Looking across a sea of clouds from the top of Shengtang Mountain.[Photo provided by Chen Liang/China Daily]

After about half an hour's climb, I saw the first stone pinnacle rising before me. The path goes down and then up, and becomes narrow to squeeze through the crevice between the rock formation and the sheer cliff. Soon I found myself walking into a maze created by rock formations, the mountain path, towering trees and a scarf of clouds.

The scenery was dramatic and breathtaking.

At times when the cloud drifted away, I could get bird's-eye views of valleys and villages at the foot of the mountain. Gradually, my legs felt the pressure from scaling the stone steps.

The mountain path gracefully meanders upward, forming a picturesque circuit that winds its way around rock pinnacles. Following the route, I could immerse myself in the peace and beauty of nature for three hours.

For the afternoon, my friend recommended Cathaya Pine Tree Park, a scenic area featuring a forest of huge Cathaya argyrophylla trees, or Cathay silver fir, growing on a mountain. But I chose to stay in the hotel to rest and conserve my energy for a hike up Shengtang Mountain the next day.