Sightsee Chengdu

Posted by Guru Jay on Aug 17, 2010 in Asia, Chengdu | 0 comments

San Xing Dui Museum
As a museum buff, museums is never left out from my itineraries. Of all the numerous museums that I have been to, Sanxingdui must have been one of the most intriguing. Located near an archaeological site that dates to the Neolithic, Shang and Zhou periods, Sanxingdui was the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom dating back more than 3,000 years ago. Leaving behind nothing in historical records nor myths, the previously unknown culture was re-discovered in 1987 when archaeologists excavated remarkable artifacts dated from more than 3000 years ago.

The Sanxingdui Culture (2050-1250 BCE) was a mysterious civilization in southern China. What is striking about this civilisation is their warped expression of everyday objects. Within the vast interior of the museums lie dozens of large bronze masks and heads (at least six with gold foil masks originally attached) represented with angular human features, exaggerated almond-shaped eyes, some with protruding pupils, and large upper ears. Most famous of the exhibits are the world’s oldest life-size standing human statue (260 cm high, 180 kg), and a bronze tree with birds, flowers, and ornaments (396 cm), which some have identified as renderings of the fusang tree of Chinese mythology. The artifacts here have been traveling the globe (Japan, Singapore, Taipei) on sold-out exhibitions before settling down in their permanent home at Sanxingdui. For history buffs and laymen alike, Sanxingdui is certainly an eye-opening experience, worthy of a special trip there.

Emei Shan

Emei Shan has been a Buddhist sanctuary since the third century when disciples of the Puxian form of Buddhism came and built temples to the Bodhisatva. Its name translate literally to “Delicate Eyebrow Mountain” — which is derived from its two peaks which look like the delicate eyebrows of a Chinese classic beauty. One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, Mt. Emei is the tallest at 3,099m, being at least 1,000m taller than its closest counterpart. For its breathtaking scenaries, mysterious natural wonders and historical Buddhist sites, Emei Shan has been designated a World Heritage Site.

One way to fully appreciate the mountain in all its glory is to do the full day’s hike up to the summit. However if athletic is not in your genes, there are always minibuses that will spare you much agony, dropping you halfway (Y20) or close to the peak (Y50). From the top bus station, continue your relay up to the peak via cable cars (Y40 up, Y30 down). Though it is possible to reach the summit in a day, that is but one small aspect of the Emei Shan experience. Once pass the entrance, visitors are free to roam the mountain and to enter the monasteries. With so many things to see and do on the mountain you’ll probably need at least three days to truly sample it all. There are a total of 30 monasteries on Emei Shan, the most famous of which are Baoguo Monastery, Crouching Tiger Monastry (this temple had once been associated with Taoist martial arts master Zhang Sanfeng), and Huazhang Shi which is perched at 3077m on the Golden Summit or Jinding. Jinding is the best place to experience the four wonders of Emei; the Buddha’s halo (rainbow-like rings that surround and move with your shadows), the Sea of Clouds, the Holy Lamp (or Divine Lights) and the Golden Summit Sunrise.

To witness the Golden Summit Sunrise, you have to spend a night in the mountains as there are no buses that ascend the peaks so early in the day. A relatively inexpensive option would be to put up at the monasteries for between Y10-Y50/person/night as opposed to hotels which goes from Y200/room/night. If you would much rather sleep in (which I highly doubt so) you can consider other budget alternatives like the Emei Mountain Youth Hostel (from Y30) or the Teddy Bear Hotel (from Y30) which are both located at the foot of the mountain.

A few things to note when planning a visit to Emei Shan: Thieving monkeys abound in the surrounds of the mountains, so avoid eating or carrying food when walking around as these monkeys can be pretty aggressive when their demand for food is turned down. Also, if you happen to be putting up in hotels at the peak, do double check the departure timing in order not to miss the last bus. Lastly, if you intend to do the hike up the mountain, come equipped with proper footwear and walking poles as the paths might be slippery, especially during the months of April to October. Walking sticks are also useful for shooing the annoying monkeys away.

Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Temple, a monastery that dates back to the Tang dynasty, is Chengdu’s largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple. It was built in the Southern Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty with the compound made up of the Hall of Lokapala, the Hall of Three Bodhisattvas, Daxiongbaodian (Precious Hall of Sakyamuni), Shuofatang (The Buddhist Lecture Hall), and the Scriptures Hall. The Scriptures Hall is the repository of numerous Buddhist treasures, most notable of which is the skull of Xuanzang, an eminent Buddhist monk from the Tang Dynasty.

The architecture exudes an oriental flavour, complete with curled roofs, columns in crimson shades as well as walls in teak hues which add a touch of traditional beauty and charm to the temple facade. Indulge in the sights and sounds as devout worshippers engage in traditional rites to seek heaven’s blessings while taking in the warm aroma of burning incense sticks and paper. While here, check out the teahouse within the temple grounds which is one of the largest and most bustling in Chengdu. The teahouse is littered by what seems like scores and scores of tables packed with people catching up with their friends, leafing through newspapers, or simply enjoying a delightful cup of tea as they watch the world go by. And if you are feeling hungry, drop by at the adjacent vegetarian restaurant and treat yourself to the delectable vegetarian dishes while in the company of locals.

Afterwards, complete your experience by taking a stroll along Renmin Zhonglu which provides a glimpse of the sights and sounds of a culture unchanged for centuries. Be greeted by the scene of artists perfecting their arts, candy men peddling their sugared treats or just your everyday folks going about their rituals. With all its hustle and bustle, Wenshu Monastery and the surrounding Wenshu Fang, provides a great filler for that extra morning you have to kill.