Who first called the Venice of the East? Could it have been famous Venetian explorer and favorite of the Emperor, who left behind his own tangled waterways in the rhythms of the tides of 12th century China?
Maybe, but probably never know for sure. One thing that is certain is that this phrase has become the eternal byline Suzhou, a delicate ballerina in a city in the grip of branch of Yangtze River Delta. And it is called the Venice of the East simply because Marco Polo fell ill with a bout of nostalgia, this charming city is surrounded with many winding channels that people are said to sleep on pillows of water.
Water Cities
Suzhou, located in Jiangsu Province about an hour and a half into Shanghai, built water channels checkerboard of streets in the sixth century so that might balance more firmly in the fingers unstable arm Yangtze in its long range towards the sea. Several other towns and cities in the region took the same effect, the establishment of the Chinese region of water to the people.
A city water in China is not merely a geographical expression, but in fact has become a cultural and aesthetic descriptor. China's water villages are known for their muted colors and depth of reflection, because its white walls and gray tile roof, because the solid lines and the curve of arch bridge tender signs on canalways. Its inhabitants have been masters of calligraphy, fine art, embroidery, silk weaving, poetry, garden-making and the cultivation of tea: specialist areas that require attention to detail that only the gold of many facets of a network of channels could serve as inspiration.
Shopping Bazaar
Although most of Suzhou is famous for its dozens of gardens, many people do not know is that the Chinese garden art comes from the Taoist concept of linking landscape and serenity. So we started our exploration of the city that honors Suzhou Taoist Temple of Mystery (Xuan Miao Guan).
The Temple of Mystery, despite sounding like it is on top of some mist-shrouded mountaintop, is actually in the commercial heart of Suzhou. Guan Qian Street, Suzhou famous pedestrian shopping bazaar, Lu and Renmin Lu Lundun butterfly brooches, two main arteries of north-south Suzhou. Guan Qian literally means "Temple across the street," because historically the Temple was the focal point for touring magicians, artisans and merchants. They set up camp along the avenue and the trend has continued over time. Today, Guan Qian Street is still the best place to find both modern conveniences and traditional foods and products of Suzhou.
Old Well of the Five Dynasties
Xuan Miao Temple was originally built in 276, after the fall of the Han Dynasty between the main gate of the temple and the great hall, visitors should not miss a glimpse into the ancient well of the Five Dynasties. The well was discovered in 1999 during renovation of the main hall of the temple. During the renovation of more than 30 artifacts dating as far back as the Tang Dynasty were found in the green slabstone downhole. Surrounded by statues of dragons, the water inside the well, although clean, it looks black, because the holes in the ground. No one knows what mysteries will find out if you look directly into its depths.
Worshippers and Protectors
The largest building in the grounds of the temple is the Hall of Three pure worshipers, named for the Heads of State Taoism: Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism, flanked by the Yellow Emperor and the Jade Emperor. Behind them, along the sides and rear of the temple, is the climax of Xuan Miao Temple: A Daoist Protector constellation figures. Protector Daoist figures, or Tai Sui, the guards are all born in a given year. There are 60 guards, one for each year of the cycle time of the Chinese year. The ancient Chinese method of calculating the progression of years has not made the way it does in the West, AD and BC / AC Instead, figure the years by Chinese Jia Zi, which is in the 12 animals Chinese Zodiac, multiplied by five years marker. Every 60 years the cycle begins again with what the Guard is also the Protector 1931 1991.
Through the Ages
Although there are other rooms in the complex of temples that are interesting, they are easily overlooked. The temple courtyard is great and the atmosphere is informal, so the temple a meeting place of fellowship for thoughtful contemplation. Traders still schlep their goods in small stalls around the main hall, friends gather to chat, gossip of mothers, old games of mah jong set or cards, and pamper the young lovers in the shade of trees. A bronze statue of an old traveling merchant is located in the courtyard of the temple, giving testimony to the fact that in ancient China, as today, the temple served double duty as a place of worship and a center for trade and community
A scholar Haven
A room that must not be missed, even if you get distracted by the articles and watch the people, is the God of the Temple of Literature, or Dian Wen Chang. In the old days, scholars who have studied and sat for the imperial examination would come to the temple of the God of literature to pray. Wen Shu Pusa, the God of Literature, the ranking elected official in Imperial China scholars and protected the destiny of those who were elected. Today it is not uncommon to see parents and students interested nervous homage to the God of Literature before sitting exams at their high schools or universities. novelists or journalists frustrated with writer's block can also be seen spinning in the grounds of the temple, muttering to themselves and lighting incense.
A unique experience
Xuan Miao Temple looks better in the late afternoon when the sunlight turns sliding the temple walls painted gold. In contrast with the black tiled roofs, the effect is hypnotic and ferments the atmosphere of mystery around the temple. Before leaving, however, leave the little tea-house on the western side of the temple precinct of traditional storytelling Suzhou.
This little tea house, tucked into the fray of shops and stalls, on the surface appears to be a tourist trap. But it may be one of the last genuine storyteller tea shops of this type. The tea house is mostly filled with aging Chinese listening enraptured narrator's lilting performance with intermittent sips of hot tea. Despite the fact that he could not understand a word of history was easy to slow down in a trance of pleasure. The narrator was an old man who shot hoarse voice, and as if they were climbing a mountain. He wore a robe complete with a mandarin-style collar and full sleeves. He sat on a stool and spoke into a microphone that had "reverb, which gave an air of history's voiceover man omniscient narrator. He sat with his chin slightly raised, and when the story reached the final match that he had standing, wobbly stool back and start waving his arms like a giant crane about to snatch a fish.
It comes with a price
Although the narrator tea house is an experience not to be missed, visitors should beware of the owner cunning and deceptive price quote their skills. A pot of tea, which was quoted at 30RMB each, turned out to be two cups of tea, each 30RMB. Although tea was delicious and decadent atmosphere, the experience soured a little to be had. But as narrators usually do, soon forgot the old trap of the corner and sat drinking, transported, as the narrator waved his arms and put his voice and told his story.
Everyone loves a mystery
By late afternoon we left the tea house and left the temple grounds, entering the market pastiche of Guan Qian Street. One of the best places to sample traditional food Suzhou, we settled in to absorb the night life in the making and look for a restaurant.
Suzhou Temple of Mystery, but only one of the temples in China, it is a must. Although there are other attractions in Suzhou that may be more attractive, the Temple of Mystery has unique characteristics that can not be found in other temples in China. Suzhou Taoist Xuan Miao Temple "is that there is a mystery in store for everyone.
Information
Getting There:
Train from Shanghai to Suzhou: 24RMB
Trike train station City Center: 10-15RMB
Pedicabs are a cheap and easy to get around the city center. Bicycles can be rented for about 10RMB per day. City buses are also a good way to get from one end of town to another 2RMB 1.5 (depending on destination)
Accommodation:
Nice hotels can be found from 100 160RMB per night. We asked our driver tricycle for a recommendation and took us to a cheap but nice hotel almost directly behind the Temple of Mystery.
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