Rich tapestry of Buddhist, Taoist and tea traditions

If you are looking for a one-stop snapshot of China's deep traditions of Buddhism, Taoism and tea culture, Xinchang county in Zhejiang province is the place to go. As an added bonus, visitors will also be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of its green mountains and deep valleys.

My journey started at Dafo (Big Buddha) Temple, which has a history of more than 1,600 years. It's well-known for its 15-meter high Buddha statue carved inside a grotto, which is the biggest Buddha south of the Yangtze River.

Stepping into the Main Hall, I followed other visitors to view the statue, which was varnished with gold in 1991. As I stood in front of it, a ray of sunshine burst through a small window bathing it in light. I was instantly filled with veneration and couldn't help but admire the skill of the ancient craftsmen.