Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Statues holding bowls are used to catch and imprison dragons, a common motif in the caves. (1:33)
- Tip 2Rubbing the foot of the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth is believed to bring good luck for your finances. (2:37)
- Tip 3The large, smiling Buddha is placed at the front of temples to greet visitors warmly. (4:53)
- Tip 4Temples often offer free incense sticks, typically three per person, symbolizing Buddha, teachings, and monks. (6:01)
- Tip 5Stone lions guard temple entrances; the male has a ball (authority), the female a cup (nurturing). (14:47)
- Tip 6The 'shower Buddha' ritual involves cleansing Buddha statues, believed to cleanse the soul, done in multiples of three. (17:04)
Always Away's first-time adventure in Hangzhou, China, is a captivating dive into history and culture, despite being overwhelmed by holiday crowds. From the ancient cave carvings at Lingyin Temple to the modern ascent of Leifeng Pagoda offering breathtaking West Lake views, the journey is filled with discovery. Joined by a guide and a new travel companion, they explore sacred traditions, symbolic statues, and even enjoy a Starbucks with unique local finds, all while appreciating the blend of old and new.
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This video takes viewers on a journey through the historic and vibrant city of Hangzhou, China, as experienced by the traveler Always Away. The visit coincided with a major holiday, resulting in unprecedented crowds, particularly at Lingyin Temple. Despite the throngs of people, the sheer age and artistry of the temple's cave carvings, some nearly a thousand years old, were profoundly impressive, with the guide providing invaluable context about the statues and their significance.
The guide explained the symbolism behind various figures, like the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth adorned with a crown and accessories, and the significance of the goddess of mercy. The group learned about the temple's 1700-year history, its original entrance, and the tradition of receiving free incense sticks, each representing Buddha, teachings, and monks. They also observed the four heavenly kings guarding the temple and the practice of walking clockwise around sacred spaces.
Later, the exploration moved to the Leifeng Pagoda, which, despite being a modern rebuild after its destruction in 2002, offered stunning panoramic views of the West Lake and the surrounding mountains. The convenience of escalators and lifts made the ascent accessible, allowing for a more relaxed appreciation of the scenery. Inside, the third floor was dedicated to ancient stone carvings depicting a local fairy tale, adding a layer of cultural depth to the visit.
The journey also included a stop at a Starbucks, where the travelers noted the surprisingly lower prices for merchandise like mugs, likely due to local manufacturing. They also received a unique, oversized fabric bag as a freebie, a quirky souvenir. The video highlights the efficiency and helpfulness of TripO, a tour company that aims to make travel in China stress-free by providing knowledgeable local guides who assist with navigation and cultural nuances.
Finally, the group visited the Jingci Temple, an emperor's temple dedicated to Emperor Kwani. Here, they learned about the symbolism of the stone lions guarding temple entrances, with the female lion distinguished by a ball and the male by a cup, representing authority. A notable feature of this temple is its large bell, gifted by Japan, which the travelers rang for good luck. The temple also featured a "shower Buddha" ritual, where cleansing Buddha statues is believed to purify the soul, performed in multiples of three for good fortune. The experience underscored the rich history, intricate cultural practices, and surprising modern conveniences found in Hangzhou.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most crowded place visited?
- A: Lingyin Temple was incredibly busy due to a holiday, making it the most crowded place experienced.
- Q: What made the cave carvings so impressive?
- A: The carvings were nearly a thousand years old and incredibly detailed, making them the most impressive the traveler had ever seen.
- Q: Why is the Tibetan Buddha associated with wealth?
- A: He is depicted with a crown and more accessories, signifying wealth and prosperity, and his foot is rubbed for good luck.
- Q: What is the significance of the free incense sticks at temples?
- A: Each of the three free sticks represents Buddha, Buddhist teachings, and monks, and they are typically burned together.
- Q: What was unique about the Leifeng Pagoda visit?
- A: It featured escalators and lifts for easy access to the top, offering panoramic views of West Lake, and housed ancient carvings on its third floor.
- Q: Why are Starbucks mugs cheaper in China?
- A: It's likely because they are manufactured in China, making them more cost-effective than in other countries.
- Q: What is the symbolism of the stone lions at temple entrances?
- A: They act as protectors; the male lion has a ball representing authority, while the female has a cup, symbolizing nurturing.
- Q: What is the 'shower Buddha' ritual?
- A: It involves cleansing Buddha statues, which is believed to cleanse one's soul. It's performed three times for luck.
