So...the Sakura park turned out to be closed and so we had to change our plans.In order not to waste a pleasant day, someone suggested going to the Yuquan Temple complex. The area was simply gorgeous and historically interesting.
First, I visited the Iron Pagoda-the only remaining example of this type of construction in China. The structure of this building is spectacular.Underneath the pagoda, one can find kind of a shrine to a monk, whose remains were allegedly discovered there during excavation works.
Next was the beautiful lake with a romantic-looking pagoda in the middle; a perfect spot for couples. On the way to the next point of interest, we passed one of the oldest Ginkgo trees in China!The Chinese love their gingko almost as much as the Koreans and no wonder since the trees beneficial properties are countless.
First, I visited the Iron Pagoda-the only remaining example of this type of construction in China. The structure of this building is spectacular.Underneath the pagoda, one can find kind of a shrine to a monk, whose remains were allegedly discovered there during excavation works.
Next was the beautiful lake with a romantic-looking pagoda in the middle; a perfect spot for couples. On the way to the next point of interest, we passed one of the oldest Ginkgo trees in China!The Chinese love their gingko almost as much as the Koreans and no wonder since the trees beneficial properties are countless.
The next stop was a curious small lake, where I was encouraged to clap my hands and stump my feet in order to experience the phenomena it is famous for: seeing rain drops without rain. As a result of a loud sound, the smooth lake surface appears to be hit by rain drops leaving multiple ring marks on the water. Not particularly mysterious but amusing nevertheless and children love it:)
The complex includes several temples, which were surprisingly quiet for such a warm Saturday. For those of you, who don't know-the Chinese love little excursions outside the city on weekends or during national holidays, there are normally swaths of them at each and every tourist attraction known in China, thus my surprise at the peace and quiet evident in this location.
I was raised a Catholic and describe myself as one so, to me, visiting Asian temples is not a religious thing at all, I admire the architecture and richness of the interior, show due respect but that's all. Bearing this in mind, imagine my panic when all of a sudden my OH's mum pulled me closer to the shrine and instructed(gently)to kneel and bow!Needless to say, I was taken aback and thought that it was slightly inappropriate for me to perform this ritual since I don't believe in Buddha..I didn't want to cause a fuss or, God forsakes, insult anyone so I diligently copied others. If you think that was unusual and unexpected, wait for this: we needed the toilet and so went behind the temple to find one. There were signs directing us to public loos, however we just couldn't find them!Eventually we stumbled upon a washroom-the monks' bathroom!!My travel companions, albeit hesitantly, took the opportunity and took advantage of it, I however could not bring myself to relieving my physiological needs in such a sacred place..Silly to say the least, I know, but the overwhelming silence, the atmosphere of the place and monks robes and other garments hanging everywhere made me feel super awkward. That was the first time I saw monks bathroom and I hope it will be the last. If you want to see photos from that trip, just click here and go to Yuquan Temple section.