Autumn is the “cooling off” month between the blazing summer and chilling winter. Not like the boisterous spring where everything is born new, autumn has its own silent beauty. During the day, it breezes, sunshine is warm, the sky bright blue and leaves colorful. Who doesn’t enjoy observing the leaves from the trees and plants changing into multi-colored works of art before finally falling away? The bare and seemingly vulnerable branches make a calm foreground of a truly beautiful and tranquil scenery. Doesn’t this the perfect weather arouse your imagination and the uprush of desire to grab your camera and exploring the beautiful places around you? This is the first station I would like to show you – Town of Nianhuawan.
The name “Nianhua” originates from the Buddhist story, which means holding a flower. This town is build to represents Buddhism and Chán禅. Standing in front of the first door of the town, a sculpture of a little monk holding a lantern welcomes you. His smile makes you drop off all your stress and put yourself totally inside of this. Then walking down the avenue, you will be surrounded by various carefully maintained plants and Buddhist sculptures with different appearances. The sound of trickling stream, the singing of the birds, the beautiful leaves and the flower sea, all of this makes you feel peaceful and comfortable.
Continue walking along the path, a view of old styled buildings unfolds in front of your eyes. The buildings in the town are imitations of the style Tang Dynasty in China. Many of them are used as hotel for the tourists who want to stay longer in this garden town. Walking between the buildings you too can find some café and teahouse to buy some coffee or tea to warm your hands and stomachs in a chilling day.
There is also a tea house where a tea master will show people how to make a tea. You can take part in it and experience the Tea Art there. Also handwriting of Sutras is popular. It is said to help you find your own peace in heart. In addition to that you will have opportunities to make your own pottery and to enjoy the vegetarian food etc. The fence and decorations of these buildings are delicate and elegant. You definitely would love to take more pictures.
In the evening, magnificent and stunning water – light shows will take place. They will be performed in different places inside the town. The light scatters and reflects many beautiful patterns along with the music, meanwhile the performer dancing either on different stages of a tower or on a huge lotus, an important symbol of Buddhism, in the middle of a lake. Standing on the nearby bridge, you can also have a nice view of the mesmerizing water screen movie. With boats wabbling on the water and willows around you swinging in the air, it feels just right. Listening to the story and music, you can totally relax yourself.
This is only one stop on the map of China, which you can visit in autumn. When you are tired of the hustle and bustle life, you can drive down here easily breathing the fresh air. Forget all the stress and as you see the first leaf falling, you can get started with your journey in autumn.
