| Mt.wutai - Nanshan Monastery |
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Lying about 2.5km south of Taihuai, the Nanshan Monastery (Nanshan si) is a large complex that is in fact two temples combined. The Monastery is found, like much of the mountain's constructions, in quiet forested glades and its best feature is the views that it gives over the Wutaishan valley.
Nanshan was built on the slope of a lower section of the Yangbai Mountain. It is composed of altogether seven layers, each layer a few meters higher than the last. The upper three layers are occupied by the other temple, know as the Youguo Temple (Youguo si), from whose top layer magnificent views of the valley stretch away. The Youguo Temple has some impressive murals, depictions of the famous Chinese novel The Journey to the West (Xiyou ji).
Most noteworthy in the temple are the stone carvings within the various halls, depicting Buddhist legends, and the architecture, that are all linked by shoe worn paths.
How to get there: From Taihuai, head south along Shijuliangcheng gonglu, following the Qingshui river (Qingshui he). The temples are up a turning on your left, just past the Friendship Hotel turn in.
Opening hours: 08:30-17:00.
Cost: RMB4. |
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