hua shan, China's holy white mountain

[NeilL]

Closer to the gods...



http://neilal.smugmug.com/photos/229648490-L.jpg



But wait, there's more...

[Chrissiebeez_NL]

very cool photo! what an intruiging place!

bis! bis! :thumb

[NeilL]

very cool photo! what an intruiging place!

bis! bis! :thumb

Thanks for looking and commenting!

And I like your "Bad weather ahead - Beach at duindorp '07".

[Chrissiebeez_NL]

Thanks for looking and commenting!

And I like your "Bad weather ahead - Beach at duindorp '07".

thanks! :D

i really like the trail leading into the foggy house, its very inspirational and nicely captured.

[kozmix]

Awsome place, the fog brings something mystical.

[NeilL]

http://neilal.smugmug.com/photos/229699739-L.jpg



HuaShan is 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) east of Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. It is described as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven'. It is one of the five sacred mountains of China. From a distance the five peaks of Huashan appear to form the shape of a 'flower' (hua in Chinese), hence the name 'Huashan' - 'Flower Mountain'. There are several influential Taoist temples on the mountain where emperors of past dynasties made pilgrimages, making Huashan the holy land of Taoism. The mountain is a creamy white granite and the green of the bushes and trees that grow on its slopes is a beautiful contrast. The highest of the five peaks is South Peak, 2,160 meters (about 7,087 feet). A cable car can take you up the first 1,000 meters. After that, it's climbing the precipitous, narrow and slippery steps and paths. All the provisions for the facilities, shops, and a small hotel, at various points are carried on the shoulders of men. Some other men earn cash by setting themselves up in a spot and singing traditional songs, and very beautifully, so that wherever you are on the mountain comes on the air this haunting or jaunty music. Newlyweds climb the mountain to attach a red ribbon and a padlock to the hand chains to demonstrate the strength of their bond. You are amazed at elder Chinese men and women climbing unflaggingly up to the heavens. You can look across chasms at serene monasteries seemingly inaccessibly perched on nearly vertical granite cliffs. On a summit you can enter the ancient presincts of a temple, and after making your offering, be startled by the sonorous gong struck by an attendant monk, a sound which seems to come from and be reabsorbed by the mountain under your feet.

[NeilL]

http://neilal.smugmug.com/photos/229730820-L.jpg

[NeilL]

Awsome place, the fog brings something mystical.

Thanks for looking and commenting. I like your Lisbon pics, very carefully executed pics with an unusual viewpoint.