Spirituality meets nature
By Felix Pouce (Shanghai Star )
Updated: 2006-08-04 08:55  Buddhism was brought to China from India,and Emei Shan turned out to be
one major step in its propagation. At least three temples are very famous.
Baoguo Monastery,the first at the feet of the mountain, is surrounded by
exquisite gardens. Wannian Monastery,the oldest one, is dedicated to a deity
standing on the back of a white elephant; Qingyin Temple, located along a stream
is famous for the sound of water.
But you have many other strange sights and temples. Early in the morning we
went into a grotto. Bats were getting in for the day and swallows were going out
into a criss-cross ballet. A gnarled old lady was waiting. Not unlike Lourdes in
France, the grotto is a holy place where miracles are supposed to happen, with
the help of old monks. This is one of the pilgrimage attractions.
By 8 pm darkness falls on the mountain and so we start to seek shelter. But
because I stopped every 10 metres to observe a bug or a plant, my travel partner
became impatient.Nevertheless, we reached a temple in time to get a room.
Surprisingly, you have a wide range of accommodation in many temples from
spartan dormitories at 10 yuan (US$1.2) a night to 1,000-yuan
(US$123)presidential suites. Our 150-yuan (US$18) room was on the spartan side.
While trying to take a shower I also had my last "naturalist" experience of
the day. I saw the facing wall dotted with insects. Carefully watching them I
discovered about 20 different kinds. I was amazed - biodiversity is really
everywhere on Mount Emei. The next day we slowly went down the mountain.
On the road to Emei Shan City, I was also impressed about the diversity of
our experiences there. The beauty of nature, encounters with different social
communities - whether human or animal - and glimpses of mystery and
spirituality. Three captivating days in a relatively small area. Some places are
blessed in such a way. Something like a knot of energy and beauty. A place where
nature leads to spirituality.
TIPS
*Traffic: Flight from Shanghai to Chengdu or Panzhihua allows you to get near
the mountain. Trains on the line from Chengdu to Kunming stops in Emei Shan -
Leshan train station.
*Hotel: Many hotels in Emei Shan City; hard negotiations are necessary, as in
many "hot" scenic spots.
*Route: You should buy a map in Emei Shan City to prepare your trip. You can
begin your journey from the base of the mountain or you can decide to reach mid
level. A bus can lead you to mid-elevation.
*Entrance to the park is about 120 yuan (US$15). Inside of the park, you can
sleep only in the temples. Prices are negotiable.
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