Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Enjoy the sights of towns and terrain en route to Jinfoshan. Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the countryside as you travel. (2:15)
- Tip 2At Gufodong Cave, you can participate in a unique tradition: purchase a floating lotus, light a candle, and let it float for good fortune. It's a contactless offering system using a QR code. (9:23)
- Tip 3Jinfoshan offers beautiful nature walking trails, perfect for those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. However, be mindful of weather conditions and trail safety. (12:20)
- Tip 4Visit Tianxing Old Town for a glimpse into a charming, albeit quiet, old town. It's a great place to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps find some unique souvenirs. (16:34)
- Tip 5Indulge in a unique culinary experience: the Zhulongyan bamboo basket feast. It's a delicious and memorable way to end a day of exploration. (19:03)
Jason Moofang's Chongqing adventure continues with a breathtaking journey to Jinfoshan, Golden Buddha Mountain. Brave the icy conditions and misty mountaintops as he explores ancient caves with naturally formed Buddha statues and encounters unique cultural experiences like unmanned lotus offerings. This vlog captures stunning visuals of the Dalou Mountains and the mystical atmosphere of Tianxing Old Town, ending with a relaxing bamboo basket feast in Wulong.
More about the current video:
This vlog follows Jason Moofang's second day exploring the captivating landscapes of Chongqing, China. His journey begins with a scenic bus ride through misty mountains, offering glimpses of charming towns nestled amidst the rolling hills. The destination: Jinfoshan, or Golden Buddha Mountain, a location promising a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
The ascent to Jinfoshan is as remarkable as the destination itself. A ropeway ride adds to the adventure, revealing the stunning, fog-laden Dalou Mountains. The weather, however, presents a unique challenge; snow, sleet, and ice accompany Jason on his exploration of the mountaintop.
Despite the cold, Jason's spirits remain high. He finds warmth and comfort in a simple lunch of white radish and hot soup, savoring the flavors of locally sourced mushrooms. The harsh weather conditions, however, impact the itinerary, limiting the amount of time spent exploring the mountain's trails.
One of the highlights of the trip is Gufodong, the Ancient Buddha Cave, home to a naturally formed Buddha statue. Jason marvels at the cave's size and the unique rock formation resembling a reclining Buddha. The cave also features a fascinating unmanned offering system where visitors can purchase floating lotuses and light candles for good fortune using a QR code. This reflects a blend of traditional beliefs and modern technology.
The exploration continues with a visit to "Golden Tortoise Facing the Sun," a mountain formation resembling a giant tortoise. Despite the inclement weather, the views remain breathtaking. The descent from the mountain offers another stunning perspective, allowing for a final glimpse of the unique rock formation. The day concludes with a visit to Tianxing Old Town, a charming, albeit quiet, old town beautifully illuminated at night.
The final leg of the journey takes Jason to Wulong, a neighboring district. The bus ride offers another perspective of the region's beauty, culminating in a delightful bamboo basket feast, a culinary experience that concludes a day filled with adventure and cultural immersion. The day ends at Xiannushan, another mountain town promising further exploration in the days to come. Jason's journey through Chongqing's mountainous terrain is a testament to the region's natural beauty and the unexpected delights awaiting those who dare to explore. His experiences highlight the unique blend of traditional culture and modern convenience found in this fascinating part of China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the weather like during your trip to Jinfoshan?
- A: It was pretty feisty! We had snow, sleet, and ice, and it was significantly colder at the summit, about 2060m above sea level.
- Q: What was the most interesting thing you saw at Gufodong cave?
- A: Definitely the naturally formed Buddha statue. It was surprisingly roomy inside, and the Buddha statue was at the center of the cave. There was also a crack in the cavern above it, almost like a rupture in the sky.
- Q: What was the food like during your trip?
- A: We had some Zongzi, which were delicious, and a simple but comforting lunch of white radish and hot soup on the mountain. The bamboo basket feast in Wulong was also quite delicious.
- Q: How many Buddha statues did you see in Gufodong?
- A: There was one naturally formed Buddha statue, which was the star of the show. But there were also about 1250 other figures in the cavern surrounding the main Buddha.
- Q: What was Tianxing Old Town like?
- A: It was pretty quiet, but it looked nice. They turned on the lights as our group came in, and the wet pavement made the lights look really pretty.