Hainan Island - Attractions (Translated by Irina Novikova)
I will dedicate my last album about China to the landmarks of the Hainan Island – the Monkey Island and the Buddhist Center.
Monkey Island is a small island, located within 2 kilometers from the Hainan Island.
Cable cars are operating from the shore village, thanks to the decent tourist volume.
Some spectacular views open up from the cabin. This in itself is worth about half of the overall impression from the visit.
Down below one can observe many fishing houses and small boats.
It seems that the fisherman live right here on these boats.
The details of everyday life.
They say this is how the sea cabbage is grown.
The cable car path lied through mountains, so at times the car is barely moving and other times – clearly accelerates. Young lady that rode with us closed her eyes as she sat down and kept them closed for all 15 minutes of the ride (only asked to let her know when we arrive ;)
Cars and cables were made by Austrians.
One of the readers provided explanation about this monument:
The memorial is a tomb stone (a woman is berried here). On the right are the years of her life (1910-1992), the date of installation. In the center is her name (family, clan, etc). On the left are the names of the next generations: sons, grandsons, great-grandsons (men only). On the top it says something to the effect of “let her glory shine”. This is an unusual tomb stone.
At the arrival, one is greeted by the following colorful monkey.
And another one, somewhat more thoughtful and clearly well-read. Notice that in his hand he is holding a human skull.
The island serves to preserve monkey species. There are about two thousand inhabitants here.
As a tourist, one isn’t allowed just anywhere, but on designated trails.
Monkeys aren’t afraid of people. It’s more like people are afraid of monkeys. ;)
Monkeys study carefully who’s caring what and, periodically, aggressively try to take things away. Especially popular are the plastic bags (probably, statistically speaking that’s where people most often carry food). And if anyone dares to take out anything eatable, the attack is just a matter of time. I think they even share information amongst themselves.
A few monkeys participate in a short amusing skit. One can also get a picture with the monkeys. The trainer gives out commands, while four-five monkeys are placing themselves on certain places on or near the tourist (the knees, head, hand, next to).
I have to say that the treatment of the animals by the Chinese is quite cruel, which is different from that in Russia.
These might be Japanese visitors.
A jail for the thieves. ;)
Can someone tell me what the lower right hand corner character means on the posted sign? For about a month now I am tortured by this, but unable to find its meaning. I saw the same character several times in different situations, including at the entrance to the restroom.
On the way back.
Upon the return, the boat took us to some sort of eatery, located on the water among fisherman shacks.
There in separate fish bowls swam different fishes (including some quite exotic-looking), which could be fried or otherwise prepared to order.
The next attraction was the so-called Center for Buddhism “Nanshan”. Nanshan means “South Mountain”.
It’s a whole complex of contemporary structures, including temples, park and tourist infrastructure – even a small train operates, to save the walking. The place opened in 1999.
The capacity is simply overwhelming. All in all, they built a few traditional-looking structures on a plain field, planted some trees and bring tourists from the entire island for quite a bit of cover charge (there were hundreds of tourist buses on the parking lot). In my opinion, the idea is the same as with the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow or the Mosque in Kazanki Kremlin. This is nothing but a move of political leaders to the traditional religion, plus tourism, plus a good mark for a sizeable project.
Buddhist candles are very curious – quite large.
They deliver them in the trunks of the car and unload with two hands.
Actually, because of these sizes they are burned outside and not in the temple.
This is probably the goddess of forgiveness.
The guide emphasized that the statue is entirely out of gold. In his understand that should have boggled our imagination.
A part of the complex is a very nice park. Except one needs to walk calmly to enjoy it, which is impossible in the format offered for the visit.
Turtles symbolize longevity.
The lizard is real.
Even though, I agree, the color is somewhat strange.
A familiar symbol…
Only for Buddhists it has a different meaning (and the ends are twisted the other way).
Small pillows in temples are a very common item. This is so one can kneel with some comfort.
This is the statue of the tri-faced Guan-Yin (the goddess of forgiveness). It’s not difficult to guess that this is a local Statue of Liberty. The guide emphasized, that the statue here is taller than the statue in America – whole 108 meters ;)
Construction was still going on inside, so the entrance wasn’t allowed.
It is unclear what exactly the Chinese were trying to say with this monument? That they can build just like the Americans? Or that they can build a statue taller by 15 meters? It’s one thing when someone just builds a statue that’s original. But when the statue is built analogous to another one, the purpose is unclear.
The scale of the road leading to the statue is also quite impressive. They created a separate island where the statue stands, in addition to the 320 meters of the road. Underground is a vegetarian restaurant, a store…
This here is convenient for studying languages. From top to bottom:
Chinese English Russian Korean Japanese
This completes my notes about China.
I will not write a conclusion here, because I think if you read all five albums, you already understood everything for yourself.
