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Mt.Emeishan, located in a medieval time
warp, receives a steady stream of pilgrims with their straw
hats, makeshift baggage, walking canes and fans. It is one
of the four sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. On the mountain
there are many sites of ancient Buddhist activities. Ever
since the introduction of Buddhism into China in the 1st
century AD, Buddhist buildings have been built on the mountain.
There are more than one hundred temples and monasteries.
Now the main attractions include the Baoguo Temple, Fuhu
Temple, Leiyin Temple and many other spots. In 1996, Mt.
Emeishan and the Grand Buddha in Leshan were included in
the List of the World Famous Cultural Relics.
Baoguo Monastery:
This monastery was built in the 16th
century, enlarged in the 17th century, and rebuilt in recent
years. Its 3.5-meter porcelain Buddha, made in 1415, is
housed near the Sutra Library. To the left of the gate is
a rockery for potted miniature trees and rare plants.
Wannian Monastery:
The temple, 1,043 meters above sea level,
was built in the 4th century. It was burned several times
in the following centuries. The present brick building was
reconstructed in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The Brick
Hall, a domed building with small stupas on it, was built
of bricks. In the hall is a statue of the Bodhisattva
Puxian on a white elephant, 8.5 meters
high, cast in copper and bronze. It weight is estimated
62,000 kilograms.
Qingyin Tower:
Qingyin Tower, 800 meters above sea level,
was built in the 4th century. It is one of the famous scenic
spots on Mt. Emeishan. Under the tower is the "Double
Flying Bridge", under which flow two streams.
At 3077 meters, the magnificent Golden
Summit Temple is as far as most hikers make it. Covered
with glazed tile and surrounded by white marble balustrades,
it now occupies an area of 1,695 square meters. The original
temple had a bronze-coated roof, which is how it got the
name "Golden Top" as well as "Golden Summit".
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