The Start Wasn’t Fancy
So, okay, Saturday morning. Rolled out of bed later than I planned, stuffed my backpack with water, some snacks, and grabbed my beat-up trail map thinking “Mountain Palace, done that, easy.” Figured I’d stroll the main paths, maybe grab an ice cream, head home early. Famous last thoughts, right?
Got off the bus near the usual South Gate entrance. Place was buzzing, tour groups everywhere waving flags, lines snaking towards the ticket counters. Felt kinda claustrophobic. Saw this grumpy-looking ticket guy waving people through, just going through the motions.
Ditching The Plan (Thank Goodness)
Instead of joining the herd, something made me look right. Spotted this narrow, worn path curling away from the main gate, disappearing behind some overgrown bushes. No fancy sign, just dirt, kinda ignored. Shrugged and thought “Why not? Looks quieter.” Pushed aside the scratchy branches – definitely a low-budget adventure start – and started walking.
First thing I noticed? Silence. The crowd noise just melted away. Ended up walking along this old, mossy stone wall that clearly wasn’t the main Palace wall. Looked ancient, crumbling in places. Followed it for maybe ten minutes, wondering where the heck it was going. Saw faded graffiti here and there, years old probably. Nothing pretty, just tags and initials.
The Weird Stuff Starts Popping Up
Then the wall kinda… stopped. And opened up into this little cluster of buildings tucked away behind it. Not part of the official Palace grounds at all. Looked like maybe old workers’ housing or something, repurposed? Super rough-around-the-edges vibe.
- First Stop: This tiny, cramped ceramics studio. Seriously, like a shed. Door was open, this guy covered in clay dust hunched over a wheel, spinning lumpy-looking pots. Had maybe three shelves with his work – bowls, cups, all kinda uneven but cool colors. Bought a little blue cup for pocket change just ’cause his grunt when I paid was funny.
- Next Door: Place reeked of metal smoke. Blacksmith? Knife sharpener? Still not sure. Heard clanging, peeked in. Dark inside, saw sparks flying. Didn’t wanna get burned, kept moving.
- Heard crazy music. Like, scratchy old folk tunes playing on a broken-sounding speaker. Followed the noise down an alley. Found this open courtyard filled with rusted metal junk. Not art, like actual junk. Then this old lady – must be 80 – sitting on a plastic stool welding little metal animals together! Rooster, pig… weird but cool. Tried to talk to her, she just waved a welding torch vaguely at me. Backed away slowly!
The Real Hidden Treasure
Got thirsty. Saw a faded sign painted on wood: “Drink”. Pointed down another alley, even narrower. Found this hole-in-the-wall shop run by a stooped old man with fingers stained yellow. He muttered something I didn’t catch. Just grunted and pointed at a huge, dented metal pot simmering over coals. Smelled medicinal and kinda sweet. Scooped this thick, brown liquid into a chipped bowl for me.
Hesitant sip… Whoa. Spicy, bitter, then sweet. Roots, herbs, maybe ginger? Had a weird kick. Old man watched me intently, nodded once when I finished it. Felt strangely energized afterward. Wish I knew what it was. Left some cash on his counter, he grunted again.
Stumbled back out towards the main road eventually. Looked back at the crazy alley I came out of. Could barely see it. The map? Utterly useless. None of that was on it. Felt like I’d stepped into a different world right next to the tourist circus. Makes you wonder how much stuff they just don’t tell you about, hidden in plain sight behind the fancy Palace walls. Definitely got my cool thing finder itch scratched!