China - Land of the Dragons

[theblackhole]

Re: The Stone Forest Of Kunming.....

The Hanging Temple, located about 60 km southwest of Datong, China in Shanxi province, is one of the world's forgotten wonders. Clinging to a crag of Hengshan mountain, in apparent defiance of gravity, it consists of 40 rooms linked by a dizzying maze of passageways. The temple is said to have been built by a monk named Liao Ran, during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD) and restored in 1900.

The temple was constructed by drilling holes into the cliff side into which the poles that hold up the temples are set. Interestingly the temple is dedicated to not just one religion, but three, with Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism all worshiped within the temple and represented in 78 statues and carvings throughout the temple.

The buildings are supported by wooden poles or crossbeams inserted into holes chiseled into the rock, as you can see from the photos. In other cases, vertical beams add extra support. Not a place for anyone afraid of heights but gorgeous to look at in snapshots!

Read more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-amazing-hanging-temple-hengshan#6jJvgHWIvT1M0tvg.99

 

[theblackhole]

when you are in Shanxi, do not forget to pay a visit to the Wutai Mountain - the holy peak...

Mt. Wutai located in Shanxi Province, is one of the Four Sacred Mountains in Chinese Buddhism. The mountain is home to many of China's most important monasteries and temples. Mt. Wutai's cultural heritage consists of 53 sacred monasteries, which were entered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. Mt. Wutai takes its name from its unusual topography, consisting of five rounded peaks (North, South, East, West, Central), of which the North peak, called Beitai Ding or Yedou Feng, is the highest point in northern China.

 

[theblackhole]

Mt. Wutai (Five Terrace Mountain) is one of Buddhism¡¯s Four Sacred Mountains, and is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Wisdom Manjusri (Wen shu). It is located about 200 km (77 miles) north of Taiyuan in mountainous country. The name refers to the flat tops of the five principal peaks. The north peak (Dou Feng) is the highest of the group at 3,058 meters (10,036 ft). The Buddhist associations of the site date back to the Han dynasty when an Indian monk is supposed to have had a vision of Manjusri there. The mountain became an important Buddhist center in the Northern Wei through the Tang dynasties, when more than 200 temples there were dedicated to the study of the Avatamsaka Sutra. After a period of decline, the mountain regained popularity in the Ming and Qing periods, when the emphasis on Tibetan-style Lamaist Buddhism made Mt. Wutai an important pilgrimage site. In the 15th century the founder of the austere Tibetan Yellow Hat Sect came to Mt. Wutai to preach.

 

[theblackhole]

Mount Wutai of Shanxi Province, together with Putuo Mountain of Zhejiang Province, Emei Mountain of Sichuan Province and Jiuhua Mountain of Anhui Province, is one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains. It is one of the world's five major Buddhist Holy Land, together with Lumbini Garden of Nepal and Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kusinagara of India. Wutai Mountain ranks top of the famous mountains of summer resort in “the list of 2008 China famous mountains of summer resort ".

 

[theblackhole]

the rustic beauty and magnificient masterpieces of Inner Mongolia, China...

you stay in these beautiful,unique and comfortable tents...

beautiful colours of autumn

peace,harmony,love and compassion..

go around late September and October, inner Mongolia is a great treat for tourists....china is a vast place and the tourist attractions are
abundant....beautiful charming china!!!

 

[theblackhole]

The Great Genghis Khan remembered with pride....

 

[theblackhole]

 

[theblackhole]

Lhasa,Tibet,China...another great city to visit.But watch your heart and your lungs.Altitude Sickness can kill.So do be careful when you want to venture into Tibet. Be prepared for this high altitude trip to see the marvels of the world on Roof Of The World...

 

[theblackhole]

taking the Qinghai Lhasa Express is an awesome experience....

 

[smartieschoco]

Re: The Stone Forest Of Kunming.....

Been to Suzhou, pretty pleasant experience!