Day 27 - Peak of Wu Dang Shan

Wu Dang Shan's hotel was one of the best accommodation I've had here. The morning was extremely cold, but I only wore a pair of singlet for the morning hike up the mountains. The climb up wasn't what I expected (several meters high), but thousands of steps! We bought sacred locks of good luck to hang it up at the peak of the mountains. After a tedious climb, we declined the mountains by cable car!


Journey of a Thousand Miles Begin with a Single Step
Nothing in Singapore can be compared with Wu Dang Mountains. Every step I take requires great determination, and we pushed each other on. Singapore's Bukit Timah Hill is only one tenth of Wu Dang Mountains. All I can see are steps, steps, and more steps!


Delivery Man
Lugging heavy loads of supplies up to the stores located on top of the Wu Dang Mountains.


Crossbow Man
Armed with a deadly crossbow which fires sharp bolts, price? $780yuan (S$160). Unfortunately, it is prohibited in Singapore.


Sacred Locks
A professional craftsman imbedding our Chinese names and birth dates on the locks.


Lock on Wu Dang Tops
We have reached the peak of Wu Dang Mountains. The view is magnificant! And we decided to put our names on lockdown.


Safe Haven
Standing on the edge of Wu Dang Mountains makes you feel your adrenaline rush. The sight is so heavenly and peaceful, and I feel so warm and safe just looking at the gorgeous scenery.


Top 1 on Conservation List
This tree is 620 years of age, and first on the nation's park conservation list. It is said that only the branches of the tree will sway when there's wind, but the leaves will remain in position.


Long Way Down
Cable car descent with two passengers in each car.


Faulty Car
How scary would it be to be fitted into that car!


Blind Spot Mirror
This mirror is essential for drivers when handling sharp corners, as on-coming traffic cannot be seen due to a "blind spot".


Chinese Musician
Beside me is a young professional lady playing a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

REFLECTIONS

The products sold at the peak of Wu Dang Mountains are more expensive than the ones at the base. This is because logistics aid is used to transport supplies up to the peak which costs delivery charges. As in the case of any industry, company, or operation, logistical function is required, and there is a certain charge for it. Globally, logistics is a mega business as the world requires this service. I have learn from my course and during this trip that minimizing transportation costs will allow a company to save (profit more).

Cable cars in China are reliable, but I will still have a sense of insecurity. However, in Singapore, safety regulations and daily quality checks on our cable cars will make their customers confident and safe. The cable cars in China appear ragged and fragile, like as though it can give way at any moment! This is why I appreciate Singapore's stringent safety regulations.


Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death.
-James F. Bymes