Ling Shan Buddha
As a tourist in China, there are a plenty of Buddhist temples and Buddha statues to marvel at. Wuxi boasts the Giant Ling Shan Buddha (or ’Ling Shan Da Fo’).
This one you must see. Not only is it very, very big, but the whole attrac...
As a tourist in China, there are a plenty of Buddhist temples and Buddha statues to marvel at. Wuxi boasts the Giant Ling Shan Buddha (or ’Ling Shan Da Fo’).
This one you must see. Not only is it very, very big, but the whole attraction is meticulously planned and very well presented with something of interest for everyone. Here are some of the treats in store:
- The Fountain Show: This is a water show choreographed to music with commentary (in Chinese). Even if you don’t understand the commentary, the show is quite spectacular. There are shows at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm - though the showtimes be altered or even cancelled during quieter times. The first show can be hard to get to on time if you catch a bus from Wuxi, so it's usually best to aim for the 11.30 show. It is also worth checking on the wind direction before choosing a spot to stand, especially if you'd like to protect your camera, as you can get quite damp on the down-wind side.
- The happy Fat Buddha with a hundred playful Buddha babies climbing all over him.
- The Hand.
- The big Buddha himself. Ascending the steps to the feet of the giant standing Buddha is no easy climb.
Entrance fees
These have a way of changing with the season. Recently it cost 80 yuan to enter the grounds. This ticket will give you access to almost everything. Upon last check an extra 15 yuan gets visitors into the museum at the base of the Buddha and right up to touch his feet.
Getting There
The number 88 bus goes from outside the railway station to Ma Shan (马山) where the Buddha is located. Unlike other buses the no. 88 bus allows passengers to pay according to how far they travel. There is a conductor who sells tiny paper tickets. The ride to Ma Shan costs 4 yuan. It is possible to catch the bus at other stops along the route, which goes along the Grand Canal and across the LiangXi bridge. However, the trip is quite long (about an hour, and fairly bumpy), so it's worth trying to get on the beginning in order to get a seat.
As you arrive at the number 88 bus station you will be beset by a number of operators with mini-vans hoping to take you on a guided tour. They usually ask for about 100 yuan. It's your choice. The bus is good value, and you probably don’t really need them to show you around. When you return from your visit, the operators will still be there. You may decide take a ride back with one of them if you can bargain the price down. This return scenario might end up being a little faster and comfortable in exchange for the higher cost.
Tai Hu
Tai Hu, or Lake Tai, is a huge freshwater lake. it is the third largest lake in China with an area of 2250 square kilometres and average depth of 2 metres. It should come as little suprise that there are many great sights to see and experiences to enjoy at the lake.
...Tai Hu, or Lake Tai, is a huge freshwater lake. it is the third largest lake in China with an area of 2250 square kilometres and average depth of 2 metres. It should come as little suprise that there are many great sights to see and experiences to enjoy at the lake.
A good place to start is to catch a bus from the city to the park at Turtle Head Peninsula.
- Bus K1 takes you from the Train Station to the Chongshan (冲山) Gate of the park.
- Bus K87 takes you from the Train Station to the Dushan Gate of the park.
Entrance to the park is 70 yuan, but it’s only 35 yuan for children. The price of admission includes the cost of the bus trip to the main attractions and boat ride across to the three tiny "Fairy Islands". Of course there are plenty of other places to enjoy in the park, but when first visiting a lake, it’s logical to hop in a boat and get out there on the water.
The ferry takes tourists across to the three Fairy islands which are joined by bridges. Tourists enjoy a pleasant hour or two exploring the Memorial Gateway, Screen Wall of Heaven, Water Curtained Cave, Huixian Bridge, Heavenly Fragrance Mansion, Crying Buddha, Heaven Emperor’s Palace, Taoist Altar, Matchmaker God’s Temple, Goddess Palace … and much more. It’s a pleasant spot with something for everyone.
This is Laozi - the chap with the big ears.
There are also Speed Boat Rides from the dock on Fairy Island. For a mere 20 yuan each tourists go rocketing back to the main peninsula, cutting through the convoy line of barges crossing the lake.
Back at Turtle Head there is still much more to see. Take another boat ride on one of the elegant wooden sailboats. Then walk around and see the Sino-Japan friendship Cheery Woods (or maybe that was supposed to be "cherry"). From there cross the Second Spring Bridge to Misty Zhongdu Hill where the sites just keep unfolding.
The Movie Sets
Now here we have a tourist attraction that is a little unusual. While it's a notable change from temples, rock-cut stairs, and gardens, it remains so very Chinese. You will probably witness a movie being made, take a ride on a boat, horse, or even a camel, and definitel...
Now here we have a tourist attraction that is a little unusual. While it's a notable change from temples, rock-cut stairs, and gardens, it remains so very Chinese. You will probably witness a movie being made, take a ride on a boat, horse, or even a camel, and definitely learn something about China’s incomparable history and culture.
There are three movie sets:
“The Three Kingdoms” (三国城), “The Water Margin City” (水浒城), and “The Tang City” (唐城).
You could easily spend a couple of hours at each.
Getting there:
The K 82 bus goes to the movie sets from the Railway Station, or you can pick it up along the route. The bus costs 2 yuan, like all ‘K’ buses, but on this bus there is a conductor selling tickets. The trip takes about half an hour and the Three Kingdoms set is its final stop. You can get off earlier if you wish to visit one of the other sets first.
Entrance Fees:
To see just the Three Kingdoms – 55 yuan
To see just the Water Margin City – 50 yuan
To see both of these – 90 yuan
To see all three sets – 120 yuan
Obviously the package deal will save you money, but make sure to allow yourself enough time and that your legs are up to a fair bit of walking. You could also hire an electric cart to transport you around, but you may not be able to see as much close up that way.
Here are some of the things you can see at the Three Kingdoms:
Battleships in life-size and mini-size. You can take a ride here too!
Movies being made along with the tired actors who spend their days making them.
And as always there are ample explanations for everything you see.
