After sunny and warm Vietnam, we returned to cool and rainy China. The high levels of air pollution and the rainy weather haven’t given us much of a chance to get out into the fresh air over the past 1–2 weeks. On one of the “healthier” weekends (which here currently means an air pollution index of 170), we visited the bamboo forest in Yunqi Village, actually located in Hangzhou. Over the years, the area has become one of the 10 most notable attractions of West Lake and, of course, has a historical background as well. According to legend, beautiful, colorful clouds used to drift above Mount Wuyun, which is where the name Yunqi comes from. Until the early 17th to 20th centuries, only Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong were permitted to walk the middle section of the trail; no ordinary mortals were allowed. Anyone who violated this “law” faced prison and forced labor; in the worst cases, they were executed.

In the bamboo forest, alongside the bamboo, you can see several oak trees over 200 years old, as well as pavilions, a teahouse, and the Yunqi Temple. Master Lianchi’s tomb is also located here. Born in Hangzhou, the master followed the teachings of Confucius in his youth, then at the age of 32 attained enlightenment and became a Buddhist monk. He is considered one of the four greatest Buddhist monks of the Ming Dynasty, and his grave is an important pilgrimage site.

The natural beauty of the site and the harmony of the built environment offer an ideal place to refresh and find peace after the noisy, bustling hustle of the nearby city. It takes a lot of luck to enjoy the peace and quiet! The forest is a popular hiking destination among Chinese people, who do not exactly follow the quiet and considerate approach to nature.
Anyone planning a trip to the bamboo forest can combine it with a visit to the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the nearby tea plantations.

 

January, 2018

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