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Fei Lai Feng Caves
: Hangzhou, China |
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In the mountain range skirting the city of Hangzhou, sits a rather
unusual peak called Fei Lai Feng, or “Peak Flying from Afar.” The
surrounding mountains of this incredibly beautiful area are composed
primarily of sandstone, while Fei Lai Feng is made of limestone.
Local legend has it that in ancient times the Fei Lai Feng peak
flew into the Yangtze valley from some far away place. Why else
would it be so different?
The legend also chronicles that the peak had flown from time to time
and destroyed numerous villages. To appease the mountain and save
the city of Hangzhou, many beautiful and grotesque statues of
Buddha, fierce animals, and other deities were carved into the
limestone rock faces of Fei Lai Feng. |
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The dramatic Fei Lai Feng Peak towers 700 feet above the valley
floor and is riddled with a series of limestone caves containing 330
Buddha statues which are intricately carved into the rock. There
are an additional 140 hand carved statues located outside of the
caves at various rock faces dotting the slopes of the mountain. The
statues are believed to date from the 10th to the 14th
centuries and many are unparalleled works of art representing a
unique and valuable chapter in the early cultural evolution of
China. The Buddha statues are represented in a number of classical
postures, including the Maitreya, or Buddha of Joy (Laughing
Buddha), the reclining or sleeping Buddha, and of course the sitting
meditative pose.
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Fei Lai
Feng Caves is a very popular tourist attraction, near West Lake and
is just a quick 15 minute taxi ride from the city center.
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by:
Dr. Von Zuko 2007© |
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Hangzhou
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Hangzhou
offers a wonderful contrast!
In Hangzhou it is possible to experience the new China, and all that
it has to offer, and at the same time experience the old China,
steeped in tradition and 'the old ways.' |
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Hangzhou
is a bustling and exciting modern city, but at the same time
surprisingly clean and relatively safe.
(As a caution however, you
still need to keep your wits about you, it is a city of 6 million.)
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It is easy to get around
however, if you do not speak Chinese, it is best to rent a car and
driver rather than tempt your fate with the abundant public
transportation. |
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Index:
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Hangzhou,
Peoples Republic of China |
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The Leifeng Pagoda on West Lake
The Leifeng
Pagoda situated by West Lake, was originally constructed in AD
975, and endured through several dynastic periods. The
pagoda was in use through the rule of Kublai Khan and into the
legendary Ming Dynasty.
During the
Ming period, the Leifeng Pagoda was attacked by Japanese
pirates. Thinking it contained a cache of weapons, the
pirates burned it, leaving only its brick skeleton. (It is
portrayed in this condition in many ancient Ming Dynasty period
paintings.)
Locals believed that the ancient bricks held the power to heal.
Consequently, for many years bricks were secreted away and
ground into potions. Finally, in 1924 the Pagoda collapsed
with a roar.
It was
restored to its current state in 2002, and is a popular Hangzhou
tourist attraction.
The City of Hangzhou
The city
of Hangzhou, in the Peoples Republic of China is one of the
“Seven Ancient Capitols of China.” Situated on the Yangtze
River Delta, the city was founded during the Qin Dynasty 2,200
years ago. Today, Hangzhou is one of China’s most prosperous
modern cities, (population 6 million) but it also well known for its breathtaking
scenery and cultural antiquities.
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by: Dr. Von Zuko 2007© |
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Venture off the beaten path, dare to explore the exotic and mysterious world
we live in.
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