Jade Emperor Hill

After visiting some Buddhist temples, it was time to visit Taoist temples today. For this, we had to do a little mountain hike to the 'Jade Emperor Hill'. This 'hill' is quite high if you want to climb it in almost 30 degrees. But it's worth the effort.

There are two Taoist temples on the mountain, where monks also live. There is a smaller temple about halfway up the mountain called 'Ciyun Temple', and the larger 'Fuxin Temple' is at the top of the mountain. Both temples were founded around 730 AD.

The Taoist temples are ochre red on the outside, while the Buddhist temples are ochre yellow. Also, here you can see gods instead of Buddhas. Taoism is very ancient. The first records date back about 2,500 years. However, the origins can be traced back to ancient nature religions. The basic principle of Taoism is to maintain a balance between yin and yang. This principle is also the basis of Chinese medicine and Feng Shui.

There are various gods. The god of prosperity is particularly worshiped on Jade Emperor Hill. The believers light incense sticks and bow four times in each direction.

Offerings are made to the gods, such as food and money. The monks live on the food and money. You can write your wishes on red ribbons.

In front of the statue of the god, you also bow several times. Then you walk around the statue from the left once. Women cross the threshold of the temple with their right leg, and men with their left leg. This way, everything remains in balance.

On the way to the temple, you stay in the forest the whole time, which is very pleasant in the heat.

On the way back, we quickly went to the National Silk Museum. Admission is free, like in all museums, and it is located at the foot of the mountain. Even though we have already learned a lot about silk, we could admire some amazing garments.

Then we went to the old town. It was completely crowded with Chinese tourists. There were many shops selling food, especially fried crabs. They are skewered and eaten while walking, like ice cream on a stick.

However, we were more interested in the oldest pharmacy in the city for Chinese medicine. As soon as you enter, it is quiet. The patients submit their prescriptions and then sit on benches to wait for the preparation. The medicines are then put together and packed in large bags, which you take with you. You get a prescription directly opposite at a clinic for Chinese medicine, which also had a lot to do on this Sunday.

The pharmacy smells very pleasant of spices, and unlike all other places in China, there is no sense of rush here.

In the afternoon heat, we took a break at the hotel before going to the 'Impressions of Westlake Show'. This was developed by the director of the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games and is truly incredible. The backdrop of Westlake is optimally used to create a magical experience. I took some pictures, but they don't even come close to conveying how it feels. We have seen a lot, but this surpasses everything.