Shibaozhai Temple and Countryside

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Amber Waves Photography Galleries » China 2005 » Shibaozhai Temple and Countryside

Shibaozhai Temple and Surroundings

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Shibaozhai31 These three were obviously together rather than just being located near one another. You have to wonder the fable associated with them.

Shibaozhai32 Unlike the male statues, several of the women's displays showed obvious groupings.

Shibaozhai33 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Shibaozhai34 One of the legends of the Shibaozhai temple is that there was a pit, shown here, where every day an amount of rice would mysteriously appear for the monks. But one day, one of the monks decided he should enlarge the hole so they'd receive more rice. However, his greed caused the rice to disappear completely, never again to appear. The other legend of the temple is that there's a hole in the floor of another building. It is said that if you drop a live duck down the hole, 15 seconds later it will appear floating down the river.

Shibaozhai35 The climb was definitely worth it for the view. This is some of the surrounding countryside. The lushness of the terracing here is beautiful.

Shibaozhai36 This is obviously one of the

Shibaozhai37 I liked this for the juxtaposition of the old and new - traditional farming, some older buildings, with the new in the background. You see similar all along the river.

Shibaozhai37j See the older, traditional housing in the foreground? That is obviously below the eventual river level. The buildings in the background are the new housing. Picture by Judy Ivison.

Shibaozhai38 Roof carving detail.

Shibaozhai39 When you work so hard to climb up, you definitely want to take in the view.

Shibaozhai40 The journey down was much easier, as it was a series of stone steps, rather than the steep ladder of the ascent. I'm sure there's something about the difficulty of the climb showing the purity or strength of the visitor or monk.

Shibaozhai41 Small gazebo area on the grounds.

Shibaozhai42 Exiting the temple grounds... time to do some SHOPPING! The vendors here had some of the best selection along the entire route.

Shibaozhai42j Another view of the main gateway. Judy Ivison got a better view without all the people.

Shibaozhai42j1 Here's a view of the gauntlet of vendors. Courtesy of Judy Ivison.

Shibaozhai43 Now you have a better perspective of the height and steepness of the climb, and the overall scope of the temple area.

Shibaozhai46j The blue canopies are the vendor tents at the base of the temple grounds. Photo by Judy Ivison.

Shibaozhai47j Traditional sampan tied up to the dock area. Taken by Judy Ivison.

Shibaozhai48j Judy Ivison photo of another traditional boat.

Shibaozhai49j The Viking Century Sky sailing along. Thanks to Judy Ivison.

Shibaozhai50j Two working boats along the river. I found the section of river above above Shibaozhai between there and Chongqing to be the most traditionally scenic of the entire voyage. You saw more of the traditional housing, vessels and farming. That section was the China I'd expected. Simply beautiful. Unfortunately, I was running a fever of 102, so wasn't able to fully appreciate (or photograph) it, so many thanks to Judy Ivison for sharing her images.

Shibaozhai51j Chongquing riverfront. Chongquing used to be known as Chung King, and is the third largest city in China. I was so ill I couldn't participate in the touring here, so this is the only picture of this modern city.