Fei Lai Feng, Hangzhou, China

According to a legend, Hui Li, an Indian monk, arrived in the valley 1,600 years ago and was surprised to see a peak unlike any other in the area. The shape of the peak was a common one in India, so Hui Li believed that it had flown from there to China. Hence the name: Fei Lai Feng - A Peak Flown From Afar. The peak is about 700 feet high and the large stones scattered around it are said to resemble animals like a flying dragon, a fleeing monkey and a crouching tiger.

This is a natural limestone mountain with over 300 Buddhist stone statues, carvings and reliefs dating back from the Five Dynasties (907-960) to the Yuan Dynasty A serene park with caves, lush greenery, a stream, stone steps and pathways.

In 1681, Emperor Kangzi of the Qing Dynasty wrote the three characters "Fei Lai Feng" inscribed on the stone cliff.

The larger carvings are mostly from the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and the smaller reliefs are from the Song Dynasty (960-1127).

I liked this laughing Buddha, he is much more accessible than the more famous laughing Buddha.

It was raining on the day of our visit, but that only made the statues more dramatic.

The Laughing Buddha is one of the larger and very well preserved statues. Why is the Buddha's belly so large? That is where he stores all the world's troubles.

Some reliefs are somewhat eroded, but most are in excellent shape, considering their age.

Even though the park was crowded, there were some peaceful but eerie areas. Not many people ventured up the stone steps, they stayed on the main path. It could have been due to the somewhat slippery conditions.

Inside the park there are a couple of shops selling souvenirs and snack. We bought some local, tea from this nice lady.

Fei Lai Feng,
1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Rd.
Hangzhou

Entrance fee is RMB 45, it is better to buy a combined ticket for the park and the temple.
Buses #1 and #2 stop at the Lingyin Station.

Joanna

Comments

Bordier Butter - The Best Butter in France

France is in the midst of a butter shortage! Due to a decrease in milk production and a substantial demand for French pastries all over the world (mainly China and the Middle East), the price of butter has increased by 60% in one year. The French are stocking up and thus creating shortages. French newspapers are publishing articles titled "A guide to cooking without butter". So, with hopes that the shortages are temporary, here is my ode to the best butter in the world. I'm not kidding. The. Best. Butter. In. The. World. Mr. Bordier, a grandson and a son of cheese mongers, became a butter artisan in 1985. He acquired a creamery originally founded in 1927. The supreme taste of the Bordier butter was first recognized by a chef from the Plaza Athenee while vacationing in Brittany, a beautiful region in northwestern France. Bordier is the lone butter master to still use the old method of kneading the butter according to the 19th century t...

Dallal Restaurant, Tel Aviv

Dallal is located in the heart of Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's oldest district and the first Jewish neighborhood outside of the old port city of Jaffa. It was built as a suburb in 1887 and is now a very trendy area full of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. I have been buying breads, cakes and croissants at the Dallal Bakery for a few years now, but this was my first time dining at their restaurant on the corner of Shabazi Street. Dallal takes up a good chunk of the block since it was built on the ruins of three restored houses next to the Suzanne Dallal Cultural Center. There are a few sitting options while dining at Dallal: outside in the small garden-like area, in the enclosed courtyard with a view of the sky, and inside the restaurant which feels like old time Paris. Dallal is a perfect place for a fun lunch with friends, or a romantic dinner with your sweetheart. There are two lunch options at Dallal: 78 ILS for two appetizers and bread...

Hakosem, Tel Aviv

If you Google: Best shawarma in Tel Aviv, the name Hakosem is bound to pop up close to the top of any list. It is very easy to find decent shawarma and falafel in Tel Aviv, but we wanted to try what is considered to be one of the best. Hakosem located in a nice residential neighborhood is a food stand with plenty of tables and chairs set up on the sidewalk. They serve superb shawarma, falafel, sabich, shakshuka, shnitzel, and veggies. The line is pretty constant throughout the day, but it moves fast. Free falafel balls are gifted to the hungry customers to keep them happy while they wait. I found the place to be very clean. Freshly chopped veggies are continuously brought in from the kitchen in the back. My husband could not resist the shawarma in lafa. It was quite lar...

A Fork And A Suitcase

Search This Blog