Ironwulf.net Ver 6: En Route - Philippines, Travel, Photography

The drive from Leshan Giant Buddha Park to Emeishan City took at least an hour. I didn’t notice much since I was half asleep during the ride and didn’t see much of the way. I noticed that gasoline prices here are very cheap that’s why most transpo here are cheap as well. They said that the government dictates the prices of their commodity that is why as I remember. When I came to, we were entering a small street with eatery at the side. I was told that we were gonna check out this recommended hotel by our van. So we did out of courtesy.

Continuing on, from the Leshan Buddha Park trail, we are now headed to the actual site of Giant Buddha. The Giant Buddha was carved beside the red sandstones of Mount Lingyun at the eastern part of Leshan City in Sichuan facing the Dadu river. It is still part of China’s Mount Emei Scenic Area and Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We only spent a night at Chongqing and the next day we moved on westward to Leshan. Found at the south west portion of Sichuan Province, Leshan, which means “Happy Mountain” is home to a pair of another UNESCO World Heritage sites. Both sites Emei Shan and Leshan Giant Buddha are a mix of cultural and natural areas. Our first stop was the latter. So after checking out of Nanbin Hostel, we went out to the rainy morning streets, took a cab back to Caiyuan Ba Bus Station.

After setting our stuff at Nanbin Youth Hostel in Chongqing Municipality, we didn’t want to waste time that afternoon so we headed to Caiyuan Ba bus station to get tickets to Dazu County 大足县 and visit one of the most important Cultural Heritage Sites in China, the Dazu Rock Carvings 大足石刻, which is also included in China’s numerous list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This South West China trip has been in conception since late last year. For out of the country trips like this, I try to prepare months ahead. But I must credit my friend here for coming up with a “Do-able” IT. Some people would ask “Where are you going in China? Beijing for the Great Wall?” Though I would love to see the Great Wall once in my life, it’s not as attractive as getting into the heart of China. I dunno, I just have a penchant for going to places not as popular. Besides, I like the countryside more than the cities.

Before going any further about my trip in mainland China, I first have to tell you something about their culture. Unlike the coastal cities in China, almost NO ONE can speak in English which can be quite a challenge. So unless you have a friend who can read and speak passable Chinese, a guide book with Chinese characters or hire a professional guide, it can be hard to survive there. Aside from that, they have behaviors that can be “Shocking” to us Filipinos or other Foreign nationals as well. If any people from the Mainland China is reading this, I meant no disrespect but only give my observation that can lessen the initial “shock” first timers may get. In fact other Chinese also detest some of their boorish behavior. It’s a reality we can’t change, since these may have rooted since ancient times. So what I advise is to keep an open mind. Once you get past these you’ll be able to adapt and enjoy your stay there.

I can’t believe I’m home. I’m just stunned and thinking that in those 11 days I was in Mainland China I can’t believe I’ve been through all those places I’ve been. It’s like a whirlwind of an adventure in the heart of China that’s truly raw. The feeling of travel just really hits you and you want more. It’s a bit tiring but really fulfilling journey. Again, a backpacking adventure that’s really gonna be remembered for a long long time.