China, one photo every day

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.14






Anhui position in China:


Tangyue Memorial Archways, a complex of seven arches, was listed as a key national cultural protection unit under the approval of the State Council in 1996. Situated in Tangyue village six kilometers (four miles) west of the renowned Town of Arches - Shexian County, it is the biggest existing and best-preserved complex of arches in Anhui Province.
The seven memorial archways were built by the Baos in honor of the merits and virtues of their family members. The seven archways stand in the main street of Tangyue Village in order of 'loyalty, filial piety, chastity and charity'. Three were constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and the other four in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The most ancient archway, which has a long history of over 580 years, can be traced back to 1420 during the reign of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty. The latest one was built in 1820 in the reign of Jiaqing.
Behind every archway, there is a touching story. The most acknowledged stories are the ones of 'Ci Xiao Li Archway' (Filial Piety Archway) and the 'Jie Jin San Dong Archway' (Chastity Archway).
The 'Ci Xiao Li Archway' was built in honor of Bao Sheyan and Bao Shousun (father and son). According to historical records, father and son were captured by a general, who wanted to execute one of them. Bao Shousun wanted to sacrifice his life to save his father, so he begged the general to behead him instead of his father. Whereas, the father was also a loving and caring father and wanted him to be executed rather than his son. Their action and love moved the general, who finally released them. Later, the court knew the fact and approved the construction of the archway in praise of their filial piety and self-sacrificial spirit.
The construction of 'Jie Jin San Dong Archway' was in praise of a stepmother who remained chaste while raising her stepchild after her husband died. According to historical record, a widow with the surname of Wu, who was the second wife of Bao Wen, lost her husband when she was 29. After her husband's death, she remained chaste and treated her stepchild as her own son. Wu died 31 years later. Her action touched the local officials, who made up their minds to erect an archway to honor her in spite of the convention that erecting an archway for a step-wife was prohibited. This touching story has been passed down from one generation to another in Tangyue Village.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.15



Beijing location in China:


Also known as "Qingyanfang" (Boat of Purity and Clearness), the Marble Boat (石舫) is positioned at the west bank at the foot of Longevity Hill.
The Marble Boat was built in 1755 in Chinese style, imitating the sailing boats which Qianlong (1711-1799) took during his inspection to Southern China. As an old saying goes, "water can carry the boat as well as overturn it," meaning that water symbolizing the common people can uphold the royal boat, or it can swamp the boat. Emperor Qianlong had the huge Marble Boat fastened in the water to indicate the steadfast rule of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
In 1860, it was burned down, and then rebuilt in Western style in 1893 through Empress Dowager Cixi's embezzling naval funds. Inlaid with colorful glass windows and wheels and paved with colored bricks, the boat is 36 meters (118.1 feet) long, two stories high. Using the huge mirrors fixed on each deck, on rainy days Cixi could enjoy the dainty lake scene while having tea. Four dragon heads mounted in each direction serve as drains, allowing rain water to be channeled picturesquely out of their mouths.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.16






Chongqing location in China:


Chongqing has been a walled city since 250 BC. Today most of this wall has disappeared, although a little can still be seen in the Yuzhong (Central) district.
Chongqing City Wall is a piece of about 200 metres. What remains of the city wall was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty and today this is the most accessible of all the gates and still in relatively good condition.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.17






Fujian position in China:


The Qingjing Mosque, also known as the Ashab Mosque, is located in the center of Tumen Street in Quanzhou. Throughout the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Quanzhou City was one of the key ports of foreign trade and attracted many Arabs. The mosque, built and repaired by Arab Muslims, reflects the friendship and cultural exchange between China and Arabic countries. Imitating a mosque in Damascus, Syria, it was initially built in 1009 and today is the oldest Arab-style mosque in China. This magnificent mosque covers an area of 2,500 square meters (0.62 acre) and features a gate, the Fengtian Hall, and the Mingshan Hall.
Facing south, the gate is made of diabase and white granite and consists of four conjoined archways. Many of the gate's domes are carved with hanging lotus, symbolizing respect for sanctity and purity. Each carved lotus is surrounded by a web of liernes, which add depth to the carvings. A platform on the roof of the gate allows worshipers to watch the moon and decide when Ramadan begins. To the east of the gate are two stone tablets recording the reconstruction of the mosque in the Yuan (1271-1368) and the Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. Another stone tablet is located just near the gate, engraved with the imperial edict of Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He spread this edict to protect the Mosque and the Islam in China.
The spacious Fengtian Hall was once the main prayer hall of the mosque. The hall's design depicts the popular architectural style of Islamic prayer halls before the 10th century. Unfortunately, the hall's spectacular roof collapsed in an earthquake, leaving only the granite walls intact. The ornamental walls house stone inscriptions of Alcoran, lit by the large windows carved throughout.
After the earthquake damaged Fengtian Hall, Mingshan Hall became the mosque's central prayer hall. Located in the northwestern portion of the Mosque, Mingshan Hall was built in a more Chinese style and is smaller than Fengtian Hall. It is a quadrangle - resembling a traditional residential compound with a courtyard (common in northern China). Here the stone walls are adorned with Arabic inscriptions dating back to the Song and the Yuan dynasties.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.18












Gansu


Located about six kilometers (four miles) southwest of Jiangyuguan City, the Jiayuguan Pass represents the western starting point of a section of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The pass covers an area of 33,500 square meters (eight acres) and lies at the base of a narrow valley, and takes its name from one of the surrounding hills, the Jiayu. Commonly referred to as the finest example of its kind on earth, the pass is the best preserved of the Great Wall's ancient military fortresses.
The Jiayuguan Pass was constructed as far back as 1372. Legend has it that the official charged with overseeing the building of the pass demanded that the foremen not squander a single brick. The builders were for the most part successful, and the project was finished with just one brick surplus to requirements. It was actually left at the site and has become famous among the tourists visiting the area.
The Jiayuguan Pass is constructed in three concentric layers: the central area is made up of an inner city, containing the largest of the pass' buildings; an outer city section, surrounded by a large wall dotted with watchtowers, turrets, and high-terrace pavilions; and finally, for purposes of defense, a moat. All of these features combined to make it a daunting prospect for any would-be attackers.
Encompassing an area of 25,000 square meters (six acres), the inner city is trapezoid-shaped. It is enclosed by the city wall which runs for 640 meters (2,100 feet) and reaches a height of up to 11 meters (36 feet). The inner city has both east and west gates, known as the Guanghua and Rouyuan respectively. Each of the city gates is also protected by its own smaller guard tower. The tower defending the west gate is known as Luo City. From it hangs a plaque with characters that read: "The Greatest Pass under Heaven".

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.19



Guangdong:


Heyuan (河源) stands in northeastern part of Guangdong Province, on the middle and upper reaches of the Dongjiang River. It shares boundary with Jiangxi Province in the north. Being a traffic hub in northwestern Guangdong, Heyuan is the first stop the Beijing-Kowloon Railway makes within the province.
It is a Hakka population center along the Dongjiang River. Extreme long ago, settlers from present Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces were scattered around the region, living together with the minorities there. It was during the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) that the court transferred people in North China to this area, bringing it advance Yellow River Culture. From then on, whenever a war broke in Central Plain, there would be a crowd of settlers moving there. Gradually, the Hakka cultural came into being.
Heyuan has now a population of about 207,600. The majority of the people are Cantonese and Hakka. Heyuan includes many rainforests.
In December 2002, SARS broke out in Heyuan.

[cmoonflyer]

Changbai mountain , Jilin province , China

Often regarded as the most beautiful mountain in Northeastern China, Changbaishan is a volcano that’s been lying dormant for over 300 years. Changbaishan, meaning “ever white”, got its name from the white pumice stones that cover its slopes, giving the mountain a year-round white color. In winter, Changbaishan is a great skiing destination – there are many well-maintained ski runs, and several hot springs to relax in after a chilly day on the slopes. Summer is the best time to hike up Changbaishan, and there’s a path for every experience level. The easier route involves climbing the steps on the western slope, but if you want a challenge, opt for the narrow Tiger Back Trail. Once you’ve reached the top, relax by Tianchi Lake, a beautiful green-colored lake where many visitors report sighting lake monsters. Seeing Changbaishan’s white mountainside reflected in Tianchi’s green waters, and maybe even spotting a lake monster or two, is sure to make the climb worthwhile.







Changbai mountain location

[东方丹东]

Fantestic

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.20



Waterfall comes down from the roof of the hotel



Guangxi location in China


Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel ,the largest, latest and best-equipped hotel in Guangxi, has being rebuilt on the former site of Lijiang Hotel into a deluxe five-star hotel with an investment of over 400 million yuan.
It is located in the downtown area of Guilin City. The artificial waterfall that rushes down from its top matches the picturespue ambience of the hotel, with Shanhu Lake glittering right down in front, Lijiang River flowing on the east, Elephant Trunk Park neighbouring on the south, and Duxiu Hill and Diecai Hill towering on the north.
The hotel is equipped with a waterfall ,listed in the Guiness Book of Records. It's 45 meters high,72 meters wide at the top and 75 meters at th bottom.
Daily 8pm waterfall show is a must see in Guilin. The show is on for 10 minutes every night.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.21









Guizhou position in China:


Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area is located in Libo County in southern Guizhou Province. Covering an area of 273 square kilometers (105 square miles), it is a vast forest unique in Karst landscape and water views composed of Daqikong Scenic Area, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, Shuichun River Scenic Spot and Zhangjiang River Scenic Area.
The scenic area boasts boundless mountains, crystal creeks, cascading waterfalls, various plants and animals. Xiaoqikong Yuanyang (mandarin duck) Lake Scenic Spot is the only aquatic forest in Karst landscape at that latitude in the world, where grow over 10 kinds of precious trees. Yezhu Woods is an unfrequented cool world which is guarded by twisting vines. Lying five kilometers (three miles) from Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, Daqikong Scenic Area offers steep mountains and deep valleys. There is a Tiansheng Bridge hanging over 262 feet above the rushing water.
There is only one main road in the Daqikong Scenic Zone. Perched precipitously on the edge of the cliff are stalactites and dense trees, with rivers zigzagging up.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.22












Hainan position in China:


Tomb of Hai Rui is situated in the western outskirts of Haikou City, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the civic center. It represents people's esteem towards Hai Rui, an upright and uncorrupted official. It was originally built in 1589 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), and some of the constructions in the tomb garden remain intact. With an area of over 4,000 square meters (4784 square yards), the layout was designed according to the level of the official titles at that time. Today it is rated as the Key Cultural Relic Preservation of Hainan Province.
Hai Rui (1514 - 1587), born in Hainan Province, was an official in the Ming Dynasty. He is famed as a statesman for his honesty and performance of his duty as well as his clean life. After his death, people chose the location in obedience to his spirit from 'heaven'.
One typical story illustrates his honesty. After seeing the emperor wink at the corruption of court officials, he prepared a coffin for his death and said farewell to his wife. Then he went to the emperor, expressing his criticism and advice. His words were not accepted but cost him his court position and he was jailed. After his release, he returned to his hometown and helped with irrigation projects. At the age of 72, he was employed again by the court to work in Nanjing, and passed away in the third year of his service.
His integrity also gained people's recognition. When he worked for the court, he was needy and could not pay for servants. He wrote articles or inscriptions for others in order to earn money. This was quite uncommon because in Chinese feudal society, most officials had servants and lived a rich life. After his death when people helped clear up his mementoes, they were surprised to find only eight taels of silver and a few clothes.
On the day they buried Hai Rui, their admired official, all the people ceased their own matters to attend the funeral, crying and grieving. When the coffin was carried to the very spot where the present tomb is situated, the rope of the coffin broke and people believed this was the place that Hai Rui chose for himself. Thus the tomb was built on that spot.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.23






Hebei


Lake Baiyangdian (白洋淀) is located near Baoding, in the Hebei Province. It is the largest natural lake in northern China consisting hundreds of shallow lakes and waterfilled depressions. It is referred to as the Kidney of North China.
The lake is home to about 50 varieties of fish and multiple varieties of wild geese, duck, and birds. The lake and side parks also are home to a vast number of lotus, ti plants, and other plants. From harvesting the fauna and flora of the lake, the locals make a living.
While appearing pristine in parts, Lake Baiyangdian is under assault from a variety of sources, most notably industrial waste emptied upstream, the holding back of replenishing waters into reservoirs by upstream communities, and local fish farming. The cleanup of Lake Baiyangdian has become a test for the Chinese government's vocal commitment to environmental causes, but Chinese environmentalists have painted this agenda as little more than empty promises, often pointing to the lake as evidence.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.24






Heilongjiang:


Jiamusi (佳木斯) is situated on the boarder of the Heilongjiang Province, with Harbin on its west, Shuangyashan on its east. It is separated from Russia by the Wusuli River (Ussuri River) in the east and the Heilongjiang River (Amur River) in the north.
Historical records list Jiamusi as an ancient bridle road of the Songhua River, leading to the Heilongjiang River estuary. It was once inhabited by the Sushen ethnic group, ancestors of the present Manchu group. There’s no exact record of the origin of Jiamusi. It wasn’t until the Twentieth Century that Jiamusi became the active town that it is now.
Jiamusi is located on the lower reaches of the Songhua River, neighboring the Sanjiang (Three Rivers) Plain formed by the Songhua, Heilongjiang and Wusuli rivers. Its terrain is low, with mountains beginning in the north, south and western areas of the city. Jiamusi’s plains, which lie in its northeastern area, are flat and low.
In addition to the Han, Mongol, Hui ethnic groups, a population of Korean, Manchu and Hezhen ethnic minorities also reside in Jiamusi. Among the four ethnic townships, are two Korean (Xinghuo and Tangwang townships) and two for Hezhen (Jiejinkou and Bacha townships). Hezhen is known for its fishing culture throughout Northern China. The area’s cuisine features many seafood dishes, and specialized clothing and ornaments are made of fish skin and bones.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.25















...and a night view



Henan


The Longmen Grottoes are located in the south of Luoyang City. They are between Mount Xiang and Mount Longmen and face Yi River. Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Caves and Mogao Caves are regarded as the three most famous treasure houses of stone inscriptions in China.
The grottoes were started around the year 493 when Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) moved the capital to Luoyang and were continuously built during the 400 years until the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The scenery measures 1,000 metres (about 1,094 yards) from north to south where there are over 2,300 holes and niches, 2,800 steles, 40 dagobas, 1,300 caves and 100,000 statues. Most of them are the works of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the flourishing age of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lots of historical materials concerning art, music, religion, calligraphy, medicine, costume and architecture are kept in Longmen Grottoes.
Fengxian Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and it is the largest grotto in Longmen Temple with a width of 36 metres (about 118 feet) and a length of 41 metres (about 136 feet). There are nine major figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple that were built in accordance with the Buddhist rite and their relationships by the artists.
The most impressive figure is the statue of Vairocana Buddha sitting cross-legged on the eight-square lotus throne. It is 17.14 metres (about 56.23 feet) in total height with the head four metres (about 13 feet) in height and the ears 1.9 metres (about 6.2 feet) in length. Vairocana means illuminating all things in the sutra. The Buddha has a well-filled figure, a sacred and kindly expression and an elegant smile. According to the record on the epigraph, the Empress Wu Zetian together with her subjects took part in the ceremony of Introducing the Light (a Buddhist blessing that the Buddha opens the spiritual light of himself and shares it with others).
At the sides of Vairocana there are two statues of Vairocana Buddha's disciples, Kasyapa and Ananda, wearing prudent and devout expressions. The figures of Bodhisattvas and devas can also be found in the temple. Some have dignified and genial expressions, while others are majestic and fiery. The various appearances and delicate designs are the representations of Empire Tang's powerful material and spiritual strength as well as the high crystallization of people's wisdoms.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.26




Night view of Tsuen Wan taken near Belvedere Gardens Estate. To the left is Nina Tower.



Nina Tower at Tsuen Wan



Hong Kong



Tsuen Wan (荃灣) is a bay in the New Territories, Hong Kong, opposite to Tsing Yi Island across Rambler Channel. A market town of the Tsuen Wan emerged for the surrounding villages and fleets of fishing boats in the area. The town is around the present-day Tsuen Wan Station of the MTR. It was extended as far as the reclamation proceeded.
In earlier days, it was known as Tsin Wan (淺灣) which means shallow bay, and later renamed to Tsuen Wan. Another name Tsak Wan (賊灣), pirate bay, indicates the presence of pirates nearby long ago. In fact, the area around Rambler Channel was known as Sam Pak Tsin (三百錢), literally meaning three hundred coins. There was a legend that pirates would collect three hundred coins should one pass through the area.
Apart from a market town, in 20th century, factories moved in gradually for its proximity to the urban in Kowloon. With construction of Castle Peak Road, motor vehicles could reach the town in addition to on foot and by boat. In 1950s, the Hong Kong Government developed the area with new town concepts. In the 1970s it was developed as part of the Tsuen Wan New Town. By 1971 the area housed 400,000 residents. It was one of the last area in Hong Kong to be developed without the "Colony Outline Plan".

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.27



Hubei


From chinatravel.com
Dongyong Park has a floor area of 500 square kilometers, built in 1984. The park is themed with the legend that a filial person named Dongyong sold himself in order to get money to have his father buried, whose behavior touched the youngest fairy lady in the heaven so much that she came down to the world and eventually married him. It accommodates all the historical and cultural relics about the story of “Tianxianpei (Marriage with the seventh Fairy Lady)”.
The gate of the park is facing the main street of Huaiyin, with red walls and glazed tiles, statue dragon and painted phoenix. A pair of stone-lions is squatting on the two sides of the gate. Right after entering the gate, you are standing face to face with a rockery. Then passing through the rockery, you can see pavilions and attics. The most spectacular scenery is no more than the Chinese scholar-tree (Huaishu in Chinese), which is an old green tree with lush crown and big trunk as well as luxuriant branches.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.28






Hunan


The Yueyang Pavilion is an ancient architectural treasure which is located on the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang City, Hunan Province. The Yueyang Pavilion is one of four famous Chinese pavilions.
The Yueyang Pavilion is a three storey, rectangular building which reaches 15 meters (about 49 feet) high and is constructed entirely from wood. Surprisingly, no nails or beams have been used in its construction. This is a rare feature in classical architecture. Pillars have been included in the construction to ensure the strength of the building. Four pillars made of 'Nanmu' wood support the entire pavilion; twelve pillars of catalpa wood support the eaves of the first storey and a further twelve pillars have been included to support the second storey. The roof of the pavilion is built using unusual curved lines which are similar to the shape of a helmet used by a knight of ancient times.
Seen from a distance, the Yueyang Pavilion seems like a giant bird which is in flight. The red building with its yellow glazed roof tiles is a splendid and colorful sight. Views are spectacular.
The age of the pavilion is disputed. However, it is generally believed that the pavilion was built more than 1,700 years ago. During the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) the rudimentary form of the building was that of a parade (ceremonial) pavilion. During the Western Jin (265-316) and the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), the pavilion was used by the military with the name of 'Baling Tower'. It was not until the Tang Dynasty that it was renamed as the Yueyang Pavilion. The Yueyang Pavilion was damaged in the chaos of wars and was rebuilt in the Song Dynasty (960-1127). Since then, it has become a tourist attraction and a place of inspiration for both poets and writers. The pavilion was made very famous during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) by the works of Fan Zhongyan who was a great politician and writer.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.29



Inner Mongolia


Wulanbutong Tourist District is made up of Wulantutong Grassland, Wulanbutong Ancient Battlefield and Birch Woods. It is an ideal place to enjoy grassland, forest landscapes, pasturing customs and ancient culture. In winter, the snow is as thick as 300mm and the accumulated snow lasts for 5 months, thus the district becomes an amusement park for ski lovers.
The Wulanbutong Grassland gained its reputation as a beautiful landscape when it became the imperial hunting ground of the Qing royal families. In 1690, Emperor Kangxi led 200,000 men to suppress the Xinjiang rebel army by force. Now it has become one of the area's most popular points of interest for tourists, along with the Saihanba Grassland.

[riasbaixas]

2008.07.30









Tian Ning Temple Pagoda



Jiangsu


Built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the temple has more than 1,300 years' of history being one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Southeast China. The Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) visited Tianning Temple for three times. Apart from halls and towers, the brick carvings of the Five Hundred Disciples of Buddha and twelve jade Buddhas add much luster to the temple.
The temple is actually a construction complex comprising 497 rooms, 33 Buddhist halls, and 24 pavilions. The largest Buddhist hall is 25.8 meters high, 26.4 meters wide and 28 meters long, covering an area of 1,031 square meters and it is an architecture rarely seen in China. Among the preserved 127 sculptured statues, the Budhisattva Guanyin is 13 meters high, standing over the head of a crocodile and preparing to help.
The city has recently rebuilt the Tianning pagoda on the Temple grounds, which are adjacent to Hongmei Park. The pagoda, called Tianning Baota, was first built during the Tang Dynasty. It has since been destroyed and rebuilt five times. The current reconstruction is built to the height specification of 153.79 meter (504.56 ft). This makes it the tallest pagoda in China and perhaps also the world. Both the Hongmei Park and Tianning Temple are located just to the east of the city center.

[HKG]

Fantastic pictures!