The Tunxi Grottos

After we finished our shopping in Old Town, we went to the Tunxi Grottos (Hua Shan Mi Ku), a series of underground granite caves that were made hundreds of years ago, but no one knows why.  Tons upons tons of stone had been removed, but it is unclear where it all went!

Since that time, it has been made into a recreational area where you can explore the grottos, do some archery, boating, etc.  Jack and Sophie started off by getting a ride to the suspension bridge which is the entrance to the Grottos.


   



Peter and Anita followed suit in a less fancy, but higher speed contraption. 


This stocky woman could MOVE!


Rebecca and Sue also got a ride, while I ran along side and took some pictures.


   Next we crossed a suspension bridge to enter the grotto area...

Peter and Jack exploring the underground grottos...


Blond-headed Jack, emerging from the cave.


The next feature of this recreational area was a large pond.  We asked to take the small boats, but it was near the end of the day so they took us on a larger boat.


Here's the inside of the boat we took instead...


Sue and Sophie, enjoying a warm afternoon on the lake.


Sue, Anita and Rebecca also enjoyed the afternoon sun on this little swing near the lake. 


Jack found an oar in a boat and had fun splashing and playing.  He gets SO much attention here in China due to his blond hair.  I wonder if he will miss that attention or not back in America?!

Sophie loved climbing around on the rocks, but she did encounter some mud!


LEFT: Anita next to the lake, and RIGHT:  Sophie slipped and fell in some mud and her bottom got VERY muddy.  So we had to place tissue where ever she sat (on the boat, in the cab, etc.) until we could get back to the hotel to change her.
   

A farmer tending to one of his beasts as the sun sets...

A beautiful sunset in the Tunxi valley...


On our way back to the taxi, the boys spotted this "gun range" outfitted with pressure guns that shoot tennis balls.  How could we NOT stop??    

A gunner's view of the range.  A load of tennis balls, an air compressor and 10 yuan.  What more could a boy want??


Both boys, firing their guns at will...


All of us spectators, cheering them on.


The boys enjoyed all of the green grass and the place to run like wild animals (which they are on the inside) :)


Sophie also loved to run, and Anita and Rebecca were both SO GOOD about running after her all the time!  I think they will get their workout tomorrow on Yellow Mountain!