Into Nature, Toward Health | Q4 2022 Employee Birthday Celebration

Introduction to Qiniang Mountain

Qiniang Mountain is the second-highest peak in Shenzhen, located at the southern tip of Dapeng Peninsula and surrounded by the sea on three sides. Its main peak stands at 867.4 meters above sea level. The mountain features seven distinct peaks arranged in an orderly yet imposing manner, with magnificent scenery shaped by peculiar rock formations, caves, mountain springs, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Deep valleys, winding streams, and multiple waterfalls add to its diverse landscape. The mountain is covered in lush forests, including well-preserved evergreen broad-leaved woodlands untouched by human activity. Towering ancient trees form a dense canopy, and the air within the forest is fresh and invigorating. When the mountain breeze blows, the rustling of the trees creates a soothing melody. The scenery is uniquely charming, often shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a fairyland on earth.

And We’re Off!
As autumn turned to winter, the company decided to organize an outdoor hiking trip to allow employees with birthdays in the fourth quarter to experience the beauty of nature. The theme of this event was "Into Nature, Toward Health." Against the backdrop of gradually returning to normalcy after more than three years of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, improving immunity through exercise has become increasingly important. As a vibrant team, Turier Biotech saw most employees actively respond to this initiative. To demonstrate care and support, the company thoughtfully prepared snacks for every participant.

Around 10 a.m. on December 3, all attendees gathered at the entrance of the National Geological Park for a group photo before embarking on the main peak hiking trail.

Having climbed Shenzhen’s highest peak, Wutong Mountain, I always felt it lacked a certain gentleness. I had also visited the serene Fenghuang Mountain, where the solemn Buddhist chants were somewhat overshadowed by the crowds. And I had admired traditional Chinese ink landscape paintings, marveling at the mystical scenes depicted by the artists’ brushes. But the moment I laid eyes on Qiniang Mountain, it was as if a massive landscape painting had unfurled before me. The mountain’s curves were outlined with soft, layered strokes, and the misty clouds resembled the flowing garments of celestial maidens. Legend has it that Qiniang Mountain was formed by seven fairy maidens, and only their graceful forms and tranquil demeanor could truly complement such a scene.

When we left in the early morning, the air was chilly. But by the time we arrived, the weather had turned sunny and breezy—perfect for hiking. It lifted our spirits and refreshed our minds. Though not as treacherous as the ancient "Shu Roads" famously described as "harder than climbing to heaven," the steep ascent left our legs trembling. Most of the main trail up Qiniang Mountain consists of steep, challenging steps, forcing us to take frequent breaks.

 After each intense climb, my breathing and heart rate would near their limits. Glancing at my smartwatch, I saw my heart rate had hit 168. Hearing teammates ahead call out, "Keep going! We’re almost halfway there. Let’s rest at the viewing platform ahead," we pressed on in stops and starts. The goal of reaching the summit was clear, and colleagues encouraged one another, chatting and laughing along the way. As we climbed higher, the scenery behind us gradually transformed into a living ink painting, inspiring deep reflection:
Isn’t life’s journey much like this? To see farther, we must temper our minds, persevere with unwavering effort, and climb higher to witness more breathtaking views. As the saying goes, "From great heights, vistas unfold; life itself is but dust untold. If we learn to let things be, why fear the storms we cannot see?"

Scenery Along the Way
During breaks, enjoying the surrounding views was a delight. Just as my energy was fully spent and the summit seemed nowhere in sight, I suddenly heard a fellow hiker exclaim excitedly, "The viewing platform is here!" Instantly reinvigorated, I stepped onto the platform. Perched on a cliff, it offered a stunning panorama: lush forests with tall, verdant trees, wispy clouds drifting on the breeze, and the distant sea faintly visible. If the mythical Penglai Immortal Isle truly existed, would it not look just like this?

After a short rest admiring the view, we continued toward the summit. The final two to three hundred meters from the viewing platform were even steeper and narrower. About twenty minutes later, we finally reached the top. Unlike the scenery from the platform, the summit revealed the seven peaks in all their majestic and rugged splendor, with a far broader vista. Expansive reed grasses covered the mountaintop, glowing with the fresh green of early spring. As the mountain wind swept through, the grasses swayed gracefully, dotted with countless unnamed wildflowers. Under the gentle sunlight, clouds drifted slowly overhead, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the slopes. The sentiment of "Unmoved by gain or loss, I watch the clouds roll and drift across the sky" perfectly captured the moment.

After spending over two hours exploring several peaks, we decided to descend. While climbing up is challenging, going down is even harder on the knees. Coupled with the exhaustion from the ascent, my legs were aching uncontrollably halfway down, forcing me to proceed slowly and patiently.

Happy Birthday
After the hike, everyone gathered at a beautiful seafood restaurant for lunch and celebrated the fourth-quarter birthday stars with a cake. Amid the cheerful singing of "Happy Birthday," candles were lit, and colleagues clasped their hands together. The birthday stars made wishes, blew out the candles, and shared the cake, their faces glowing with joyful smiles in the warmth of mutual blessings.

Three days after returning from Qiniang Mountain, the soreness in my legs has gradually faded, but the breathtaking views remain etched in my memory, as ethereal and beautiful as the mist that envelops the mountain. I can’t help but feel: It was truly worth the journey.
Though beautiful moments are fleeting, the memories they leave are eternal. Every warm collective activity is a recognition of the hard work of the Turier Biotech family and a testament to the company’s deep care and affection for its employees.