A Journey of Poetry and Legend

^{#Suzhou, #HanshanTemple, #MapleBridge, #TigerHill, #One - dayTrip, #History, #Culture, #Legend, #Architecture, #Landscape}

Suzhou, a city full of poetry and legend. On this beautiful autumn day, I embarked on an unforgettable one-day trip.

In the morning, I came to Hanshan Temple. This ancient temple, which was built during the Tianjian period of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties, carries thousands of years of history and culture. As soon as I entered the mountain gate, the Great Buddha Hall was solemn and solemn, making people feel the sacredness and tranquility of Buddhism. Then, I saw the unique Flower Basket Tower. The two main pillars were just like the handles of a flower basket, unique. Next to it, the release pond, small stone bridge and the statue of Tudigong were small and delicate, full of the breath of life.

The Hanshi Hall behind the main hall is the "Heshang Ancestral Court". Inside are the stone statues of Hanshan and Shide. Hanshan is good at poetry. Shide was originally an orphan. Their friendship is praised by the people as "the two immortals of harmony". Their conversation is full of life wisdom. The Puming Pagoda soars into the sky. The imitation Tang wooden structure pavilion-style building shows the charm of ancient architecture. The big iron bell made in 1906 makes people think of the poem "The midnight bell reaches the passenger ship", feeling the ancient customs of temples in Wuzhong.

Inside the bell tower is the "Number One Buddhist Bell in the World", which is astonishing. The inscriptions on the bell face and the exquisite flying apsaras pictures show exquisite craftsmanship. The Chinese poetry stele outside the bell tower has the Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra written by Emperor Qianlong on one side and "Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night" written by Yu Yue, a famous scholar in the Qing Dynasty, on the other side, making people feel the perfect combination of literature and art. The poems on the wall outside the temple chanting Hanshan Temple by literati of all ages add a strong cultural atmosphere.

Opposite Hanshan Temple is Maple Bridge. This simple and elegant stone arch bridge, after years of baptism, still exudes unique charm. Next to Maple Bridge is Tieling Pass, which is the only relatively well-preserved anti-Japanese enemy tower relic in Suzhou. The moss on the tower is mottled, and a sense of vicissitudes comes oncoming. Standing there, it seems that one can hear the echo of history.

In the afternoon, I came to Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill was originally called Haiyong Mountain. Legend has it that this place was once a vast ocean. After a volcanic eruption, this mountain was formed. During the Spring and Autumn Period, King Helü of Wu was buried here. Three days after the burial, a white tiger squatted on the mountain, so it was renamed Tiger Hill.

Crossing Haiyong Bridge, the Broken Beam Hall comes into view. This hall, built in the Yuan Dynasty, has its main beam joined by two sections. The whole hall is fastened without metal components and only uses bamboo and wood dowels, but it is very strong, reflecting the superb craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen. Passing through the Broken Beam Hall, Yongcui Mountain Villa is a different world. This enclosed terraced classical garden initiated by Hong Jun is full of greenery. Pavilions, towers, lakes, stones and rockeries are scattered in the most appropriate positions. The names of Baoweng Pavilion, Wenquan Pavilion, Yongcui Pavilion and Yuejia Pavilion are full of poetry.

Next to the villa is the Hanhan Spring. There is a beautiful legend. The monk Hanhan in the Liang Dynasty dug out a spring here and cured his eye disease. Not far away is the Sword-Testing Stone. Legend has it that King Helü of Wu tested his sword here and split the stone in two. The Sword Pool is the essence of Tiger Hill. The four characters "Tiger Hill Sword Pool" were originally written by Yan Zhenqing, a great calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty, and then were engraved again. The Sword Pool is mysterious and simple. It is the tomb of King Helü of Wu and is still a mystery to this day. On the top of the Sword Pool is the Double Well Bridge. Legend has it that Xi Shi once dressed up in front of the well.

Passing through the round arch with the words "Haiyong Lanfu", the Tiger Hill Pagoda is in front of us. This Yunyan Temple Pagoda is the largest leaning tower in China, known as the "Oriental Leaning Tower of Pisa". The unique shape of the tower makes people marvel at the magic of ancient architecture. The Yanghe Gully is silent and no one is there. The sound of the mountain stream flowing and the towering trees create a peaceful atmosphere.

In the evening, I came to Shantang Street. Here, the lights are brilliant and it is very lively. Strolling on the ancient street, enjoying the night view of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River, tasting various snacks, and feeling the fireworks of Suzhou.

This one-day trip in Suzhou let me experience the poetry of Hanshan Temple, the legend of Tiger Hill and the romance of Shantang Street. Suzhou, this beautiful city, will always stay in my memory.