On my day off today, drilling recommenced outside our window so it was time to get out and see some sights on this beautiful fall day. I took my camera and headed to the Lei Feng Pagoda which caught my eye on previous excursions but I never had a chance to visit. It's not in my tour book, and I didn't see any westerners! I saw some tour groups there but they were all Chinese. I learned it was originally built in 977 AD to treasure a lock of hair of Sakyamuni, a key figure in the Buddhist religion. I wonder if my hair will be so lucky when I'm dead? The pagoda was collapsed in 1924, and rebuilt in 2002, on West Lake's eastern shore. 
The forest surrounding the pagoda was brilliant with fall colors. 
The inside of the pagoda was decorated with many Chinese historical figures and depictions of the construction of the pagoda. The picture on the right shows the pagoda's ceiling which is done in gold leaf. 
Some of the painting decorating the walls...
In this Pagoda there was an elevator which I refused to take, and instead hoofed it up 4 long stories of stairs. An easy climb after our twice daily (at least!) climb up the six stories to our apartment! 
Some views on the way up... 
Looking across an arm of West Lake to Hangzhou beyond... 
There were some temple grounds on the other side of the pagoda. 
The pagoda was in the middle of a little forest whose leaves were turning brightly colored. This is really in the middle of the big city, but it sure doesn't feel like it with all of this nature around! 
... emerging from a walk in the forest to this huge pagoda! 
Some of the striking red leaves on this Japanese maple. I think the Chinese are good at planning their gardens around the seasons so something is always interesting to look at! 
... having some fun with the camera! 
Emerging from the pagoda and the forest, I was treated to this charming little park. 
Some of the features near the park... 
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Lei Feng Pagoda
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1 comment:
HI, LEWIS FAMILY I LOVE YOUR PICTURES OF LEI FENG PAGODA GARDEN THE COLORS ON THE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES LOOK SO VIBRENT AND COLORFUL.
MY JAPANESE MAPLE TREE DOES NOT LOOK AS HEALTHY AS THESE I THINK THE EXTEMELY DRY SUMMER WE HAD MIGHT HAVE DAMANGE IT. I HOPE IT SERVES THE WINTER. HOPE YOUR ENJOYING CHINA AND IT'S BEAUTY. TAKE CARE. THE KENTUCKIAN.
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