A Cloudless Mount Baekdu (Changbai Mountain)

Mount Baekdu is even more breathtaking in person than in photos. Under a perfectly clear sky, the snow-capped peaks stood majestically, fully revealed. Its grandeur leaves one speechless. In China, this place is called 'Changbai Mountain,' but for us, the name alone stirs a different emotion. Mount Baekdu, the sacred mountain of our nation, is not just a tourist destination but a mountain imbued with history, blood, and identity. The path to the summit was rougher than expected, but it was equally serene. The air felt different—heavy yet pure. When I faced Heaven Lake, even the wind seemed to pause for a moment. The water was jade-like in its blue hue, and the surrounding ridges encircled it like a massive protective shield. This is something no photograph can fully capture. Standing there, a simple thought came to mind: 'Ah, this is the root of the land I come from.' Whether called Changbai Mountain or Mount Baekdu, the name may differ, but the mountain remains the same. Borders are drawn by humans, but nature stands silently above them. Strangely, this realization felt comforting. On the way back, I glanced back at Mount Baekdu, which remained unchanged. In its silence, a sense of pride welled up within me. Just having seen this mountain in person made my heart feel more steadfast.