After a short rest we started at 0-45 p.m. Crossing the ridge of a hill, we entered a beautiful valley and reached Wanshan at 2.45 p.m. This is a large and extremely clean temple, and as the priests were very amiable, the annoyances which we had undergone in the morning were counterbalanced. Resumed our journey and reached the temple of Hsiu Fung-tzu at 3.45 p.m. At first the priests made some difficulty about putting us up, but finally consented to let us use a kind of barn. On a pinnacle near by is the Pagoda of Huang-yai, which we started to visit at 4.5 p.m. The climb was a very stiff one, upon a stone road or rather steps. Though we got to within 25 minutes' walk of the top of the hill, we were obliged to give it up, as our return would have had to be made in the dark, and considering the road, this was too risky. Returned to the temple at 6 p.m. In the precincts of the temple is a magnificent deep pool. I could not resist the temptation of taking a dive, and had a very enjoyable and refreshing swim. After leaving Wanshan, we again saw the Po-yang Lake, and Nan-kang-fu was only a few li distant from our road.
I would certainly recommend any future traveller to climb up to Huang-yai, for the view from there of the Lake and the country all round must certainly amply repay the hard work of reaching the top.
I walked 8 and Mr. Tong 6 hours.
8th November. The quarters at Hsiu Fung-tzu were not comfortable and the rat and mice disturbed our rest very much. Before breakfast I had a swim in the pool. The rocks encircling the pool are covered with inscriptions, and on the opposite side is a nice stone pavilion with stone seats and table. The temple of Hsiu Fung-tzu is not very large, but judging from the ruins it must have seen better days before the time of the rebels.
Started at 8 a.m. and reached Kuei Tsung on a level road at 10 a.m. This is the largest temple we have seen yet. It was destroyed by the Ch'ang Mao (rebels), but has since been partially restored.
The place was very clean and comfortable, and the affability of the priests left nothing to be desired, as they did everything to make us feel at home. We decided to remain here, to visit the iron Pagoda on the cliff behind the temple, and to continue our route the following morning. The guest rooms placed at our disposal were very commodious. Over a bottle of claret we had a lively chat with the priests, who then showed us the temple.
At 1 p.m. we started for the iron Pagoda, the priests having secured for us a guide for 200 cash. It is a most difficult and in some places even dangerous ascent, and should not be undertaken without a guide and coolies to lend a helping hand in the climb. We reached the Pagoda at 4 p.m. The view is on the Po-yang Lake and is very fine. The Pagoda consists of seven storeys resting on a stone base. An inscription says that it was built in the 13th year of Kien Lung (1749). The descent is even more dangerous than the ascent, especially so until one has reached the foot of the cliff where we found a beautiful echo. Under an immense rock beside the road a cavern has been dug for a resting place and contains a shrine. We returned to the temple at 6 p.m., had a hot bath and then dined. Mr. Tong had his chair for a short time when going up to the Pagoda. Walked 7 hours. Fine weather.
A trip from Kiukiang to the Lushan Hills - 1
A trip from Kiukiang to the Lushan Hills - 3
A trip from Kiukiang to the Lushan Hills - 4
The Origins of Chinese writing
Chinese symbols for tattoos
Chinese symbols
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Chinese writing - Symbols or alphabet?
