Highlights from our Monday, 12 June CIPCC field trip organised by the Foreign Affairs Office of Qinghai Province were the 600-year-old mountain complex of temples and palaces at Ta’er Monastery in Huangzhong District, a spontaneous stop at Bei Shan Mei Li Park, and the thoughtful sampling of local cuisine.
Temple at Ta’er Monastery, Huangzhong District. Photo: SLCT
At the monastery, our excellent guide Alan kept us marshalled. Group 16, as we were that day, experienced the combination of faithful devotion in a national 5A tourist area, the highest rank of China’s tourist attractions, and tourism. In the first lower courtyard, monks walked past several people prostrated in prayer, while throngs of visitors of all ages headed to the main entrance to begin the trek up to the palaces and temples, often stopping to take photos.
Entrance to Ta’er Monastery, Huangzhong District. Photo: SLCT
The complex of Han and Tibetan architectural styles, offered many gorgeous photo opportunities, and I was amazed at the richness of the colours. Alan explained that the monks maintain the colours with mineral-based paints, as was originally used: ground turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, gold, etc. The artist in me was intrigued.
We walked through courtyards, along alleyways and halls, up and down steps, experiencing serenity and peace, with some lightheadedness due to the altitude of 2,600 metres above sea level. We saw monks and many faithful praying and presenting offerings. We saw Tibetan arts and cultural relics, the famous Yak butter sculptures, and the 10,000 figures of Buddha. When we departed, I came away with awe and a sense of peace. Much more on the monastery in another article.
Approach to Bei Shan Mei Li Park. Photo: SLCT
The stop at Bei Shan Mei Li Park was just the thing to experience the natural mountain beauty. I understood this park is part of an ongoing project to support local ecology and to create open spaces for locals and visitors to exercise and socialise, keeping in mind that health comes first.
Floral display, Bei Shan Mei Li Park. Photo: SLCT
We also visited Qinghai University and Qinghai Provincial Ethnic Language Film and Television Dubbing Centre. More in another article.
Local cuisine at lunch. Photo: SLCT
Meals were carefully curated, and we got a true taste of 24 unique local dishes during lunch provided by Yilong Ethnic Restaurant, run by Hui, one of China’s 56 ethnic groups, and Qingzhenyuan Restaurant, which provided dinner.
Local cuisine at dinner. Photo: SLCT
Bit by bit, I am happily acclimatising to the roof of the world.