Mukeng Bamboo Sea｜Amidst the Rolling Green Waves, Encounter the Healing Power of Nature

If Hongcun is an exquisite ink painting, then the nearby Mukeng Bamboo Sea is more like a refreshing green symphony. During my stay at Banyan Tree Huangshan, the staff recommended this filming location of the bamboo forest duel scene from *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, just a ten-minute taxi ride away. Stepping onto the bamboo forest trail feels like entering a vast natural oxygen bar and a green sanctuary. Everywhere you look, you’re gently yet powerfully enveloped in varying shades of green. Sunlight struggles through the layers of bamboo leaves, casting dappled, swaying shadows on the ground, while the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo and the earthy fragrance of soil. We chose a relatively challenging route, climbing uphill under the scorching afternoon sun. Though sweat quickly soaked our clothes and our steps grew heavier, the magic of travel often lies in unexpected warmth. At a pavilion, we met fellow travelers from our hometown of Liaocheng, and a few casual words instantly bridged the distance. At every fork in the path, village aunties or grandmothers pointed the way, their bamboo baskets slung over their shoulders, their simple smiles and kind guidance offering cool comfort. Today’s little joy was stumbling upon a healing mountain café halfway up the hill. The moment we stepped inside, the heat and fatigue of the journey seemed filtered away by the bamboo forest. The owner, a post-90s girl, had returned to her hometown to start this cozy homestay and café. "Come back to grow flowers, raise pets, heal myself, and hopefully heal every traveler who wanders in"—she’s truly succeeded. The café is small but brimming with the owner’s creativity. Every corner is adorned with carefully placed greenery, whimsical wall art, and thoughtfully selected books 📚. The afternoon light slants through the bamboo leaves, casting a warm glow on us, and every photo taken feels like it’s been softened by a gentle filter. We ordered coffee and drinks, and the auntie even treated us to freshly picked plums. If not for the high-speed train we had to catch, I would’ve loved to lose myself completely in this sea of green and warm sunlight. Time here loses its urgency, leaving only a flowing sense of peace and relaxation. Next time, I’ll definitely try the farmhouse dishes cooked by the uncle himself.