Surreal Sichuan | China’s Moshi (Inkstone) Park

“By the stones of Jieshi, I gaze upon the boundless sea—waters vast and still, mountains and islands standing tall.” Cao Cao’s ancient verse comes alive here. Sichuan, as many know, lies on seismic belts, with areas like Wenchuan and Ya’an prone to earthquakes. The town of Bamei, home to the Inkstone Park, is no exception, shaped by relentless tectonic activity. The park’s calcium-rich strata, infused with crystalline water, shift hues with the seasons: ash-blue in summer, ink-black during rains. Over millennia, subterranean fractures have sculpted this alien-like realm of towering stone pagodas, jagged peaks, and undulating ridges—a primordial landscape that echoes the raw energy of creation, evoking memories of youthful dreams and untamed aspirations.

A Photographer’s Journey:
Seven years ago, I picked up a camera on a whim. What began as a hobby has evolved into a lifelong pursuit—a way of life. Time fades youth, flowers wither, but images immortalize moments. Flipping through photographs of laughter, landscapes, and fleeting encounters, I marvel at their vividness. They remind me to cherish every bond, every journey, every story, and to live with intention.

Flora & Fauna of Inkstone Park:
Wildlife: Himalayan marmots (the iconic “scream” meme stars!), ravens, yaks, Chinese grouse, Tibetan eared pheasants, blue sheep, argali.
Botanical Wonders: Cordyceps, fritillary bulbs, rhubarb, wolfthorn flowers, Qianghuo herb, and barberry.

Key Attractions:
Kama River, Tibetan Countryside, Daofu’s Eight Marvels (Daofu Ba Jue), Alien Planet, Forest of Stone Swords (Wan Jian Chuan Kong), Pillar of the Sky (Yi Zhu Qing Tian), and the Geological Museum.

Admission: 60 CNY per person