China-A new life

Asia » China » Guangdong
January 3rd 2016

Published: January 3rd 2016

Antarctic is done for the time being. Someday I may try to go back to that type of life and travels. But now a new adventure awaits me. It took two years and a forest of paperwork, but now I have a job working as support staff at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China. Ive been in country for seven weeks now on the start of a two year contract. Every weekend I explore the sights, sounds, cultu... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 570, Displayed: 21

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The hill had its name originated from a fairy tale, whereby it was said that an evil dragon residing in the South China Sea (Nan Hai) often made waves at the Pearl River mouth. Consequently, farmlands were flooded and ships toppled over.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The gold statute of the Goddess of Mercy, which is the biggest in the world. The statue was cast in 1994 with 120 tonnes of bronze and 180 taels of gold coating and measures 40.88m (134ft) tall.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

These mishaps did not stop until the Goddess of Mercy paid a visit. Seeing the misery suffered by the people, the Goddess of Mercy threw his lotus seat into the water to tame the dragon.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The circular stairway of the lotus hill gazebo. The lotus seat was believed to have turned into the present lotus stone, situated next to Nantianmen of the hill.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Lotus Tower, built in the 40th year of the emperor Wan Li in the Ming Dynasty (1612 A. D.), is the representative of the Lotus Tower scenic spot. It is also called Wen Chang Tower. Lotus Tower has been honored as the "Capital's Cloud Pillar".

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Occupying an area of 3872 square meters, the pavilion houses 1000 Guanyin icons made of various materials such as jade, wood, copper, and colorized porcelain. Therefore, it is named the pavilion of a thousand Buddhas. Standing as high as 12 meters, the Buddha statue sits with crossed legs and shows a serene expression.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

One of the lion statues guarding the approach to the Goddess of Mercy.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Karl paid a small fee to have the honor to ring the bell bringing him years welll being.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Goddess of Mercy as seen from the top of the Lotus Tower.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Steps leading up to the Goddess of Mercy from the quarry works.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The quarry works from each of the past dynasties, dating back to the Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD), leave behind a legacy of countless majestic red sandstone cliffs, perilous peaks, stelae and winding stone forests and grottoes.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The gigantic tottering cliffs are breathtaking and dazzling. Vines on the rocks are just like a green wall, forming a wonderful watercolor painting in the blooming season.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

It has the best preserved ancient quarry site, with a history of 2000 years in China.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The lotus seat was believed to have turned into the present lotus stone, situated next to Nantianmen of the hill.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The famous Lotus Flower and Peach Blossom Festivals are held in Lotus Hill Tourist Resort annually.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

From June to August every year, more than 100 kinds of lotus flowers, the holy flower of Buddhism, are picked for the festival.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

The reflections of sand stone cliffs are amazing.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017

Dinner in a Korean restruant with Yanyan. So very good and relaxing.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017

Although I've never found out the name of this park, it is my favorite in all of Guangzhou.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017

The park is at the half way point between the American Consulate and my home at the Canton Residence. This building holds a Chinese Police monitoring station on the 2nd floor.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017

This lookout building at one north end of the park has beautiful arch ways and window shutters.

3rd January 2016

Di & Joe V.
non-member comment

Looks beautiful.... Happy to hear that you are enjoying it there. :) Happy New Year!! Di & Joe

18th August 2016

Derek Davey
non-member comment

Silly Submariner
I hope that you are doing very well in Guangzhou and you have fully acclimated. Enjoy yourself there. Extremely hot in Lewis County this summer and very humid. We have had a "drought" and tornado this summer. The corn still grows. Take care. Derek

24th August 2016

Audrey J Mills
non-member comment

AWESOME!!
So great to hear from you and about your amazing adventures! I'm now a subscriber to your blog so keep it up!

Tot: 0.114s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 13; qc: 26; dbt: 0.0501s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb

Do not copy images or text from this page without requesting and receiving permission. All rights are reserved by the author and photographer.

Contact Karl (crazykarl) - a lack of a response does not mean that you have permission to use material from this page.

China-A new life

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved