There were no Chinese classes today, so after two hours of study we decided to visit the Yellow Dragon Cave and surrounding Gardens , but first we found a great place for lunch. Great food , great service and only aud$18 for both of us!!
The weather was kind to us today , maybe about 15 degrees but with almost no wind. The place wasn't crowded but we saw many people gathering with friends to chat, play cards, dance and sing.
Among the gardens was this location with stone tablets depicting much sought after virtues. Standing on these tablets and throwing coins into the centre while making a wish. Christine succeeded twice while my efforts were way off target. :" Coins" are purchased from a nearby kiosk , someone is making money from this!!
This terraced area ( Wish- realizing terrace) had numerous chains with heart shaped padlocks, which sworn brothers ,lovers and old friends could place a note or keepsake inside and fix the heart uniting padlock to the chains.
Eight Diagram Field Relics Park is hidden north of the Qiantang river and south of West Lake. This fresh and quiet place away from Hangzhou has few people walking around as the surrounding hills shield it from the development of the inner city.
The Eight Diagram Field dates back to the Song Dynasty, when the Emperor moved to Hangzhou and created this field to farm for himself. In reality, farmers were paid to work his field, but the crops that form the octagonal shape are still tended today. In this area there are several walkways and bridges, as well as old-style markets to buy vegetables. Several water wheels and wooden irrigation treadmills can be found throughout the landscape and are still put to use today. Eight kinds of crops are planted in this field.
The shape of the field is not easy to distinguish at ground level, a climb to Jade emperor Hill gives you the best view. Although we didn't reach the top after 1000 steps we were able to get a magnificent view from a tea house after a rest of course, It was worth the climb on a gorgeous autumn day.
As a gardener this place was magic.
a few of the mnay workers that we could see tending the vegetable garden.
Climbing to the top to take photos ment climbing 1000 steps, some photos along the way .
Seeing as we have been here for two months we decided it was time to go to church! So we get up nice and early to catch the number 16 bus, positive that I knew the directions. Why is it that distance on maps is sooo much further when you are walking AND running late. We eventually find this beautiful old church.
Si Cheng Church , built in 1927 , is the second largest Protestant Church in Hangzhou. During the Cultural Revolution, the church was occupied by the Hangzhou Library. In 1981, according to the revised Chinese Government Religious Policy, Si-Cheng Church was reopened. The number of Christians increased every year. Now, there are three services every Sunday.
We estimated that there were close to two thousand people at the morning service. Those that were not able to find seats in the main auditorium were accommodated in adjoining buildings with televisions screening the service. As we were late I expected we could sneak into the back row somewhere. NOT so!!! A well meaning usher ( woman) led us right down the centre isle to the front row, where the usher asked people to move so that we could be seated!! . Fortunately everyone was standing, singing hymns so I hope it wasn't too noticeable. Ok, so we were the only non-Chinese people attending church and were escorted to the front , then politely asked if we need an English translation service and an English hymn book. I politely asked for a hymn book and sat down on hard wooden pews. (a prerequisite for protestant churches).
The Hymns were familiar, well the tunes were , so with 2000 people singing in Chinese we join in the singing in English!! I hope no-one could hear us! The Hymns are a collection of old western originated songs, interspersed with some local hymns and gospel songs. According to the Hymn book several songs have been adapted from tradition songs by the Miao ethnic people. ( ok, so i read the book when everyone had their eyes closed.) The hymn books were produced by the Chinese Christian Council and Three Self Movement . This is a Chinese Christian plan for church control as opposed to western influence and refers to 'self-governance, self-support, self-propagation' (自治、自养、自传).The indiginisation of Chinese Christian Churches was evident by the roll taken by the local Hangzhou people.
Interesting the ushers ( perhaps 6 or more ) were all woman , with a woman leading the service and a woman preaching, I could not see any men in leadership capacity, maybe today was a special day , further investigation is required!. The preaching was from the old testament reading , with many of the congregation taking notes. ( Christine spotted several younger woman covertly texting or playing angry birds on their phones) The majority of the congregation were 50 years old plus with more woman than men.( Christine says 70+ years old)
After the service a quick look around shows a connection with the local community , hot and cold water was provided afterwards and we noticed they also provided a health clinic service, perhaps an indicated of the age group. We couldn't help but notice the pathways around the church were gopher friendly as we were almost bowled over by three run away gophers.
After driving for several hours we arrive at Wudangshan in time for lunch where we treat our driver , his mother and his wife`s mother to dinner .(Stefanie`s mother) before we make our way to the hotel.
Grandmothers getting to know each other.
We stay at Wudangshan Jianguo Hotel which is situated at the foot of the mountain alongside the main entrance. It had the MOST comfortable bed Ive tried in China!! At almost ￥700/night i guess they should be good. Pure luxury (Chris)
Wudangshan is one of several mountains in Chinese that has special significance to Daoists and attracts many visitors , both local and foreign to visit the many temples, have their fortune told and to learn the many forms of martial arts . Tai chi is one of many that was founded at this place. Wudangshan Martial arts community are building a huge new complex.
Daoist monk at Wudangshan dispensing wisdom and fortune telling.
Daoist monks.
New martial arts centre in Wudangshan (under constrution) being built alongside the hotel we stayed in , would like to come back here when this is finished.
Entrance to mountian scenic departure area, with many small shops all selling similar junk ( oops valuable trinkets). The bus terminal is also located here . in order to get the first bus and arrive at the chairlift area at the top ( almost top) of the mountain i had to line up at the ticket office at 5.00am !!! It was worth it to arrive early and not have to wait for several hours to buy a chairlift ticket. The bus takes about 30 minutes to climb the 18 klms . The road is very steep and windy ... several locals were travel sick after about 500 metres !!! not pleasant. However once getting to the top it was worth it . SO many temples and places to see.
So many temples but oh, so many people too. This was october 5th an important festival date and also in the middle of the Chinese national week holiday.
Chinese people love the colour red !!!
Prayer is an essential part of visiting Wudangshan.
Children everwhere enjoy a holiday from school !!!
Enjoying the sunshine at Wudangshan .
Christine and I trying our red ribbons to the tree. Visitors throw the ribbons as high as possiblle , if they saty on the tree it wil bring them good luck ( it had already bought good luck to the shop that sells many 1000`s of these ribbons !!)
Chrisitne fixing our "heart shaped locks " to a post at Wudangshan summit. These symbolise love between two people. There are many thousands of these fixed to chains on the stairs leading to the summit.
