The Geological Wonders of the Stone Forest

喀斯特地址奇迹石林

The Stone Forest, located in Yunnan Province, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its towering limestone formations that resemble a vast forest made of stone. Formed over 270 million years ago through erosion and geological activity, this UNESCO World Heritage site is rich in history and culture. The local Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group, add to the forest’s allure with interesting folklore. Exploring labyrinth-like pathways and dramatic rock pillars was really an extraordinary experience for every traveler.

云南省的石林是一个令人惊叹的自然奇观,以其高耸的石灰石地层而闻名。这些大量的石灰岩类似于一片巨大的石制森林。这处世界自然遗产因水土侵蚀和地质活动形成于2.7亿多年前,拥有丰富的历史和文化价值。当地的撒尼人是彝族的一个分支,他们有趣的民间传说为这片区域增添了别样的魅力。探索迷宫般的小径和穿行于独特的石柱间对每位旅行者来说都是一次非凡的体验。

The Stone Forest was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 because of its outstanding geological significance and unique karst landscape. It’s one of the world’s best examples of karst formations with limestone pillars shaped by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity. The site is part of the South China karst, a vast region recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, intricate cave systems, underground rivers, and limestone features.

石林因其突出的地质和独特的喀斯特地貌于2007年被列为联合国教科文组织列入世界自然遗产。它是世界上绝佳的喀斯特地貌,其石灰岩柱经过数百万年的侵蚀和地质运动而形成。石林也是华南喀斯特地貌的一部分,这一广阔地区以其非凡的生物多样性、错综复杂的洞穴系统、地下河流和钟乳石灰岩特征而闻名。

I visited this famous scenic point on May 19th, 2024, during my summer trip in Yun Nan. Upon arrival of the entrance, I was attracted by the numerous stones of different forms. Despite its rugged, rocky landscape, the Stone Forest is home to a rich variety of plant life that thrives in the crevices and soil within the limestone formations. Begonias, bamboos, and Yunnan Pine can be seen in every corner of this park.

2024 年 5 月 19 日,我在云南的夏季旅行中参观了这个著名的景点。刚抵达入口,我便被各种形状的石头所吸引。尽管地势崎岖,岩石密布,但石林里也有丰富多样的植物,这些植物在石灰岩地层的缝隙和土壤中茁壮成长。在这个公园内的每个角落都可以看到秋海棠、竹子和云南松。

All visitors need to cross one bridge on the Shilin Karst Lake. It is a tranquil and elegant lake which still waters create a mesmerizing mirror effect, reflecting the limestone pillars that surround it. The lake is fringed with unique rock formations, some of which seem to rise directly out of the water like natural sculptures. There are some viewpoints allowing visitors to wander along the shore, offering peaceful spots to rest.

所有游客都需要穿过石林湖上的一座桥抵达景区。这是一个安静而优雅的湖泊,平静的水面呈现出迷人的镜面效果,倒映着周围的石灰岩柱。湖边两岸布满了独特的岩层,它们从水面中升起,如同浑然天成的雕塑一样。湖畔有些观景点可供游客沿着湖岸漫步,提供安静的休息地点供游客享受慢生活。

During the Permian Period, the area that is now the Stone Forest was covered by a shallow tropical sea.
Over millions of years, marine organisms like corals, shellfish, and algae thrived in this environment, leaving behind thick layers of limestone as they died and accumulated on the seabed. Due to tectonic movements, the seabed gradually rose above sea level, exposing the limestone deposits to air.

在二叠纪时期,现在的石林地区被浅浅的热带海洋覆盖。数百万年来,珊瑚、贝类和藻类等海洋生物在这种环境中繁衍生息,它们死亡后堆积在海底,留下厚厚的石灰岩层。由于地壳运动,海床逐渐上升到海平面以上,石灰岩沉积物暴露在空气中。

Karst landscapes are formed through a process of erosion, where soluble rocks, like limestone are gradually dissolved by water over long periods of time. The presence of soluble limestone is made primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Rainwater is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), which chemically erode the rock. Over time, the acidity of rainwater or groundwater slowly reacts with the calcium carbonate, creating small cracks in the rock. Over long periods of time, the Karst landscape can evolve into a complex system of geological features, including limestone plateaus, sharp peaks, isolated columns, and underground caverns.

喀斯特地貌是通过可溶性岩石(如石灰岩)在很长一段时间内逐渐被水溶解而侵蚀的漫长过程形成的。可溶性石灰岩的主要成分是碳酸钙 (CaCO3)。由于雨水溶解了二氧化碳产生碳酸 (H2CO3)导致雨水呈弱酸性,从而对岩石进行化学侵蚀。随着时间的推移,雨水或地下水中的酸会慢慢和碳酸钙反应,在岩石上形成小裂缝。经过漫长的时间,喀斯特地貌可以演变成一个包括石灰岩高原、尖峰、封闭的立柱群和地下洞穴等复杂的地质特征系统。

Many huge stones are composed of various layers of limestone, which have eroded over millions of years. This erosion has created unique shapes and textures, from sharp edges to smoother, rounded forms. The intricate patterns on the stone surfaces resemble layers of barky and natural folds, and some wrinkles. At times, I felt like an explorer uncovering hidden treasures, each new path revealing a different formation that sparked my imagination—some stones looked like a giant’s face, while others resembled delicate spires rising toward the sky.

许多巨型石头由多层石灰岩组成,经过数百万年的侵蚀形成了独特的形状和从锋利的边缘到更光滑的圆形纹理。石头表面的复杂图案类似于树皮般的皱纹和自然褶皱。我甚至感觉自己就像一个探索宝藏的探险家,石林的每条新路径都导向不同构造的石头,激发出我的想象力。这里有些石头看起来像巨人的脸,而另一些则像尖顶直指苍穹。

Between the stone columns, there are small gaps, crevices, and caves, some of which visitors can explore. These openings form narrow passageways and hidden corners, creating a sense of mystery and discovery. Visitors can rest on the stone stools for a while when they felt tired. Over a long time, moss, lichen, and other small plants have grown on the stones, adding a touch of green to the monotonous grey and brown landscape.

石柱之间,有裂缝、洞穴,可供游客探索。这些开口形成狭窄的通道和隐蔽的角落,营造出一种神秘的感觉,勾起游客的探索欲。游客走累了,也可以在石凳上休息一会儿。随着时间的流逝,光秃秃的石头上长出了苔藓、地衣和其他小植物,为整体单调的灰褐色的景观增添了一抹绿。

The Major Stone Forest is the main and most famous scenic point, attracting numerous visitors. It is a labyrinth of jagged rock formations, shaped over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. The limestone pillars, some towering as high as 30 meters, stretch in all directions, creating a dense, maze-like environment where it’s easy to lose yourself in the twists and turns of the landscape.

大石林是这里最主要著名的景点,吸引了众多游客。这里是一座由锯齿状岩层组成的迷宫,经过数百万年的风力和水力作用而形成。石灰岩柱向四面八方延伸,有些高达30米,形成了一个密集的迷宫般的环境,游客很容易迷失在这曲折回绕的景观中。

The limestone spires are thin and elongated, resembling tall spikes. These formations reach upward, as though they are trying to touch the sky. Walking through these sections feels like wandering through a vast, jagged city of stone, with towering buildings rising up from the ground on all sides. The stone pathways can be uneven and rocky, so it’s important to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking.

石灰岩尖顶又细又长,形似高耸的尖刺。这些岩层向上延伸,仿佛要触及天空。穿过这些区域,感觉就像漫步在一座巨大而崎岖的石头城中,四周都是在地面上平地而起的高耸建筑。这些石路不平坦且多石,因此穿着结实舒适的鞋子特别重要。

Narrow paths wind through the stone pillars, leading visitors on a journey of discovery. These winding routes allow me to get up close to the stones and appreciate their unique shapes and textures closely. Stone steps leading up to the top of stones, are worn smooth by countless visitors. I liked to think deeply during my trip. Walking through these paths in the labyrinth made me think the meaning of life. Our life is like a labyrinth and we are always looking for the exit which path is the journey of our life.

狭窄的小路蜿蜒穿过石柱,引领游客踏上探索之旅。这些蜿蜒的小路让我可以近距离接触这些巨石,近距离欣赏它们独特的形状和纹理。通往石柱顶部的石阶早已被无数游客磨得光滑。我喜欢在旅途中深入思考。走在迷宫般的小路上,不由地令我思考起人生的意义。其实我们的生活就像一座迷宫,我们总是在寻找出口,而寻找出口这条路就是我们人生的旅程。

Sword Peak Pool is a beautiful, tranquil spot known for its stunning natural scenery and crystal-clear waters. The name refers to the shape of the surrounding peaks that resemble the sharp edge of a sword. It reflects the surrounding stone peaks, creating a picturesque view. It is a result of millions of years of natural erosion and geological processes.

剑峰池是一个美丽而宁静的地方,以其令人惊叹的自然风光和清澈的池水而闻名。剑峰潭因周围山峰的形状类似锋利的出鞘剑锋而得名。它倒映着周围的石峰,形成了如画的风景。这里也是数百万年的自然侵蚀和地质运动的结果。

The Stone Forest is interspersed with various smaller pools and streams that dot the landscape, each with its own charm. Some of these are tucked into crevices between rocks, while others sit in open clearings. I really marveled at these stone erected in the water, which silently create an almost fortress-like setting, giving the pond a hidden and mystical feel. It looks like an isolated environment far away from the mundane world.

石林中散布着各种较小的水塘和溪流,点缀着整个景观,每个都有自己的魅力。其中一些溪流隐藏在岩石之间的缝隙中,而另一些水塘则坐落在开阔地上。这些屹立在水中的石头令人浮想联翩,它们默默的创造出一种如同堡垒一样的环境,蕴涵一丝若隐若现的神秘感。看起来就像一个远离世俗世界的独立环境。

The whole park of stone forest is super large, and most visitors only have time to visit the Major and Minor Stone Forest within one day. The Minor Stone Forest consists of a smaller yet equally intricate collection of karst limestone formations. Unlike the towering 30-meter pillars of the Major Stone Forest, the rock formations here are relatively shorter and more clustered together.

整个石林公园非常大,大多数游客一天只能游览完大石林和小石林两个景区。小石林由较小但同样复杂的喀斯特石灰岩构成。与大石林高达30米的石柱不同,这里的岩层相对较矮小且更密集。

Unlike the more crowded Major Stone Forest, this area is quieter and less touristy, making it an ideal spot for visitors who prefer a more serene experience. The stones here are weathered into unusual shapes, resembling animals and mythical creatures, sparking the imagination of visitors. Every jagged rock peak with smooth, eroded surfaces tells a story of millions of years of natural sculpting. The scenes in this area have more greeneries and look more spacious and poetic.

与人潮涌动的大石林不同,这一带比较安静,人烟稀少,是喜欢静谧体验的游客的理想之地。这里的石头被风化成奇形怪状,形似动物和神话中的生物,充分发挥游人的想象力。每一块锯齿状的岩石山峰,表面光滑,记述着数百万年大自然的鬼斧神工。这一带的景色更加绿意盎然,看起来宽广辽阔、富有诗情画意。

The Minor Stone Forest is deeply connected to the Yi ethnic group, particularly the Sani people. This area is associated with local myths and legends, and some rocks are believed to be sacred, linked to ancient spirits and ancestors. Perhaps the most iconic rock is this stone which resembles a young woman in traditional Yi dress. According to local legend, it represents Ashima, a young and beautiful girl who fell in love with a man named Ahei, but their love was forbidden by Ashima’s family, who had arranged for her to marry a wealthier suitor. Desperate to be together, Ashima and Ahei fled and looked for their love. In the legend, Ashima was tragically turned into stone by the gods as a symbol of her devotion and sacrifice. Nowadays, the stone is a symbol of eternal love and unwavering faith which is rare in our society with fast rhythm.

小石林与彝族的撒尼人有着深厚的渊源。该地区与当地的神话传说息息相关,有些岩石被认为是神圣的,并与古老的神灵和祖先有关。也许最具代表性的岩石就是图中这块石头,它形似一位身着传统彝族服饰的年轻女子。根据当地传说,它象征着年轻貌美的女孩阿诗玛。她爱上了一个名叫阿海的男人,但他们的爱情遭到了阿诗玛家人的反对,他们安排她嫁给一个更富有的追求者。阿诗玛渴望和阿海在一起,于是两人私奔追寻他们的爱情。在传说中,阿诗玛被众神悲惨地变成了石头,作为她忠诚和对爱情牺牲的象征。如今,这块石头象征着永恒的爱情和坚定不移的信念,这种纯洁的爱情在我们这个快节奏的社会中已然不复存在。

The trip in the stone forest needs half days’ time. As the sun set and ligntened the towering limestone spires of the Stone Forest, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe and wonder. It was indeed a wonderful place where the natural world and ancient myths came together. When I was on the way of leaving the park, I took with me more than just memories of the stunning landscape — also carried the echoes of legendary sad love stories touching my heart.

石林之旅共需要大半天时间。当太阳落山余晖照耀在石林高耸的石灰岩尖顶之际,我很难不感到敬畏和惊叹。这里确实是自然世界和古老神话交汇的奇妙之地。当我依依惜别时,随我心而去的不仅仅是对壮丽景观的回忆还有触动心弦的悲伤爱情故事的回响。

From Haiphong to Halong: Capturing the Beauty of Halong Bay

探寻下龙湾的美

Haiphong is a bustling port city in northern Vietnam, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strategic significance. As one of Vietnam’s major industrial centers, Haiphong boasts a blend of colonial architecture and modern city development. Haiphong is also a gateway to the stunning Cat Ba Island and the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, making it an essential stop for travelers exploring northern Vietnam.

海防是越南北部一个繁华的港口城市,以其悠久的历史、充满活力的文化和战略意义而闻名。作为越南的主要工业中心,海防融合了殖民时期的建筑和现代城市发展。这座城市也是通往美丽的吉婆岛和被联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产的下龙湾的门户,是各国游客探索越南北部的必经之地。

I visited this city in 2019 because of a business trip. In January, Hai Phong experiences cool and relatively dry weather with temperature around 19 °C. The city had shorter daylight hours with a mix of sunny and cloudy days. Obviously, it is not a good period for travel. I lived beside of the Hai Phong Museum. This yellow building itself is an architectural landmark, reflecting colonial influences that were prevalent during the French occupation of Vietnam. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the history, culture, and social development of Hai Phong.

2019年 我因出差来到了这座城市。1 月份的海防天气干燥阴冷,气温约为19°C。日照时间较短,晴天和阴天交替出现。显然这不是一个旅行的特别好时期。我住在海防博物馆旁边。这座黄色建筑本身就是一座地标,反映了法国占领越南期间的殖民影响。它收藏了大量文物、照片和文件,记录了海防的历史、文化和社会发展。

When I travelled in Vietnam, I noticed that many buildings constructed during the French colonial period like this in the photo were painted yellow. The color gave buildings a distinguished and stately appearance that perhaps aligned with French colonial tastes. The yellow paint often used was lime-based, which was durable and provided a protective layer against the tropical weather. It reflects sunlight well and helps in keeping the buildings cooler.

我在越南旅行时就注意到,许多法国殖民时期建造的建筑(如照片中的这座建筑物)都漆成了黄色。这种颜色使建筑物具有尊贵庄严的外观,似乎符合法国殖民者的品味。这种常使用的黄色油漆是石灰打底,这种油漆经久耐用,可以抵御热带天气。它能很好地反射阳光,有助于保持建筑物凉爽。

This building is a good example of the architecture of French colonial period as well. The station’s architecture retains colonial influences, characterized by its classic yellow facade and functional design. ‘Ga’ represents the meaning of train station in Vietnamese. It is close to the French word ‘Gare’ which means train station as well. Hai Phong Train Station serves as the terminus for several important rail routes, including the Hanoi-Hai Phong line.

这座建筑也是法国殖民时期建筑的典范。车站的建筑保留了殖民时期的影响,其特点是经典的黄色外墙和实用的设计。“Ga”在越南语中代表火车站。它与法语单词“Gare”相近,后者也是火车站的意思。海防火车站是包括河内-海防线等几条重要铁路线的终点站。

Hai Phong lies along the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin and it serves as a gateway to several popular tourist destinations, including Halong Bay. I hired a private car which took me directly to the harbor of Halong Bay. There are multiple ticket counters where visitors can purchase tickets for various cruises and one day boat tours. The best way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay is by taking a cruise.

海防位于北部湾沿岸,是通往下龙湾等多个热门旅游地的门户。我租了一辆私家车,直接把我送到了下龙湾的港口。那里有多个售票柜台,游客可以在那里购买各种游轮和一日游的船票。体验下龙湾美景的最佳方式是就是乘坐图中这种游轮。

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The bay covers an area of approximately 1,553 square kilometers and features around 1,600 limestone islands and islets, many of which are topped with lush vegetation. The dramatic karst landscape, crystal-clear waters, and mysterious caves make Halong Bay a must-visit destination for travelers. It is so well-known for the tourists that even this day is super misty, many tourists still flock to the harbor and visit it by cruises.

下龙湾是联合国教科文组织的世界遗产,以令人惊叹的自然风光而闻名。海湾面积约1,553平方公里,拥有约1,600个石灰岩岛屿和小岛,其中许多岛屿上长满了茂密的植被。壮观的喀斯特地貌、清澈的海水和神秘的洞穴使下龙湾成为游客来越南必打卡的目的地。即使这天雾气弥漫,众多游客仍然慕名而来峰涌至港口,乘船游览下龙湾。

In the morning, the temperature is a bit lower, and the dense mists block most of my view but I think it is important to keep a good mood during the travel. I chose to take a cruise of half day trip. When the boat left the harbor and entered into the bay, gradually I could see the clear shape of the mountains.

早上气温稍低,浓密的雾气遮挡了大部分视线,不过旅途中保持好心情特别重要。我选择坐了半日游船,当游船离开港口进入海湾时,渐渐地我能看到了山的轮廓。

The mountains of Halong Bay, primarily composed of limestone karsts, create a stunning and unique landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries. These formations are the result of millions of years of geological processes, making Halong Bay one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world.

下龙湾的山主要由喀斯特石灰岩组成,形成了令人惊叹的独特景观,几个世纪以来一直吸引着众多游客。这些地貌是数百万年地质运动的结果,使下龙湾成为世界上最非凡的自然奇观之一。

The karsts here are extremely similar to the scene of Guiling in China. Karst is actually a type of landscape that is characterized by distinctive landforms and features resulting from the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. These kind of small rock mountains are often blanketed in dense tropical vegetation, including shrubs, ferns, and flowering plants. The greenery clinging to the rocky surfaces adds a layer of vibrant color to the gray and white limestone.

这里的喀斯特地貌与中国桂林的景色极为相似。喀斯特地貌是一种由可溶性岩石(如石灰岩、白云岩和石膏)溶解后形成的独特的地貌特征。这类小岩山通常被茂密的包括灌木、蕨类植物和开花植物等热带植被覆盖。攀附在岩石表面的绿色植物为灰白色的石灰岩增添了一抹鲜艳的色彩。

Karst landscape consists of rocks and mountains of different sizes and strange shapes. It is formed primarily through the process of chemical weathering. When rainwater, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to become slightly acidic, percolates through the ground, it reacts with the soluble rocks and gradually dissolves them. Over time, the continued dissolution of the rock leads to the development of caves and mountains.

喀斯特地貌由大小不一、形状奇特的岩石和山脉组成。它主要通过化学风化过程形成。当雨水从大气中吸收二氧化碳并变成弱酸性时,它渗透到地面,与可溶性岩石发生反应并逐渐溶解它们。随着时间的推移,岩石的不断溶解导致洞穴和山脉的形成。

These karsts are characterized by their steep, rugged peaks that rise abruptly from the emerald waters. Their shapes vary from slender spires to massive, rounded mounds, creating a varied and dynamic landscape. The mountains are always shrouded in mist, creating a mystical and almost surreal atmosphere. Although I don’t like the misty day, I have to admit that the mist weavings through the karsts are really special, enhancing the otherworldly beauty. The scenery here was like an ink brush painting created by Chinese painter Mi Fu.

喀斯特风景显著的特点是陡峭崎岖的山峰从翠绿的水中陡然升起。它们形状各异,从细长的尖顶到巨大的圆形土丘,形成了各式变化多端、充满活力的景观。群山笼罩在薄雾中,营造出一种神秘如仙境的氛围。虽然我不喜欢雾蒙蒙的天气,但不得不说,雾气笼罩的喀斯特地貌真的很独特,有一种超凡脱俗的美感。这里的风景就像米芾创作的一幅水墨画一般。

The waters of Halong Bay are renowned for their striking emerald green color. This kind of hue is a result of the bay’s shallow depths, the reflection of lush vegetation, and the high content of phytoplankton in the water. The bay is always protected from strong winds and waves by the surrounding limestone karsts and islands. The tranquil water surface was mirror-like, reflecting the towering karsts, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.

下龙湾的海水以其夺目的翠绿色而闻名。这种色调是由于海湾水深较浅、茂密植被的倒影以及水中浮游植物含量高而造成的。周围的石灰岩和岛屿始终保护着海湾免受强风和海浪的侵袭。平静的水面如镜,倒映着高耸的喀斯特岩,营造出震撼的视觉效果。

There are many small islands in the Halong Bay. Dau Go Island is situated in the southwestern part of Halong Bay. It is accessible by boat and is often included in Halong Bay cruise itineraries. The cruise took around 6 hours including the time to travel around this island.

下龙湾有许多小岛。Dau Go 岛位于下龙湾西南部,可乘船前往,也被列入下龙湾游轮行程中。我乘坐的游轮旅游总共需要6个小时,其中包括绕岛游览的时间。

Dau Go Cave on this island is one of the largest and most historically significant caves in Halong Bay. It has significant historical importance. It is also named the “Cave of Wooden Stakes” because, according to legend, during the 13th century, General Tran Hung Dao hid wooden stakes in the cave. These stakes were later used in the famous Battle of Bach Dang River to defeat the invading Mongolian army by driving them into the riverbed to damage enemy ships. Dau Go Cave is well-lit with lights that highlight the most striking formations and impressive features of stalactites and stalagmites.

这座岛上的溶洞是下龙湾最大并具历史意义的洞穴。它被称为 “木桩洞”,根据传说,在13世纪,陈兴道将军在这个洞穴中藏有木桩。这些木桩后来在著名的白藤河战役中被插入河床以破坏敌舰并以此击败入侵的蒙古军队。这个溶洞灯光明亮,突出了引人注目的钟乳石和石笋的构造特征。

From the viewing platform, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Halong Bay, including its emerald waters, surrounding islands, and iconic limestone karsts and took an unforgettable photo. Standing here, I really wondered at this kind of geological miracle.

游客可以在观景平台欣赏到包括翠绿的海水、周围的岛屿和标志性的石灰岩等下龙湾的全景,并拍下令人难忘的照片。站在这里我真的对这种地质奇迹发出由衷的惊叹。

Many rocks of unique shapes have become iconic symbols of the bay. These bizarre and unique rock formations are the result of complex geological processes over millions of year. The cruise took the visitors near the stone and stopped, leaving enough time to take photos. This is the Fighting Cock Rock. These twin rocks resemble two roosters facing off against each other. They are one of the most iconic images of Halong Bay and are often used in promotional brochures for the area.

许多形状独特的岩石已成为下龙湾的标志。这些奇异而独特的岩石由数百万年来复杂地质过程形成。游船将游客带到石头附近并停下来,为我们留出足够的时间拍照。这个是斗鸡岩。这两块岩石类似于两只相互对峙的公鸡。它们是下龙湾最具代表性的标志,经常用于这里的旅游宣传手册中。

This lonely stone is called Incense Burner. It is shaped like an incense burner, standing alone in the water, making it a striking sight against the backdrop of the bay. For most of the time of this trip, I was enjoying the landscape of the different rocks assembled in the bay which were the masterpiece of the nature.

这块孤零零的石头叫香炉石,形状像一个香炉独自矗立在水中,在海水的映衬下显得格外引人注目。这次旅行的大部分时间,其实都在欣赏海湾中各式各样岩石的景观,它们绝对是大自然鬼斧神工创造的杰作。

The cruise provided visitors lunch as well. Vietnamese cuisine is close to Chinese food and is known for its fresh ingredients and special taste sauces. Rice is the most popular staple food and people prefer to use chop sticks. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and lemongrass, along with vegetables such as bean sprouts, cucumbers, and lettuce, are essential for adding flavor and freshness. Fish Sauce known as nuoc mam, is a fundamental ingredient that adds a salty, savory depth to many dishes. Spring rolls and hotpot are the two popular dishes in Vietnam. It was a great pleasure to taste the local food together with viewing the beautiful sceneries outside of the windows.

乘坐的游船还为游客提供午餐。越南菜肴与中国菜十分相近,以新鲜的食材和独特的酱汁而闻名。米饭是当地最受欢迎的主食,人们也更喜欢用筷子用餐。罗勒、薄荷和柠檬草等新鲜香草以及豆芽、黄瓜和生菜等蔬菜经常用来增加菜品的风味和新鲜度。鱼露(当地称为 nuoc mam)是一种当地很基本的配料,可为许多菜肴增添咸味和鲜味。春卷和火锅也是越南流行的菜肴。品尝当地美食并欣赏窗外美丽的风景简直是一种享受。

The happy moments always passed extremely fast. The cruise returned back to the harbor in the afternoon. As my journey through Halong Bay came to a close, this serene bay with its unique charm have left a special mark on my heart. Each moment spent in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the Earth’s unparalleled beauty and resilience. Visiting such a place of breathtaking natural wonders can be deeply restorative and spiritually uplifting.

快乐的时光总是转瞬即逝。下午游轮返回港口。当我在下龙湾的旅程结束时,这个宁静的海湾以其独特的魅力在我心中留下了特殊的印记。在这个世界遗产度过的每一刻都让我认识到地球这个星球无与伦比的美丽和韧性。游览这样一个令人惊叹的自然奇观确实可以让我精神焕发,找到旅行的意义。