Mt. Wutai (Wutaishan) Tour

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.
About forty temples remain in the region, many in the monastic village of Taihuai nestled in the center of the five peaks, and others farther afield in the mountains. The Tayuan Si (Temple of the Pagodas) was built in Tibetan style in the Ming period, with a 50-meter high bulbous, whitewashed dome characteristic of the style. Behind the pagoda is a two story Ming-period library, which contains an older revolving sutra-case, holding rare religious texts. The nearby Xiantong Si (Temple of the Manifestations) is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world. Its foundation dates back to the early years of Buddhism in China in the 1st century AD, though most of the present complex is Ming or Qing in date.The only major historical site you can visit is the imperial palace of China's last emperor. It is nothing like the imperial palaces in Beijing or Shenyang. It is comprised mostly of simple houses with crude lay-outs, reflecting the hasty establishment of the Japanese puppet state, headed by Puyi, China's last emperor dethroned in the 1911 Revolution.

Dazu Stone Carvings, Chongqing

Dazu, a small mountainous town west of Chongqing, is famous for its stone carvings, with more than 100,000 pieces left over from the Tang (628-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.
The well-preserved carvings are representative of an ancient Chinese art tradition. They also take a very important position in the religious, artistic and cultural history of China. Stone carvings are found in more than 70 places scattered throughout the county of Dazu. The largest, richest and most exquisite collection of statues is at the foot of Baoding Hill and North Hill.
The stone carvings along the Baoding Hill were hewn out from 1174 to 1249. The row is 500 meters long and consists of nearly 10,000 statues, of which the most distinctive and majestic are the "Thousand-arm Goddess of Mercy" and the 31-meter long sleeping Buddha. These stone carvings are unparalleled works of art in the world and were included by NESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999.

CHINA - Travel Tips

When to go?
China's geographic area is slightly larger than the U.S.A; it covers similar latitudes, with the lion's share located in the temperate zone. This provides endless year-round
variety for visitors to the country, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south. Keep in mind the vast distances between destinations when planning your trip. Travelling, along the popular Golden Route (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin) is the rough equivalent of visiting Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Miami, all in one trip. Weather wise, Shanghai and Guangzhou's climates resemble those of US south-eastern coastal states, while Beijing's climate is more like Chicago's.While China is a year-round destination, the months of May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north,
the winters are cold, and summers warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (80% of China's rainfall occurs between late May and early October, mostly in the Southern regions). June through August is a good time to visit central and northern China. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel in Southern China. The months of March and April are the lower-priced shoulder season; while the lowest price, off-season travel, is from November through the winter months. This is when adventuresome travellers are rewarded with unbelievably low prices and far fewer fellow tourists.

Where to go?
Stretching more than 4,800 kilometres. from the western shore of the Pacific Ocean across the face of Asia, China is a country of immense size and variety.
This vastness not only adds to the excitement of planning a trip to the country, but also to the dilemma of which cities and regions to visit first. When planning a trip to China, it is recommended that you don't try to see "everything" in one start-to-finish, whirlwind trip. Sure, you'll come home with some great pictures, but if you want to fully experience the country, allow enough time to really experience it. China is definitely the kind of place you will want to visit more than once. It is best to visit the major sites and cities on the first trip, at a relaxed pace, then plan to explore the country region by region on subsequent trips when you can experience all the different ethnic minority cultures and archaeological wonders. Keep in mind that China is a land of extreme climatic variations.
For example during February you can travel the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, sunbathe on the beaches of Hainan Island or visit the Flower Festival in Guangdong. At the same time, in the north, Harbin is dazzling travellers at the annual Ice Sculpture Festival with giant ice pagodas, ice palaces, and cleverly sculpted panda bears. Meanwhile, Beijing is celebrating the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival with illuminated ice lanterns, spectacular fireworks, and ice fishing. Witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City in the snow is an extraordinary sight indeed.

The Softness of Silk

When one thinks of China, silk is one of the first things that come to mind. China is the birthplace of silk, and still produces some of the finest silk in the world. In all of China the best place to discover the wonder of silk is the city of Suzhou. It was there that some of the first silk embroideries originated, and Suzhou is still producing the best silks in China. It has been said that feeling the draping of silk across the skin is as close to heaven as one can get. There is something wonderful and mysterious about Suzhou's silk.
Authentic Suzhou silk is produced from the cocoons of silkworms. Silkworms are actually not worms, but caterpillars. Silk can be produced from mulberry leaves, cassava leaves, castor-oil plant leaves, or oak leaves, but the finest quality silk is made from silkworms that were fed purely on mulberry leaves. Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves until they are one month old. Then the worms build a cocoon to protect themselves until they change into a moth. Once the cocoons are finished workers will collect the cocoons and place them in hot water. This kills the worms and melts the natural glue that holds the cocoons together. Once the natural glue has been melted each cocoon can yield over 2,000 feet of silk thread. Once the silk thread has been unspun, it is hung outside to dry in the sun and then woven on looms. It is an extremely labor intensive process, but only this will guarantee silk of the finest quality.
Sadly, like anything that is precious and beautiful there is much fake silk available on the market that is advertised as authentic. Fortunately there are many simple ways to detect fake silk from pure. True silk is smooth to the touch, naturally shiny and bright. It drapes well, feels wonderful on the skin, and absorbs moisture. Fake silk will not have these properties. When examining silk one should first use their eyes. This is a great way to tell true silk from artificial. The warps and wefts of true silk will be woven finely and be flat with bright, even, and neat colors. Fake silk is made of man-made materials. The thread will not be even in thickness, and the warps and wefts will not be very even, or flat. The colors will have flaws, and will have uneven colors. The next and perhaps the most enjoyable way of detecting fake silk is by feeling the silk. True silk will be smooth and soft to the touch and it will lay across the skin in a very natural way. It should feel fantastic. Another way to test silk's authenticity is to test the silk's voice. True silk will emit a sound when rubbing. It is called the silk voice. If silk does not have a voice, it is man-made and not authentic silk. Fire is also a good way to test silk. Take a thread from the cloth, and light it. True silk will burn slowly, and curl. It will smell like burning hair, and will crumble into dust. Fake silk will burn quickly, smell like burning plastic, and will melt into a glob. Just be careful when implementing this test. Burnt fingers will make the whole silk shopping experience less enjoyable.
Suzhou Silk can be made into innumerable products. It is most commonly made into clothing or scarves, but Suzhou silk can also be made into shoes, napkin, toys, and even kites. It is an amazing and versatile fabric that deserves its reputation. When purchasing Suzhou silk, it is always best to go to a silk manufacturing plant. This will not only give you a better understanding of how silk is produced, but will give you a chance to ask many questions and get the best prices. Also, you are guaranteed that the Suzhou silk you purchase is authentic silk, and the employees will show you how to authenticate it. It will give you a greater appreciation for the products you purchase.

Chinese Kungfu

Wushu is the Chinese word for all forms of traditional Chinese martial arts. Wushu is characterized by its dynamic and fluid motions. It can be practiced with bare hands, or with an assortment of weaponry. Originally created for military applications, it has, over thousands of years, grown into a sport, and performance art. In China it is the most popular national sport. It is practiced by young and old alike. Its emphasis has shifted from combat, to competition and is practiced for self defense, mental discipline, and its health benefits.
The Chinese Characters for Wushu is the combination of two characters. Wu means 'martial' and Shu means 'art'. The character Wu is composed of two characters Zhi meaning 'do not'', and Ge meaning 'fight'. So combined, the word Wushu actually means the "Art of Not Fighting". It is a philosophy of life. It is designed for defense, and not offence. It is a way to bring your mind, and body into focus. There are many different forms of Chinese Wushu. The two most famous are Shaolin Boxing, and Tai Chi.

Shaolin Boxing:
Shaolin Boxing is one of China's most famous styles of Wushu. One of China's most famous actors Jet Li has brought this style of Wushu to the world through his movies. Shaolin Boxing originated in the Shaolin Temple at Dengfeng in Henan Province. The Shaolin Temple once housed many monks. Most of the lower level monks came from secular society, and many of them knew martial arts. Those who had studied martial arts taught it other, and through a gradual combination of many different styles of Wushu, the unique school of Shaolin Boxing was born. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Wushu was taught to all Shaolin monks. Before this time, the Shaolin monks all fought with cudgels, but during the middle of the Ming Dynasty switched to bare-handed fighting. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), people living outside the temple began studying Shaolin Boxing, which helped spread this particular style of Wushu throughout the country. The Shaolin Boxing style of Wushu has become one of China's most famous schools of martial arts. Visitors from around the world can visit Shaolin Temple and watch Shaolin Boxing being taught, and take a few classes if they wish.

Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is another form of Chinese Wushu that has recently become popular throughout the world. Visitors to China can see many people practicing Tai Chi in parks, and city squares. The word Tai Chi first appeared during the Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BC). The Wushu form of Tai Chi is believed to have originated during the Song (961-1279, or Liang (502-557) Dynasties in today's Henan Province. All Tai Chi forms require that their practitioners are tranquil, but concentrative, and breathe smoothly. The movements are executed slowly and gracefully, yet hint at a hidden power. According to Chinese Traditional Medicine, Tai Chi is good for practitioner's health, and good at during diseases. It creates peace within the body, mind, and spirit. It is Chinese philosophical thought embodied in physical action.

Yellow River

The highlight of the Yellow River is upper reaches and middle reaches of the river where the grassland and valley scatter at.
Upper reaches of the yellow river
The upper reaches of the yellow river is considered as an area rich in water resources. From Longyang Gorge to Qingtong Gorge, the river water goes rushing and carries for nearly 50 percent of water resource of Yellow river. The average annual generating capacity of nearly 60 billion kwh.
Jingyuan County 40 Kilometers Yellow River Tour RegionThe tour region covers an area of 40 square kilometers. The Pingbao Scientific Agricultural Garden and the villages around it are agricultural tour attractions. Tourists can enjoy a village-style dinner and fishing in the garden and villages. Wujinxia Valley, Yellow River and Hasishan Forests Park are natural attractions. Tourists can enjoy views of the Wujinxia Valley, swim in the Yellow River and see the rare plants in Hasishan Forests Park. The ancient towns and streets in and near Jingyuan County are historic attractions. Tourists can also experience the Grotto culture, Silk Road Culture and local customs.
The First Bay of the Yellow River, Aba PrefectureThe Yellow River originates from Bayankala Mountain, whose altitude is 4500 meters. The Yellow River traverses the whole territory of Sichuan province. The first bay of the Yellow River lies at Suoke Tibetan Temple, Tangke town, Nuo’ergai County. This section of the Yellow River is the boundary line between Sichuan and Gansu province. The west part of the Yellow River is the territory of Gansu province, while the east is the territory of Sichuan province.
Ningxia section The river water is clear and flows steadily. The Yellow River benefits the people living on the both side with irrigating the farmland to make it fertile. Crystal clear lakes distributed throughout this area, such as Lake Bob and Lake Eling, which are the largest two plateau freshwater lakes in China.
Middle reaches of the yellow river
From Hekou County to Yumenkou, the river passes through the longest series of continuous valleys on its main course, collectively called the Jinshan Valley. The large amount of mud and sand discharged into the river makes the Yellow River the most sediment-laden river in the world., and the abundant hydrodynamic resources stored in this section make it the second most suitable area to build hydroelectric power plants.
Hukou Waterfall
The famous Hukou Waterfall is in the lower part of Jinshan valley. The river water rushes through the groove which is 50 meters wide only, and makes Hukou Waterfall the most famous attraction on the Yellow River.
Lower reaches of the yellow river
Zhengzhou Yellow River Tour Region
This tour region is a National 4A Class tour region. It is located 20 kilometers away from Zhengzhou. The region is 7 kilometers from east to west and 6 kilometers from south to north. It is at the end of Loess Plateau and the beginning of Huabei Plain. Tourists can see the powerful Yellow River as it passes. At present, an area of 20 square kilometers is open to tourists. The attractions are Wulong Peak, Yueshan Temple, Camel Hill, Two Emperors City of Han Dynasty, Xinghai Lake and Yanhuang Viewing Spot.

Three Gorges Dam

The Yangtze River and its surroundings have so much more to see than can be appreciated in one visit. The main attractions include various large and small cities along the riverside, many of which are many hundreds of years old, the Three Gorges, the enormous Three Gorges Dam and of course, the river itself.
The major important cities along the Yangtze are Chongqing, Wuhan, Yangzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai: Chongqing, the former trading center and treaty port is the fastest growing urban center on the planet with more than 31 million people in its municipality. It is furthermore the starting or ending point of most of the Yangtze Cruises. Wuhan, also described as one of the “Chinese Famous Cities of History and Culture” has a history dating back more than 3500 years. It has recently became a bustling modern metropolis. Yangzhou itself is a museum of Chinese culture and a beautiful Chinese gardens. Small and quite asit is, you have an easy access to all latest modern convenience here too, while enjoying traditional heritage. The City of Nanjing was the capital of China in the beginning of the Ming-Dynasty and during the time of the "Republic of China". Last, but not least: Shanghai, the old lady at the end of the Yangtze River: A must see for everyone coming to China.
The famous Three Gorges section of the Yangtze river stretches for 192km from Yichang to Kui Men near Fengjie. The three major gorges, after which this section of the river is named are the WuXia Gorge, the Xiling Gorge and the Qutang Gorge. The Three Minor Gorges consist of the Huangniu (Yellow Buffalo) Gorge, Dengying (Slide Show) Gorge and Huangmao (Yellow Cat) Gorge. Also worth a visit is the Shennong Stream.
At the end of the Three Gorges Section lies the giant Three Gorges Dam (Gezhouba Dam). It was commenced the 80's, and its completion is scheduled for 2009. It will back up the Yangtze River for 550km, making it the world's largest dam. Due to the fact that the water will rise to a level of 185m behind the dam, millions of people have had to be resettled, bridges moved and historical relicts secured. The energy production capabilities of the dam are estimated at 84.7 billion kilowatts, equivalent to 18 nuclear reactors. The three single stage locks guarantee that ship traffic is not delayed.
The easiest and most comfortable way to experience the beauties and attractions on the river is in taking a Yangtze River Cruise.

Yellow Mountain(Huangshan)

Yellow Mountain is a blend of the majesty of Taishan Mountain, the ruggedness of Hushan Mountain, the cloud of Hengshan Mountain, the flying waterfall of Lushan Mountain, the bizarre rock of Yandangshan Mountain and the beauty of E'mei Mountain. Especially, Mt.Huangshan is famous for its four supreme sights: strange pines, grotesque rocks, the sea of clouds and hot springs in the world. It has the reputation of "China's first strange mountain". It's one of the first state-level key scenic resorts. It's also a world-level tourist attraction. In 1990, Yellow Mountain was added to the list of "Human Natural Heritage protected in the world" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It has become the treasure of all mankind.
It's said that Mt.Huangshan is the place where Huangdi, Chinese ancestor, lived, refined precious medicines and became a supernatural being suddenly. There are hundreds of peaks and thousands of ravines in Yellow Mountain, 72 of which have names. The Heavenly Capital Peak, the Lotus Flower Peak and the Brightness Peak are the three major peaks, all rising above 1,800 meters above sea level. They erect nearly to the sky. It's majestic and splendid.
Yellow Mountain covers an area of 1200 square kilometers, with a well developed scenic area of 154 square kilometers. Yellow Mountain is a blend of the majesty of Taishan Mountain, the ruggedness of Hushan Mountain, the cloud of Hengshan Mountain, the flying waterfall of Lushan Mountain, the bizarre rock of Yandangshan Mountain and the beauty of E'mei Mountain. 2 lakes, 3 waterfalls, 16 springs and 24 brooks show their beauty at the same time. Yellow Mountain is famous for its "four wonders"-odd-shaded pines, grotesque rocks, the sea of clouds and the hot springs in the world. Xu Xiake who has visited Yellow Mountain twice, a noted Chinese geologist in the Ming Dynasty, left the praise of "Don't visit mountain after finishing traveling Five Mountains, and don't visit other four mountains after traveling Huangshan".
The scenery of Yellow Mountain in four seasons is different. Sunrise, sunset glow, Buddha lightness and foggy pine are all interesting. It also wins the reputation of "natural Zoo and botanical garden". It can be regarded as a fairyland on earth. In addition, there are many other tourist spots, such as the Cloud Valley Temple, the Pine Valley Nunnery, the White Cloud Brook, the Jade Valley, etc. They are all attractive.
On November 8, 1982, Yellow Mountain is ratified to list into the first state key scenic spots by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
Yellow Mountain was listed to the list of "World Cultural and Natural Heritage" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, It has become the treasure of all mankind. In 2000, Yellow Mountain was listed as the state AAAA-level scenic spot. In 2001, it became the first scenic spots recommended by the state travel bureau.