Huangshan:
"The city of heaven; the most beautiful and magnificent in the world." - Marco Polo, explorer.
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In fact, by the 12th century, historians confirm that Hangzhou was likely the world's most populous city.
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Lingyin ("Soul's Retreat") Temple is recognized as Hangzhou's oldest Buddhist temple. Certainly, it's the city's largest and at one time formed but one component of an immense monastery inhabited by over 3,000 monks. Within the temple is the "Hall of Heavenly Kings," the "Grand Hall of the Great Sage," the "Sutra Library," and the "Hall of the Medicine Buddha."
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Huangshan's major attractions include:
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- West Lake: As noted above, this is one of the most photographed locations in all of china. The muse of centuries of philosophers, poets and artists, West Lake remains a very special and very revered attraction. A walk along its perimeter or onto one or more of its causeways is a tourist "must-do." Bring your camera!
- Lingyin Temple: Overlooking West Lake, the temple consists of five main halls and together constitutes one of the largest (and wealthiest) temples in all of China. Within the temple is the limestone Feilai Feng ("Flying Peak"), a famous rock grotto of religious significance.
- Qiantang River Tidal Bore: Here it is! The world's largest tidal bore! The river and its estuary greet incoming tides that measure 30 feet and can travel at speeds of up to 25 mph. In September of 2008, a group of athletes successfully "surfed" the river!
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Hangzhou: Originally erected in 1661, the church has a storied past having served as a Taoist temple, a warehouse, and a prison. Today it's one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in China.
- Liuhe Pagoda: The first pagoda on this site overlooking the Qiantang River was erected during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). Destroyed by fire, the current, octogonal-shaped pagoda dates to 1165 and although from the outside its 196-foot height appears to include 13 stories, an interior walk to the top reveals seven levels.
Featured Hotel - Adventure Chin Series: (Subject to change)
- Huangshan Beihai Hotel
Beihai Scenic Area
Huangshan, 242709 China
Tel: (86) (559) 2542095
Fax: (86) (559) 2542045
4-Star - 245 rooms
At its mile-high altitude, the Huangshan Beihai Hotel is the finest hotel atop the mountain and offers the best vantage point for sunsets, sunrises (or, for the 2009 Solar Eclipse) eclipses'! Nestled within the pine-scented mountains, the hotel is close to hiking trails, scenic overlooks and less than a mile from the "Cloud Valley Tram." Chinese and Western cuisine is featured and the hotel also offers a bar, a beauty salon, Internet access, a gym and steam bath and a small sundries shop.
For a link to the Huangshan Beihai Hotel site click here.
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