I returned to my hometown after winning the koi lottery.

A Journey to the Three Gorges Dam: A Voyage of the Soul

Li Ming, driving his weathered jeep, a familiar sight for years, slowly left the bustling city and embarked on the long journey to the Three Gorges Dam. As he journeyed along the winding mountain roads, the scenery outside the window stretched out like a flowing scroll, receding ever further. The rolling mountains, like guardians of the earth, draped in a cloak of verdant green, shimmered with life under the sunlight. The wildflowers and grasses along the roadside, though tiny, swayed gently in the breeze, demonstrating their tenacious vitality. Li Ming's mood gradually brightened with the ever-changing scenery, and his anticipation for the Three Gorges Dam grew stronger, as if it were a place of spiritual redemption.

When he finally arrived near the Three Gorges Dam scenic area, the sun had already set, tinting the sky a hue of orange-red. The afterglow cast a shadow on the river, shimmering it like countless tiny golden particles dancing on the surface. Occasionally, a few returning waterfowl flew by, their wings slicing through the calm water, creating a trail of tiny splashes. Li Ming was captivated by the beauty before him. He eagerly stopped the car and pulled his camera from the trunk, eager to capture this picturesque moment forever. He adjusted the camera's angle, searching for the perfect position. His finger lightly pressed the shutter button, and with a click, the beautiful moment was captured on the camera's memory card.

In a small town near the scenic area, Li Ming found a cozy guesthouse and settled in. The owner, a warm and welcoming man with a simple smile, greeted Li Ming warmly, helping him carry his luggage while introducing him to the local customs and culture. "Young man, you've come to the right place. We not only offer the majestic Three Gorges Dam, but also a wealth of delicious food and fun activities. Tomorrow, you must try our specialty fish; it's a flavor you'll never forget," Li Ming said with a grateful smile, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. At the man's recommendation, he visited a local restaurant and sampled the renowned fish. The fish was tender and juicy, melting in his mouth, paired with the unique local seasoning. The delicious flavor spread across his tongue, leaving him with countless compliments. At night, as Li Ming lay in bed in his guesthouse, the gentle sound of the river flowing outside his window echoed like a melodious lullaby, gently soothing his weary soul and lulling him into a sweet dream.

The next morning, Li Ming rose early, his heart filled with longing for the Three Gorges Dam. He drove slowly along the riverside road, the fresh air washing over him, mingling with the moist scent of the river and the fragrance of flowers and plants, leaving him feeling invigorated. When he reached the dam's observation deck, the sight before him astounded him. The Three Gorges Dam towered over the river like a towering giant, its massive and solid form holding back the relentless flow. The difference in water levels upstream and downstream created a massive waterfall, cascading down like a galloping horse, a deafening roar that echoed through the valley like a stirring symphony of nature and human ingenuity.

Li Ming excitedly took his camera, capturing the magnificent views of the dam from various angles. He sometimes darted to the left of the observation deck, hoping to capture the dam's majestic silhouette illuminated by the sunlight, and sometimes to the right, aiming to capture the majestic force of the cascading water. While filming, he encountered an elderly man. His hair had turned gray, but his eyes were remarkably bright, revealing a love of life and deep admiration for the dam. The two engaged in conversation, the elder's voice a little hoarse but full of power. "Young man, do you know? Building the Three Gorges Dam was no easy task. Countless builders left their homes and journeyed to these desolate mountains and wilderness. They faced harsh natural conditions and complex technical challenges, but they never flinched. With their own hands, they built this dam, brick by brick." Li Ming listened quietly, a deep respect welling up in his heart. He could almost see the builders sweating profusely under the scorching sun, and working by candlelight on cold nights. This dam is not just a water conservancy project, but also an enduring symbol of human courage and perseverance.

As time went on, Li Ming's photography gradually blossomed. He moved beyond simply capturing the dam's exterior to capturing its beauty in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. He discovered that the Three Gorges Dam took on vastly different appearances depending on the time of day and weather conditions. On clear days, the dam appeared particularly majestic, its surface bathed in sunlight, reflecting a dazzling glow that contrasted beautifully with the surrounding azure sky and emerald green mountains, creating a vibrant canvas. On overcast days, the dam, shrouded in mist, loomed like a mysterious veiled figure, imbued with a hazy beauty. The mist swirled around the dam, draping it with a soft, veiled sheen, blending it seamlessly with the world. At night, the dam's lights illuminated, resembling a crisscross of stars, intertwining with their reflections on the river, like a glittering pearl set in the earth. The shimmering waters and the swaying lights on the water created a dreamlike light show on the water.

During his tour of the Three Gorges Dam, Li Ming also visited its internal facilities. He entered the dam's powerhouse, where massive generators were neatly arranged, humming at high speed. These generators are like the heart of the dam, continuously converting hydropower into electricity, which is then transmitted across the country, bringing light and warmth to countless families. Li Ming felt the powerful force of science and technology and humanity's relentless pursuit of energy. He captured these modern facilities with his camera, filled with admiration for human wisdom and creativity. He knew that the dam was not only a feat of hydraulic engineering but also a testament to human technological progress.

Besides the Three Gorges Dam itself, Li Ming also developed a keen interest in the surrounding natural scenery. He hiked along the banks of the Yangtze River, admiring the lush mountains and clear waters on both sides. The peaks towered into the clouds, shrouded in mist, creating a fairyland-like scene. Lush trees, their branches and leaves lush, resembled giant green umbrellas, shielding the earth from the sun. Years of erosion by the river have shaped the rocks along the river into various unique shapes. Some resemble galloping horses, others monkeys gazing at the sea, and still others like turtles basking in the sun, a scene that evokes a sense of the wonders of nature. Li Ming sought inspiration from these natural landscapes, capturing countless images of the interplay of mountains and water, each imbued with poetic beauty. Through his lens, he sought to convey the beauty and tranquility of nature to as many people as possible, allowing them to experience this gift from nature.

While hiking, Li Ming stumbled upon a small village hidden in a valley. The houses, arranged in an orderly pattern, were mostly built of stone and wood, imbued with a rustic charm. The villagers lived a simple and peaceful life, working from sunrise to sunset, in harmony with nature. Li Ming entered the village and struck up a cordial conversation with the villagers. They warmly invited him into their homes, offering him homegrown fruits and roasted tea. An elderly man, seated on a stone bench in the courtyard, recounted the village's history and traditional customs. The village had existed for centuries, and the villagers had inherited an ancient farming culture, revering nature and appreciating the land's bounty. Moved by the simple folk customs and strong human touch, Li Ming captured the villagers' daily lives with his camera. Their simple smiles and hardworking figures became some of his most precious images. He realized that in this fast-paced modern world, there are still places where people cling to inner peace and purity, leading lives untouched by worldly concerns.

As his journey progressed, Li Ming underwent a subtle shift. Amidst this magnificent landscape, he gradually found inner peace and balance. The confusion and exhaustion that had once plagued him gradually dissipated, replaced by a passion for life and a vision for the future. He began to reflect on his own journey as a photographer, realizing that photography isn't just about capturing beautiful scenery; it's also about expressing inner feelings and conveying emotions. Every photograph should have soul, a story, and the ability to touch the deepest, most tender parts of our hearts.

On his last day at the Three Gorges Dam, Li Ming returned to the dam's observation deck. He stood there quietly, gazing at the dam and the river before him, a heart filled with reluctance. This road trip had been incredibly rewarding. Not only had he captured many precious photos, but more importantly, he had found his own path along the way. He understood that life, like the Three Gorges Dam, has its ups and downs, its downfalls also its tranquility. No matter what difficulties or challenges we face, with courage and perseverance, we can overcome them.

As Li Ming drove his jeep away from the Three Gorges Dam, he knew this trip would become an unforgettable memory. He embarked on his return journey, filled with inspiration and a new understanding of life. He believed that in the years to come, he would use his lens to create more compelling works that would showcase the beauty and wonder of this world. Through his photographs, he would share the majesty of the Three Gorges Dam, the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape, and the vibrant life of the villages, allowing more people to experience the charm of this land and the beauty and hope of life.