Chinese Collectibles

Lingshan Grand Buddha - an amazing bronze marvel   by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

When visiting China's Jiangsu Province visitors should not miss an opportunity to visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha statue. It's situated in close proximity to the beautiful Maji Mountain peaks.

Standing at over 80 metres the statue, is a Sakyamuni Buddha statue made out of bronze and tin. The statue is claimed to be not only the tallest Buddha statue in China but also the world. The statue set outdoors weighs more than 600 tons.

The Buddha statue derives its name from the setting of the Lingshan Mountains. The mountains were so named by a Buddhist monk of the Tang dynasty, and became popular due to his visit to India, which is documented in the historical journals of China.

The bronze statue has attracted visitors from all parts of the world as it is highly symbolic to the locals in the community, and its claim for bestowing good luck on its visitors has traveled far and wide and many who come, come seeking the goodwill.

The reason that the statue was cast in bronze and tin is that bronze does not erode so quickly, with the statue being outdoors it would have to withstand harsh and changing weather patterns. However, there are also those who believe that bronze was the sacred metal of the Stone Age, and it was also the metal that has been attached to the classical Stone Age art works. In terms of Chinese culture the Stone Age serves as an age of immense importance.
Those who gaze at the statue will realize that prior to its completion in 2006 a lot of planning went into what the builders wanted it to signify. For instance, it was designed around features mentioned in the sacred text of the sutra. The welcoming smile and size are more than just the outside impressions of happiness and prosperity.
The right hand of the statue bears a seal, and with the palms of the statue turned towards the visitor it symbolizes the ending of suffering. The left hand has the fingers curled into a shape of a ring while the left hand also has a seal. This symbolizes happiness. The builders also carved humanistic features that make the face look solemn and also draw a merciful appearance, a characteristic highly looked up to by followers.
Aside from the beautiful statue is the popular bell celebration which takes place in the Lingshan Mountain on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The event draws over hundreds of participants who wish to bestow upon themselves blessings for the New Year ahead.
After wondering about the tranquil surroundings of the Lingshan Grand Buddha, a relaxing evening indoors could be found at a nearby Wuxi hotel. Those set in the busy new district area include the Millennium Wuxi,which offers guests a beautifully landscaped environment along with five star services to pamper the needs of travellers.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Learn All About The Emperor Kang-Si Sword   by Brian Garvin & Jeff West

The Emperor Kang-Si, or Kangxi, ruled China for 61 years and the battle styled weapon, the Emperor KangSi Sword was created in his honor boasting an exquisite design with a 440 stainless steel blade. This sword was created to honor the reign of Kang-si (1654 - 1722) from 1661 to 1722 which makes him the longest reigning Chinese emperor throughout history as well as one of the longest ruling monarchs of all time.

Successful Expansion

Although he ascended the throne at age seven, rule was administered by four guardians and his grandmother until he came of age. One of the reasons a sword was created in his honor is because he is considered one of the greatest of Chinese emperors directing battles that ultimately led to long-term peace and stability that also fostered great prosperity.

A rebellion by Chahar Mongols began in 1675 and persisted for more than 20 years until Kang-si took field command in 1696 leading Chinese forces to victory. Kang-si controlled all of China proper in the latter part of his reign along with parts of present-day Russia, Mongolia, Korea and Taiwan. He blocked Tzarist Russia territorial expansion at the Amur River while expanding the Chinese Empire to the northwest. His notable military accomplishments also paved way for creation of the Emperor KangSi Sword.

Cultural Developments

All honor heading toward Kang-si is not derived from military conquests alone. He was the first emperor to compile a Chinese dictionary of characters called the Kangxi Dictionary. The story is told he conducted this lengthy task over several decades to win over the academicians in Chinese society who at first when he became emperor refused to serve the new dynasty. He persuaded thousands of scholars to work on the new dictionary without ever formally asking them to serve the new Qing Dynasty.

Little by little these same scholars took on more empire responsibilities slowly becoming court officials. He is also noted for directing the creation of other literary works that included compilation of Tang Dynasty poetry. He also tried to embrace more Western technology as trade with Europe increased during his reign.

This was accomplished through imperial invitation to many missionary organizations like the Jesuits and others who introduced European art and music to China. Many Chinese were, indeed, converted to Christianity - Roman Catholicism in particular - and it was during his reign that Pope Clement XII sent ordained Chinese priests back to the empire and they were welcomed by Kang-si. The emperor was the first Chinese to learn to play the piano. Additionally, he invented a Chinese calendar.

Own the Sword

Ownership of the Emperor KangSi Sword allows you to possess an exquisite display item that sits imperially upon a black lacquered stand. It does emit an aura of imperialism and importance evident in its wooden scabbard that is of imitation snakeskin decorated with sculpted cast metal fittings. The sword has sharply defined detail in the sculpturing that attached to the metal fittings. It wields an overall length of 31 inches; a 20 inch blade length that is 3/16 inch thick made of 440 stainless steel.

About the Author

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Katana Sword and the Emperor Kang-Si Sword on our website today.

What to see and experience on sky train ride in Tibet?   by Ricky Yang

Despite some negative voice about the railway from outside China, no one can deny its existence as an engineering miracle in the whole world.

1. No matter where you start to take the train to Lhasa, or from Lhasa to other parts of China, you will witness the diversities of China. From the train windows, an authentic China slideshow is presented in front of you to look and speculate.

2. You will see the grandeur of snow-caped mountains, glaciers as well as the peaceful and clear rivers and lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. While passing through the Hol Xil Reserve, you might see the endangered species like Tibetan Antelopes, wild yak, wild ass and other creatures you have little chance to see in your life.

3. You will become the witness of the magnificent projects, which made 9 world records in railway history:

A. The highest railway in the world 5072 meter above sea level

B. The longest plateau railway stretching a length of 1142 km

C. The longest plateau railway crossing the permafrost

D. It has the highest train station in the world Tangula Train Station at an altitude of 5068 meter above sea level

E. It has the most elevated tunnel in the world on permafrost Fenghuoshan Tunnel (4905 meters above sea level)

F. It has the longest tunnel on permafrost with a length of 1686 meters Kunlun Mountain Tunnel

G. Anduo County is the highest track-laying base in the world with a height of 4704 meters above sea level

H. Qingshuihe Bridge is the longest rail bridge over the plateau permafrost with a length of 11.7km

I. The fastest train compared with all other plateau rails at a speed of 100km/h on permafrost, and 120km/h on regular soil.

You can have a close contact with local people on board. Isn't it an adventurous experience?! If at soft sleeper class, there are 4 berths in one private compartment with more limited comforts, while at hard class sleepers there are bunks in open-plan dormitory cars, usually arranged in bays of 6 (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, with pairs of seats on the other side of the aisle for daytime use. Hard seat class is not recommended to the international tourists.

For more information about Tibet train ride, please visit the website: http://www.tibettraintravel.com.

About the Author

Ricky Yang is a China travel specialist who has been in the field for more than 15 years. Now he is the managing director of several websites offering China tour packages.

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