Travelling with humour 2
 From Sichuan | Sep 1, 2007 04:07

Travellng with humour
 From Sichuan | Aug 31, 2007 17:41

Emeishan and Mt Emei | Leshan | Jun 19, 2004 19:30
The city of Emeishan is emerging and reminds me of Daylesford in Victoria, Australia because it is set in a beautiful hilly setting with hot springs and good food places to eat. A world class convention centre and resort is being establshed there where environmental forums will be held in the future, once it is completed. Stage one is already ready to receive visitors, but the resort is expensive.
Mt Emei is the world heritage listed mountain range with incredible views and full of Chinese history, in particular Buddhist history. Many beautiful temples to see and a world class interpretative centre at base of mountain. The flora, fauna and geology of the area is extrodinary.(including panda and monkeys). Many plant species endemic to the Emei range only. Guided walking tours are also possible.
For a day tour, taxi or bus to foot of mountain then mini bus up to near top, where a scenic chairlift operates to very top. Can be quite cool at over 3000m altitude, so take warm clohtes, although warm coat can be hired. Also good cheap eateries on way up. Try and choos a clear day for best views. We came across a group of visiting Chinese soldiers and their families on the bus who asked us how we liked China, where we came from and then asked us to sing a song!! 'Kookaburra sits on the old Gum Tree' was the best I could do- but worth having a little repetoire up your sleeve, because music is a significant differnece between many cultures, and helps celebrate our differences. The same group of soldiers and their families returned the favour and also then sung us a Chinese soldiers song. Lots of clapping, laughs and warmth that day on the bus!

Leshan - Sichuan Province | Leshan | Jun 19, 2004 19:11
Grand Buddha and surrounding temples, pagodas, caves,gardens and views across the three rivers-magnificent on a clear day. See the Buddha from land or take a ferry ride to view from the river.Good interpretative centre to explore on site too. Catch a taxi from Leshan.Allow a good half a day if you enjoy exploring and soaking n wonderful history.
Leshan has many great restaurants, coffe shops and some good places for full body massage for relaxation.
The public art is also of note and many of the riverfront areas have been made public and landscaped and this work is continuing. The streets are very clean, as is the public transport and most public spaces. People very friendly to westerners too. There is also a good blend of western style shopping as well as Chinese style. Popular buy for taking home to Austrlaia are the Chinese style tea cups with their own 'lids' that keep drinks warm and small metal bookmarks with Chinese flowers, animals,historical and cultural figures. Also great tea rooms and many choices of teas. And Leshan is only half hour tax ride to Mt Emei-world heritage listed Mountain range.