As an example, Dinghu Mountain is a breathtaking enclave of China’s natural beauty and is worthy of exploration. Wandering along the paths in the mountain, there’s no shortage of fresh air. Its store of fl ora and fauna, including many endangered species, is virtually unmatched in China. Its gorges, canyons and 10-peaked mountain are covered in a blanket of green that make its views both memorable and constantly camera-worthy.

Not too far away from Dinghu Mountain lies the Seven Star Crags. The seven crags are naturally arranged in the same formation as the seven stars of the Big Dipper constellation, leading to the fi t-ting name. Situated in the north of Zhaoqing, the Seven Star Crags is mainly formed by seven limestone mountains standing on several interconnected lakes. It covers a sprawling expanse of 9.28 square kilometers.

Panlong Gorge, another natural tourist attraction, boasts a long gorge and the number one waterfall group in Guangdong Province with more than 100 waterfalls. In 2005, China’s top tourism magazine Chi-nese National Geography Magazine rated Panlong Gorge as “the most beautiful place in Guangdong Prov-ince.” It is an ideal destination to admire pristine natural scenery and learn about Chinese dragon culture and legends.

Apart from natural wonders, Zhaoqing is also home to historical

sites. Deqing Schooling Palace and Longmu (Mother of Dragons) Ances-tral Temple are two examples.

Deqing Schooling Palace, a majestic feat of architecture stand-ing alongside the Xijiang River in Deqing County, is a cultural relic. By its name, we know that it is a place for students to take classes. In ancient China, it was an impor-tant place for the cultivation of local talents before the modern system of primary school, middle school and university existed.

(Chen Xiaochun)

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Monday September 11, 2017

TEMPLE TALES

Guanyin with 11 heads and “1,000” arms at Dongshan Temple, Shenzhen.

James Baquet

James Baquetjamesbaquet@gmail.com

A BODHISATTVA is one whose being (sattva) is enlightened (bodhi). Astute readers may see that the con-sonants — b, d, h — are shared by the word “buddha,” which means “one who is enlightened.” But a bodhi-sattva differs from a buddha in that, although he or she has worked his/her way up to enlightenment, he/she has vowed to stop short of nirvana until all beings become enlightened. (Never mind that Mahayana follow-ers believe that Buddhas are still available to help as well.)

This brings us to a charming — if somewhat disturbing — story about the most popular of all bodhisattvas, Guanyin (called in Sankskrit Avalok-itechvara), whose name means “the one who hears the cries of the world.” Perhaps you have seen the rather bizarre form of Guanyin with 11 heads and numerous arms — said to be 1,000, and indeed I have seen versions with a sort of sun-like disc behind made of radiating arms, but more often represented by 40, 16, or fewer.

In a 16th-century novel, “The Tale of Guanyin and the Southern Seas,” it is said that Guanyin’s strenuous

efforts to save all sentient beings caused her head to split into 11 pieces. Amitabha Buddha (of whom she is said to be an emana-tion) took compassion on her, and made a head of each of the 11 pieces, so now, with 11 heads, she can hear and see all those who need her help more clearly.

Likewise, when her two arms shattered from trying to help so many, Amitabha again came to the rescue, forming the pieces into 1,000 arms, as “many hands make light work.”

This explains the image we see today.

Eleven-Headed Guanyin

Check out the happiest cities in Guangdong (III)

RECENTLY, the China Institute of City Competitiveness released the 2017 list of the happiest cities in China. Three cities in Guangdong — Huizhou, Zhuhai and Zhaoqing — are among the top 10. Today we will take a closer look at what makes these three cities so satisfactory.

ZhaoqingWith over 2,200 years of history,

Zhaoqing is one of the cradles of Lingnan culture. The blending of China’s Central Plain culture with Lingnan culture led to the birth of this historical and cultural city, and gives a unique living experience for residents.

Endowed with exceptional natu-ral and geographical advantages, the city enjoys a high rate of greeneries with rivers and lakes intertwined between groves. If we look at the city from above, it appears to be a green and luxuriant germ inlaid in the landscape of Guangdong.

The scenery in Zhaoqing is hidden in forests and mountains, lending to a delicate and idyllic feel. Many notable and award-winning landmarks are found here, also undoubtedly an aspect that keeps its citizens sense of adventure alive and connected with the natural world.

Deqing Schooling Palace.

A valley with lavender blossom in Panlong Gorge.

Seven Star Crags is one of the best known places in Zhaoqing. File photos