appreciation

award humbly acknowledged 

happy heart flaps wings 

I nominate Leo for his poem, Against All Odds