旅游英语文章《Weekend In Sichuan》
It was a simple choice: Mt. Emei and Leshan Grand Buddha: Route B, VIP ticket, a bus tour to two of China's World Natural Heritage Sites, described in a few brief words in a brochure and often overlooked by vacationers on a rush through Chengdu to Tibet, Yunnan or the 3 Gorges. The tour is escorted by a well-informed Chinese speaking guide, who is like a wind-up doll: once started is guaranteed to talk non-stop for at least 30 minutes. Language could be a problem, but chances are someone on board is bilingual, so it's possible to sneak away to take pictures and get a 30 seconds summary afterwards.
Early Saturday, the mini-bus rolls towards Leshan down the speedy expressway. The passing scenery is of miles of mus (an area measure of 1/6 acre) of rice paddies, sweet corn and lotus, dotted with the book-learned image of bent, barefoot peasants in straw hats at work with a water buffalo.
First visit to a Buddhist temple" It's important to keep the red-shoed site-guide in sight. A leisurely climb up a broad, stone stairway leads to busy Lingyun Temple and Lingbao Pagoda. Unconditioned calves scream later,because the walk goes twice up and twice down at 35 degrees, Celsius and slope, over the same 75 metres of elevation. Of interest are the sequencing of buildings, the triad grouping of carved icons along with their distinguished arhat followers, (i.e. the amusing ear-picker) and collections of mini-statues. Devout adherents may be burning incense, kneeling on cushions and bowing. For them, the visit is spiritual. (It is permitted to participate as a one day Buddhist.)
Across the cliff top, Dafo, the tallest Buddha in the world, appears head first. The curly locks were reset in the last five years; the wrinkled face smoothed and redone with weatherproof make-up. If without a camera, a pose and a fee of 15 yuan will develop a Polaroid keepsake. The narrow,shaded Stairs of the Nine Turns descend past shapely biceps to fine hands and perfect
