Nation-dedicating Temple (Baoguosi)
The Nation-dedicating Temple is the first temple one meets along the mountain way and stresses love and patriotism. It was built in the 16th century, enlarged in the 17th century by Emperor Kangxi and recently renovated. Its 3.5-meter porcelain Buddha, made in 1415,is housed near the Sutra Library. To the left of the gate is a rockery for potted miniature trees and rare plants.The first hall here is the Laughing Buddha Hall dedicated to the Laughing Buddha. Stepping out of the first hall, tourists can find the Great Hero Hall dedicated to Sakyamuni, sitting on a lotus flower. On both sides of the hall, there are 18 arhats. Following from the hall, is the Seven Buddhas Hall. The seven Buddhas, molded in gold and each 20 meters high, sit cross-legged on a blue-brick-base. The last hall in the temple is the Hall of Universal Benevolence God. The hall has two stories. The first story is dedicated to the god of Universal Benevolence, and the second floor contains the depository for Buddhist doctrines.Besides the four main halls, there are several pavilions, platforms and guestrooms within the temple. The temple has the typical structure of Chinese ancient garden covers an area of more than 10 acres. Every yard of the temple is quite different from another by its unique and wonderful landscape with a nearby forest enhancing a sense of tranquility.
"Crouching Tiger Monastery", as it is known in Chinese, is sunk in the forest. Inside is a seven-meter-high copper pagoda inscribed with Buddhist images and texts. The renovated Fuhu Temple is sunk deep within the forest. Inside is a 7 m-high copper pagoda inscribed with Buddhist images and texts.
The Wannian Temple of 10000 Years is the oldest surviving Emei monastery. Its dedicated to the man on the white elephant, the Bodhisattva Puxian, who is the protector of the mountain.
This monastery is the oldest surviving Emei Temple (reconstructed in the 9 th century). It's dedicated to the man on the white elephant, the Bodhisattva Puxian, who is the protector of the mountain. This 8.5 m-high statue is dated from AD 980, cast in copper and bronze and weighs an estimated 62,000 kg. If you can manage to rub the elephant's back, good luck will be cast upon you.
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The statue is housed in Brick Hall, a domed building with small stupas on it. When the temple was damaged by fire in 1945, Brick Hall was the only building left unharmed. There is also a graveyard to the rear of the temple.
Qingyin Pavillin
Named the Pure Sound Pavillin because of the sound effects produced by rapid waters cousing around rock formations in the area, the temple itself is built on an outcrop in the middle of a fast-flowing stream. There are small pavillions from which to observe the waterworks and appreciate the natural music.
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There are several small pavilions from which to observe the waterworks and appreciate the natural music. It's possible to swim here although the water is only likely to be warm enough during the summer months.
Xixiang Pond
According to legend, the Elephant Bathing Pool is the spot where Puxian flew his elephant in for a big scrub, but there's not much of a pool to speak of today. If very lucky, you'll meet some monkeys here. The monkeys have got it all figured out-Xixiang Pond is the place to be. If you come across a monkey "tollgate" ,the standard procedure is to thrust open palms towards the outlaw to show you have no food.
Monkey Etiquette
The monkeys have got it all figured out. If you come across a monkey 'tollgate', the standard procedure is to thrust open palms towards the outlaw to show you have no food. The monkeys are integral part of the Emei trip.
Some of these chimps are big, and staying cool when they look like they might make a leap at you is easier said than done. There is much debate as to whether it's better to give them something to eat or to fight them off.
One thing is certain, if you do throw them something, don't do it too much moderation. They get annoyed very quickly if they think they are being undersold.
Golden Summit Temple
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At the Golden Summit with a altitude of 3077 m, this magnificent temple is as far as most hikers make it. It has been entirely rebuilt since being gutted by a fire several years ago. Covered with glazed tiles and surrounded by white marble balustrades, the temple now occupies 1695 square meters. The original temple had a bronze-coated roof, which how it got the name of Jinding.
It's constantly overrun with tourists, pilgrims and monks, and you'll be continuously bumped and jostled. The sun rarely forces its way through the mists up here and the result is that it is usually impossible to see ver far past your own nose.
From the Golden Summit it was once possible to hike to Ten Thousand Buddha Summit (Wanfo Ding) but pilgrims now take a monorail.
