Entering painting in Shanpu, sending leisure to the countryside - A Journey of Ink Painting in Zhongshan

A bus carrying more than 40 colleagues from Shanpu Company drove into Zhongshan County, Guangxi. The laughter and joy inside the bus were forgotten along with the hustle and bustle of the city, and the scenery outside suddenly switched to a flowing ink scroll. When the "Zhongshan Ink Painting Countryside" comes into view, the fresh and humid air carries the fragrance of soil and plants, and takes a deep breath, refreshing the heart and soul. The fatigue and pressure of days of work instantly dissipate. This long-awaited team building kicked off in the poetic embrace of mountains and rivers.

Following the bluestone road, colleagues walked in pairs and occasionally stopped to take photos. The farmhouses with white walls and black tiles on both sides are scattered among green trees and bamboo, complementing the sparse and dense karst peaks in the distance. Climbing up to the observation deck and looking into the distance, dozens of blue and black isolated peaks rise from the ground, with various forms: some like camels lying on the ground, some like pen holders facing upwards, and the most amazing one is the "Pillar of the Southern Sky". The isolated peak, which is over a hundred meters high, is straight and upright, pointing straight to the sky. The mottled stone patterns reveal the vicissitudes of time. Look at that mountain, it looks so much like the architecture diagram of our project team! "Someone shouted, causing everyone to burst into laughter. The originally scattered team suddenly gathered, and everyone eagerly pointed to the peak forest to share their associations. The serious colleagues in the workplace were now immersed in the shock brought by the natural wonders. At the foot of the mountain, vast fields change colors with the seasons. In early winter, golden rice stubble remains, and occasional water buffaloes leisurely graze on the field ridges. Several colleagues couldn't help but imitate the shepherd boy whistling, and the crisp sound echoed in the countryside, full of relaxed and pleasant poetic and picturesque atmosphere.

Walking to the ink lotus pond, one can better understand the true meaning of the word 'ink painting'. Fading away the prosperity of summer, the withered lotus stems stand quietly in the cold wind. The edges of the withered yellow and deep brown leaves are torn like they have been cut by time, and the withered black branches crisscross, forming a sparse and graceful freehand line. The clear water of the pond reflects the gray sky and distant peaks, with the shadow of the lotus gently swaying. The real and virtual scenes interweave, just like the ink color blended on rice paper. Photography enthusiast Xiao Li has already set up his camera and invited everyone to take a group photo by the lotus pond. Some people picked up dead lotus plants that had fallen to the ground as props, while others posed in playful poses. The sound of the shutter and laughter intertwined, adding a touch of vitality to this serene ink painting. Looking at the relaxed smiles of my colleagues, I recall the time when we fought side by side to overcome difficulties, which inexplicably matched the resilience of this withered lotus - whether in work or life, unity can demonstrate a different kind of strength.

At dusk, everyone followed the smoke from cooking to the pre booked farmhouse. On the long table, authentic oil tea, steamed pork ribs with Huangyao fermented black beans, and Zhongshan pork belly are served one after another. Fresh ingredients are paired with simple cooking techniques, and every bite is a natural flavor. The general manager picked up a teacup and smiled, saying, "I'm bringing everyone here this time to step out of the grid, relax in the mountains and rivers, and have more face-to-face communication." As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted. During the meal, colleagues stopped talking about work KPIs and instead shared travel anecdotes and life insights. The boss enthusiastically introduced the local customs and culture, saying that the rice, fruits, and vegetables here are pure and unadorned due to fertile soil, just like the down-to-earth attitude of Shanpu people. Outside the window, wisps of cooking smoke rise from the village, interweaving with the clouds and mist in the mountains. The setting sun casts a warm halo over the peaks and forests. At this moment, the countryside is peaceful and tranquil, and as we sit around a table, we become a loving family.

Compared to the crowds of popular scenic spots, Zhongshan Ink Painting Countryside preserves its rare original ecology, just as Shanpu Company has always adhered to its original intention of not deliberately flaunting, but only seeking to be down-to-earth. There are no deliberate traces of carving here, and the peaks, fields, rivers, and villages intertwine with each other, creating a picturesque scene step by step; Just like our team, everyone has their own expertise, but they can shine together in collaboration. Here, time seems to slow down, every bird song, every strand of rice fragrance, and every winding rural road walked side by side, bringing the distance between hearts closer. As they left, everyone exclaimed that this was not only a relaxing team building experience, but also a journey to recharge their souls. This natural ink painting has been deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Shanpu person, making us understand that the most touching scenery is hidden in the harmonious coexistence of mountains, waters, and fields; The most solid team is hidden in the tacit understanding and sincerity of mutual support. With this tranquility and strength returning to work, we will surely embark on the next journey together with a fuller state of mind.