Wutai Shan,the Five Peaks of Serenity 2008-6-22 14:28:50

s, Buddhist booklets and bronze Buddhas.

Just 10 minutes away from Tayuan Temple is Shuxiang Temple , which features a 6m tall statue of Wenshu riding a lion, the temple itself was last rebuilt in 1487. Take a short 10 minute walk southwest and the Puhua Temple will come into view, the

Tayuan Temple is famous for the White Pagoda

buildings here feature intricate carvings. About 3km southwest is the South Mountain Temple where 18 Ming dynasty arhats statues reside. Follow a packed earth trail down the hill for about 5km and you'll arrive at the Dragon Fountain Temple where 108 steps lead to an elaborate marble entrance with carvings of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, dragons and flowers. In the main hall is an exquisitely carved Puji Dagoba with a laughing Buddha looking out from" each cardinal direction. In the courtyard hundreds of small chimes tinkle in the wind.

Not far from the Tayuan Temple is the Luohou Temple, the present structures date from 1492, the temple features a unique circle altar where a lotus opens up to with a Buddha carved inside. The statue was made from a tree where an emperor saw a divine light. When the tree died during the Qing dynasty, it was carved into this lotus - a mechanism underground allows the lotus petals to be raised and lowered.

Menorable Experiences
Walking on the cobbled paths in the town, serenaded by tinkling of bells from the temples uncler the starlight.

Wandering between temples and viewing in awe the snow-capped peaks.

Practical Tips
Admission to Wutai Shan is RMB 90 during the peak-season and RMB 75 during the offseason.
Wutai Shan averages more than 1,000m above sea level and at such a high elevations, the mountain can be rather chilly. The northern terrace, at 3,058m, is the highest point in north China. It's best to visit during the summer, especially from June to September. This is when the temperature averages around 20°C, but be aware that the weather varies at different altitudes. It begins to snow in September, which continues until April, so bring warm clothes. The temperature starts to warm up in April and rain gear will be

The monks of Wutai Shan performing their religion rites

necessary in the summer. The temperature drops significantly at night, so be prepared.

Allow for at least three days if you're really into temples and want to soak up the atmosphere. Avoid the weekends when the tourists swarm to the mountain, especially during the summer when guesthouses double their prices. It's RMB 80 to get into Wutai Shan. RMB 15 for insurance is optional. The admissions to the temples range between RMB 3 to 6. During Wenshu Pusa's birthday, the 14th day of the 6th lunar month, celebrations are held throughout the temples.

On the 18th day of the last lunar month to the 18th day of the first lunar month (usually around
February) is the fosu minhuai nian , a celebration that's held in Taihuai Town. Traditional Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) cele- brations take over the town; people paste red paper cuttings on their windows, families spend the cold days making dumplings and the nights are punctured with the cascading lights of fireworks and deafening bangs of firecrackers. Visiting the temples during this time is spectacular. Take part in the bell- ringing ceremonies that bring in the Chinese New Year and dig into tasty vegetarian meals.

Keep in mind that Wutai Shan is a place of worship and it's a place of religious worship. This means showing proper respect while in the temples and towards the monks.

Transportation
Airport - Wusu Airport is 17km southeast of downtown Taiyuan. It takes about 2 hours from Taiyuan City to the Wutai Shan Scenic Area.

Bus - There are buses from Taihuai to Beijing, Datong and Taiyuan. Taking the bus from Taiyuan to Wutai Shan costs RMB 43. From the Wutai Shan Railway Station to the mountain is 48 km and costs RMB 20.

Taxi - A taxi from Taiyuan to Wutai Shan will be about RMB 200. Taxis around the mountain should cost RMB 10. A taxi tour from the east terrace to the south terrace is RMB 30 per person for a round trip. Another route goes from the middle terrace to the west terrace then finally to the north terrace is RMB 35 per person for a round trip. Another route that covers ten temples is RMB 40 per person (Tel54 5844, 654 6150).

Train - Taihuai Town is well serviced by trains. The small train station is about an hour away from the mountain.

The Best of Wutai Shan
Pusa Ding
Add: Taihuai Town
Charge: RMB 15

Xiantong Temple
Add: Taihuai Town
Open Time: 7:30am to 7pm, peak-season
           8am to 5pm, off-season
Charge RMB 6

Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion
Add: Taihuai Town
Open Time: 5:30am to 8pm, peak-season
            6am to 6pm, off-season
Charge: Free

Hotels
Jin Xiu Villa ��
Add: Dachegou Village, Taihuai Town, Wutai Shan County
Tel: 654 8758, 654 8081
Charge: 688 - double room, peak-season
         588 - doubl