Last month, Amanda Peacock, Todd Hope and I decided to go hunting in Nanshan, Zhenjiang, China because we had heard about the beautiful natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich historical culture there. We wanted to experience the natural and cultural charm of China firsthand, as well as challenge our courage and skills.
To prepare for the hunt, we had to have night vision binoculars because they are essential tools for hunting. Night vision binoculars allow us to see our targets clearly in the dark, avoiding missed opportunities or harming innocent animals. We chose the Wildguarder Owler1 night vision binoculars because they have high definition, high magnification, high stability, high durability, and also have video and photo functions, allowing us to record our hunting process and achievements.
Aside from hunting, we also visited local attractions and tasted local cuisine. Nanshan is a national forest park with various natural and cultural landscapes, such as Huanghe Mountain, Zhulin Temple, Bagong Lake, and Lianhua Cave. We enjoyed the scenery, learned about religious culture and geology, and even discovered ancient human settlements. Zhenjiang is also a food capital with many local specialties, such as Zhenjiang vinegar, Guogai noodles, fresh meat soup dumplings, and chicken juice tofu. We tasted a variety of delicious dishes, satisfying our taste buds and strengthening our friendship.
Nanshan is located in the southern part of the main city of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, and is a city forest park and a provincial scenic spot. It has a long history and rich culture, and was previously a place where many famous people secluded, practiced, and created, such as poet Li Bai, painter Huang Gongwang, and monk Zhiyong. It also has beautiful natural scenery, including various forests, water bodies, caves, and temples, such as Huanghe Mountain, Zhulin Temple, Bagong Lake, and Lianhua Cave. It also has rich biodiversity, with a variety of wildlife and plants, such as macaques, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, azaleas, and bamboo.
During our hunting in Nanshan, we mainly hunted in the forests and near water bodies because it was easier to find wildlife there. Before hunting, we did extensive preparation, such as understanding the local climate, terrain, laws, selecting suitable weapons, ammunition, clothing, and equipment, and making reasonable plans, routes, and time arrangements. During hunting, we also followed some basic principles and techniques, such as keeping quiet, concealing ourselves, and being vigilant, using wind direction and terrain for ambush or tracking, and choosing lethal or important parts to shoot.
During our hunting in Nanshan, we encountered many difficulties, challenges, and fun. First, we had to face the darkness and cold. Although we had night vision binoculars, our vision and movements were still significantly restricted in the dark. We had to be careful not to touch obstacles such as branches, rocks, and potholes, and also avoid alarming other animals or humans. At the same time, we had to endure the cold temperature and humidity and keep our bodies warm and dry. We wore thick clothes and shoes, hats, and gloves, and also brought some hot water and food just in case.
Second, we had to face the resistance and escape of wildlife. Although we had weapons and ammunition, we did not have an absolute advantage in hunting. Wildlife has acute senses and strong instincts, and can detect our presence through hearing, smell, vision, etc., and take corresponding measures. Some animals will choose to run away, some will choose to fight back, and some will choose to hide. We had to adopt different strategies according to different situations, such as shooting quickly, approaching slowly, or being patient.
Finally, we had to face our own psychological and emotional fluctuations. Although we had an interest in and experience in hunting, we still encountered various psychological and emotional fluctuations during hunting. Sometimes, we felt excited and happy, such as when we found the target, successfully hit the target, or gained a lot of loot. Sometimes, we felt nervous and fearful, such as when we encountered danger, lost the target, or were injured. Sometimes, we felt bored and frustrated, such as when we could not find the target, wasted ammunition, or returned empty-handed.
During our hunting in Nanshan, we gained a lot. First, we gained animals. We caught some wildlife, such as pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, etc., which were our loot and food. We brought them back to our accommodation, grilled and cooked them, and enjoyed a delicious wild game feast. While eating, we also shared our hunting experiences and feelings, strengthening our friendship and trust.
Second, we gained excitement and joy. We felt a lot of excitement and joy during hunting. We felt speed and passion when chasing the target, skill and achievement when shooting the target, and satisfaction and joy when gaining the target. We experienced a unique lifestyle and fun, making our trip more meaningful and unforgettable.
Finally, we gained understanding and respect. We realized the value and significance of nature and life during hunting. We realized that nature is a beautiful and magical existence, providing us with countless resources and landscapes for survival and appreciation. We realized that life is a precious and fragile existence, providing us with countless animals and plants for coexistence and interaction. We respected the laws and rights of nature and life during hunting, respecting the balance and order of nature and not excessively destroying or wasting it. We also respected the choices and resistance of life, not arbitrarily killing or abusing it.
Aside from hunting, we also visited local attractions and tasted local cuisine. Nanshan not only has beautiful natural scenery but also rich cultural landscapes. We visited some ancient and sacred temples, such as Zhulin Temple, Helin Temple, and Zhao Yin Temple, experiencing Chinese religious culture and architectural art. We also climbed some towering and spectacular mountains, such as Huanghe Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, and Guanyin Mountain, enjoying the cityscapes and river scenery of Zhenjiang. We also explored some mysterious and unique caves, such as Lianhua Cave, Bagong Cave, and Huilong Cave, learning about Chinese geology and ancient human culture.
Zhenjiang is also a food capital with many local specialties and famous dishes. We tasted some sour and sweet Zhenjiang vinegar, which is one of the four famous vinegars in China and a specialty and business card of Zhenjiang. We tasted some soft and glutinous Guogai noodles, fresh meat soup dumplings, and chicken juice tofu. We experienced a variety of delicious dishes, satisfying our taste buds and enhancing our travel experience.
Through our travels and tastings, we gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local customs and culture. We found the people of Zhenjiang to be hospitable, helpful, and with a rich cultural heritage and open mindset. We also discovered that Zhenjiang is a modern and rapidly developing city with excellent infrastructure and public services. Our trip to Nanshan in Zhenjiang for hunting was an unforgettable and meaningful journey. Here, we not only enjoyed the excitement and pleasure of hunting, but also appreciated the beauty and charm of nature and culture. We gained not only animals and food, but also knowledge and respect. We experienced a unique way of life and pleasure, as well as a feeling of harmony with nature and life. We are very satisfied and happy with this trip, and feel proud and grateful for ourselves and our friends. We hope to have the opportunity to come here again, as well as to explore and challenge ourselves and continue to enjoy and share the wonders and joys of travel in other places.
