Today is the 1st of October.

As the first ray of dawn pierces the sea of clouds and spills over the summit of Tianzhu Peak, this 'Pillar Propping Up the Sky', standing firm for hundreds of millions of years, greets yet another solemn and passionate morning.

Mountains and rivers bear witness; the years give it its name. On this day that belongs to every Chinese person, Tianzhushan, in its most magnificent form, joins tens of thousands of visitors in offering the motherland its most heartfelt declaration of love.

01

Above the Summit, Red Flags Fly

Climbing step by step up the stone stairs, mountain winds whistle and pine waves murmur. The higher you go, the broader the view, and the more your heart swells.

At the visitor centre, along the mountain trails and at Tianchi Peak, five-star red flags shine brilliantly against the verdant forest. That vivid China red becomes the most moving sight in the mountains.

Many visitors pause before Tianzhu Peak, raising their phones to capture the moment where peaks meet red flags; some sing out loud into the mountain wind, their voices echoing through the valleys; others simply stand and gaze at the ranges, eyes full of heartfelt pride and emotion. The green mountains keep silent while human hearts burn bright — love of country and the landscape of Tianzhushan merge and thrive together here.

In this moment, the mountains are still and the heart is warm.

02

Reaching the Summit, Praising the Land

'Strange peaks give rise to strange clouds; fine trees hold fine spirit.' In Li Bai's verse, Tianzhushan is majestic and elegant, the finest in all Jianghuai. Distant ranges unroll like scroll paintings; wondrous peaks stand like swords. Every rock and pine of Tianzhushan etches the vicissitudes of time, every cloud and mist tells of nature's craft.

This ancient land of the Southern Sacred Mountain holds five thousand years of cultural lineage and bears witness to today's prosperous land and peaceful people. Climbing high and gazing far, taking in countless scenic wonders, the heart fills with gratitude for the gifts of the land and heartfelt praise for an era of peace and strength.

03

From Tianzhushan, I Declare My Love to My Motherland

No ornate words are needed, no grand ceremony required.

One sentence — 'Motherland, I love you' — is the truest declaration of all.

Visitors from every corner of the country gather on the summit of Tianzhu: grey-haired elders, spirited young people, and families climbing with children in tow. Different faces, one shared and sincere blessing.

Atop the peak, some unfurl the five-star red flag and let the mountain wind carry their wishes; some call out towards the layered valleys, their blessings echoing between peak and gorge; some close their eyes in silent prayer for national peace and prosperity, for a land untouched by trouble.

For a thousand years Tianzhu has stood firm, witnessing the great shifts of the age;

The sincere heart of China never changes, praising the splendour of a flourishing era.

On this great day, from Tianzhushan in Anhui, I declare my love to my motherland —

May the land be beautiful and prosperous, the nation peaceful and the people secure!

May this era endure, and the future shine bright!