To survive in the city, all the sensory organs should be well masked. And this is particularly true in Xiasha the place where I live. At nightfall if only I am in the room, I will shut the window, for the nauseating stink of burned garbage, food spoilage, vehicle exhaust and industry waste gas, the particular air of urban life, is precisely reaching the uttermost. I thought this cost of physical health is a must pay so that one may enjoy the expediency of city life. But in fact, the price was much higher than we could imagine. And what I saw, smelt, heard, drank, touched and felt in Guilin that boasts the best scenery in the world strengthened this idea.

It was a long and tiring journey, but it all paid when the voyage across the Lijiang River finally started. The yacht was drifting into a chorus of water, sunshine and wind. Beneath the surface, waterweed shadows swayed on the varicolored cobbles, which were home to many crabs and shrimps. Floating on the clear liquid water were sporadically distributed ships painting the limpid surface with white trials. The view of crystal green mountains grown from the clear waters in the distance was now appearing and now disappearing in the mist and wind. Standing at the head of the yacht, in the cool drizzle and gentle breeze, I lost myself in the awe and beauty of Lijiang River but hesitated to enjoy as long-period living in the city had weakened my ability to appreciate it. Fortunately, the locals gave me enlightenment on how to unmask my long repressed nature.