23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Pause Along the Way

Liangjin Mountain is a well-known peak in Kaiping, China. To make the climb easier for visitors, many accessible stairways were built. As I walked up these steps, I suddenly felt that the path ahead was still long. So I stopped, sat on a stone bench by the side, rested, admired the forest scenery on both sides, and even took time to appreciate the artistry of the lamps. This photograph was captured at that very moment. In truth, life is much like this path—long and difficult. Rather than exhausting oneself to rush toward the end, it is better to pause, to rest, and to take in the beauty along the way. When you can truly feel the joy that nature offers, your heart becomes lighter, and that serenity becomes the strength to carry on.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Kaiping, China
Camera: Canon EOS R100
Copyright: © Bruce Yu