Returning home doesn’t necessarily mean suspending travel. It’s good to take a little time off the bike but still keep hitting the road in search of unique adventures.
Day tripping to the shores of Taihu only an hour or two north of Shanghai near the old city of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province provided an excellent opportunity to venture off the typical foreigner’s tourist trail to a place the Chinese know well.
Scenic Taihu (Tai Lake)
Modern China offers much to those willing to go and see. On the outskirts of Wuxi, a city booming at breakneck speed, lies Taihu Lake, China’s third largest freshwater lake.
Silhouettes of Chinese junks moored offshore harken back to a history steeped culture and ancient kingdoms. It’s not hard to imagine life in the Kingdom of Wu during the Warring States Period. It was also a time when Sun Tzu penned his seminal treatise, The Art of War, which happened near here.
Buddhists statues and elaborate temples abound. It’s easy to find moments of peace along cobbled paths at the edge of still waters.
Near the lake, it is still possible to capture slices of the past amidst China’s rush to modernization and a new future. Quiet stone bridges under cherry trees provide paths of solitude for reflection and contemplation.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. — Lao Tzu
Becoming the Path
The teachings of Buddha and Lao Tzu still resonate with the Chinese people. Locals flock to burn candles and pay homage to status and in temples. Pungent incense from joss sticks hangs heavy in the air.
Walking among the statues and on the temple grounds provides a broader perspective and insights into other ways of life. Camera in hand, making images of moments and things.
The Giant Buddha at Lingshan
Thousands gather at the giant Buddha at the Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot southwest of Wuxi. At 88 meters, the brass statue is the tallest standing Buddha in the world. Though the complex is modern and lacks a history, the architecture is still impressive worth a look.
Buddha Palace
Reminiscent of the Vatican in Rome, the Buddha Palace at the Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot
The Spice of Life
Variety is the spice of life. Not all travel has to be on the bike. It’s good to get off and do a bit of exploring by other means. See you out there.
Never Broken Sir! May your adventures afar continue to lead the way. Respectfully, -John Knott “Highlander Medic!” reporting in
John,
Thank you much for your kind words. Hope you and your family are doing well. Love your posts. Keep them coming.
Cheers,
Johnny