Wuxi

T's company had a small up to Wuxi, about 1 hr outside Shanghai this weekend. I was fortunate enough to go with them.

We had a wonderful dinner then went for KTV, where we sung our share of english songs (Micheal Jackson, Bon Jovi, ABBA, BSB) The next day we went sightseeing at Ling Shan buddhist "Disneyland".

Map of Lingshan. See the statue of Buddha at the very top? Its not an icon. Its actually that big!

They didn't have rides, but they were sure selling a lot of stuff. As we entered the park from our car, a tour guide jumped on us and showed us around. (In Mandarin)

"..be in awe of its fathomless depth... combination of technology, architecture, culture, art, and science"

This is the outside of a buddhist building equivalent to a cathedral. (similar layout as well) There were paintings and cloisonne zodiac sculptures.

We sat in this huge circular theatre surrounded by a screen, which showed different scenary from around asia for a while. Then the circular screen lifted to reveal an elaborate setting of a palace and gardens. Statues rose up on a platform, all dressed in period attire (Something like a tropical asian looking clothes, and painted faces) and then music began and everyone began walking around. (I was really convinced they weren't real up until that point!) There was dancing and singing then the screen came down. In the center of the room, fog emerged to reveal a tree rising up and a statue sitting under it. Then people in robes came out with lanterns (below pic)

cool show we saw about history of Buddhism.

Then we hiked up to see the 100+ meter tall buddha. It was a bit weird sticking out among the mountains and trees. (Wuxi is known for its trees. They purposly planted lots and lots of them there- still young, but hoping to be an attraction I suppose)

over 100 meter tall buddha in Wuxi, China

Me and the big toe.

View from the toe.

detail of giant metal roller (people spin them as they walk by, for good luck)

I liked the corroded texture of it.

It was a fun trip getting to know T's work friends and learning more about Buddhism. Only 2 of them were practicing buddhists, burning candles and incense and praying at the various locations. One of them asked me what Christians do at church- just pray? So that was a interesting conversation to have about beliefs and what "church" is. I learned not to walk thru the center of the archways (of 5 openings, the center one is only for budda) and that they believe its good luck if you touch budda's hand and circle around it.

We also ate a vegetarian buffet there- with typical dishes with "veggie product" replacing the supposed meat things. Weirrdddd. It looked like beef... but it wasn't. Some of the pork pieces even look like they had fat on them.. squishy and gross like fat too! I didn't take any photos b/c it was just a bit weird for me... and the room was dark. I liked the taro balls the most.

I love snow!