Travel - Hang Zhou (China) part 2

In the Tsun Dynasty (AD 326), an Indian Monk, Wai Lei , inspired by the spiritual environment, built the famous Ling Yin Jit. The temple experienced several fires and, although undergoing several restorations, the current buildings still retain some features from the late Ching Dynasty (AD 1900).

Features

(1) The Hall of Heavenly Gods.

(2) The Happy Buddha (Maitreya Bodhisttva) with a big belly (representing great broad-mindedness) and wearing a sweet smile on his face (representing greeting people with a smile and treating others with generosity) is sitting at the center of the hall.

(3) Wai To Po Sai is sitting behind, together with

(4) Four Heavenly Guards, two on each side, representing the Protectors for practitioners of Buddhism.

(5) The 19.6-meter high camphor wood Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) (see picture below) is situated in the Great hall.

(6) A painting of a historical Monk, Chi Kong, drawn by another Monk, Chuk Sim, in the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1280) together with the famous "Flying peak from afar" are some of the highlights that one should not miss.

By Bus:- No. 7 or 507 from Railway Station or 505 from the zoo

(E) Tiger Spring

A Monk Chin Hon discovered this site during Tong dynasty (806-820) but without drinking water. One day, he dreamt of two tigers showing him the source of water, which he then located the next morning, thus he named it, "Tiger Run" (Tiger Spring).

Spring Water

A coin can be easily floated on a full bowl of water due to the water's surface tension, one can even drop several coins into the water without spilling a drop.

Order the renowned local Dragon-well tea brewed with the famous spring water from The Tea House in order to appreciate the fineness of the tea's quality and its natural sweetness, one must try it to believe it. Be sure to request a coin demonstration, as it is one of the highlights in this place.

Master Monk Chi Kong

The memorial hall of Master Monk Chi Kong (Song Dynasty 1127 - 1179 A.D.) is located behind the Tearoom, where he was staying before he went to heaven. A three-faced red statue of Chi Kong sits magnificently in the middle of the room, holding a fan in one hand and a gourd in the other. If one views the statue from one side, it looks smiling, sad on the other and totally different when viewed from the front. Interesting life stories of Chi Kong are displayed around the hall, which should not be missed.

Master Monk Chi Kong was a friend to rich and poor and most of the high officials in court, using his magical power to help people and guide them to the right path. He was ordinated in Chin Chi Jit as a monk while he was 18, One still can trace his historical remains in different places around the Hang Zhou area. His only portrait drawn by Master Monk Chok-sim, which is still hanging in the Lin Yin Jit and the story regarding the tree-trunk in Chin Chi Jit.

Hang Zhou Map

(F) Six Harmonies Pagoda

Built in AD 970 (the name Six Harmonies represented six rules for the Monk to obey), and is located at the southeastern part of the city, facing Chin Tong Jiang (River).

It is a 59.89 m high octagonal shaped pagoda, with a total of 104 bells, hanging off the tip of each corner of the roof. There are 13 levels when counted from outside but only 7 levels inside, decorated with paintings and craft-works. One has to explore inside to find out the mystery of the construction.

By Bus: No. 4 or 24

Home Page Top	Siddhartha Gautama Buddha	Master Monk Chi Kong

Hang Zhou Map	Conveying Tree Well "Conveying Tree Well" is located in the back garden where the famous tree-trunk is still firmly wedged inside the well which according to the historical story of how the Master Monk Chi Kong used his magical powers to convey tree trunks from Si Chun of many miles away via the well to rebuild the main temple after the fire. While they were removing the tree-trunks from the well, counting the number required, one of the monks shouted out saying "ENOUGH" while one tree-trunk was surfacing someway up from the well. With the word "STOP", the tree-trunk stopped moving any further and stayed in the same position as one can see today. When the main temple was built, a shortage of one tree trunk was realized and the project was delayed.

Chin Tong Jiang (River)

During the 16th to 18th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar each year, many tourists come to this area to view the famous magnificent wave, which will suddenly rise to the height of several floors and lasts for about 20 minutes.

The best lookout point is:-

Yim Koon in Hoi Ling Province, 45 km from Hang Zhou.

Transportation

1) Hang Zhou airport to city center:-

a) 25 minutes drive from airport to the city

b) By Taxi - Standard taxi can carry four people, starting charges are 10 Yuan, cost about 35 to 40 Yuan.

c) By Hotel Coach:- Pick up tourists to convey to their hotel

2) City Transportation

a) "Standard Taxi" can carry four persons but another type of Taxi operated by independent companies, using older and smaller cars, only carry three people and charge 5 - 8 Yuan to start. (Advisable to use the Standard Taxi)

b) As information supplied by Mr. R. Dibbs, one could hire a 6/7 seat van with driver for a few days from the Railway Station at a modest price (Be sure to negotiate the price first) or get information from your hotel.

How to get there?

1) From Shang-hai:-

a) By Train - two hours journey, cost about 50 Yuan.

b) By Coach - three to four hours journey, cost 55 Yuan.

c) By Taxi - prices vary depending on the season, cost about 600Y one-way. (Negotiate the price first)

2) From other cities by air:-

a) Direct flights from Hong Kong or other South East Asia Cities.

b) Frequent flights from other Chinese cities.

Or join a tour in Hong Kong & the Entry Visa for Foreigners can be obtained via Travel agents.

(Information for applying Visa, Accommodation, Transportation and Tours - see Business section - Additional Information )

From The Editor

Nowadays, far too many of so-called tour-guides gather around at the tourist spots and aggressively approach time and again requesting tourists to employ them for a fee to explain the history of those places. Such an approach definitely puts a lot of people off since many tourists prefer to visit places in their own time and at their own pace.

Well! Just ignore them may be a better solution.

	(C) Jade Fountain
	A square shaped well with continuously flowing spring water.

	Hang Zhou (part 2)
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