Pre-Olympics Beijing

Our 2008 Dream Journey to China took place in late April prior to the Summer Olympics. Beijing was all dressed up. The city was filled with cheerful anticipation. Everywhere was packed with flowers. Lilac fragrance was permeating in the air. Cherry-apples (or Hai-tong in Chinese) are showing their multi-colors. Peach blossoms smiling like a drunken court lady. Cute buds and fully opened pedals sharing this glorious spring morning.

One of the purposes of this trip was to enjoy the budding new blooms and majestic old trees. I enjoyed a preview of what was to come.

My good friends and Dream Journey companions Harvey and Janice outside of the Forbidden City

Half of our group members had come with me before; I took them to the Scenic Hill behind the Forbidden City. We saw our first peony in bloom there - flowers and more flowers. The busy bees must felt like a Chinese emperor, so many pretty concubines, so little time. Beijing is magnificent with its Imperial grandeur. The blooming flowers made all the structures come to life. In Baihai Park, willows dancing in the breeze by the water. Cool. We took Pedi cab and strolled through old Beijing's Hutong district in the afternoon. Enjoyed tea ceremony, Peking duck and a dumpling feast.

The first part of our journey took an in-depth visit to the heartland of China in the north- focused on the Eastern Yellow Plateau-today's Shanxi Province. This land is the sedan chair that carried the seed of Chinese culture.

Datung and the Yungang Grottoes

Meticulously carved Buddhist statues in Datung

The Mongol Topa Kingdom established its capital in Datung and ordered the construction of the Yungang Grottoes in 460AD. It housed over 100,000 Buddhist statues meticulously carved out of rocky cliff in 40 years by 3000 captured families from the Silk Road.

Hanging Temple of Holy North Mountain

The Topa emperor was wise to learn that in order to rule China, the Topa tribe needed to make an all out effort to become Chinese. These Buddha statues were simplified and took a down to earth look, wearing a smile.

Spetacular Hanging Temple of the Holy North Mountain

We made a daring push to visit Wutai Mountain, the highest peak in North China (3058 meters high). The temple groups were profoundly spiritual. Monks were friendly. Even the dog posed for our camera. A few emperors in the past had given up everything to be here. I wonder if I could, nay. Two days, the most. I need worldly things, I need to feel emotions, and I must eat meat. Pigeons can be vegetarians.

Pingyao

We went to Pingyao- a 2700 years old town completely intact with city walls and functioning streets. Not many foreigners visited here. Folks were curious but friendly. We were the only visitors in the Twin Forest Temple. It was quite a find. There were all together just two monks they're accompanying a 1500 years old locust tree. It was one of the most tranquil moments during our journey.

Spring flowers putting on a show at the Chang Family Courtyard

We saw an amazing collection of statues. The mighty four Heavenly Kings were awesome. They were full of expression, with energy and motion. The companions to the Buddha were exquisite. They were modeled after the donors. I loved the subtlety of the colors. Later, we were again the lone visitor in the exquisite Chang Family Courtyard. Places like these made our dream journey unique. In twilight hours, in the heartland of China, we enjoyed an impeccably well-preserved garden. We were truly in a dream world, a land of enchantment. It was the film "Raising the Red Lantern" that prompted my interest to visit a family courtyard like this. The place offered a lot more than what I saw in the film.

Taiyuan and the Jin Temple

Our Dream Journey group outside of the Jin Temple - home of the Immortal Spring

Taiyuan means Grand Origin. We were in the garden of the Jin Temple, built first in 1100 BC. There was a story about the Immortal Spring in the Jin Temple. A young woman, mistreated by her mother-in-law, had to fetch water and carry it over a long distance everyday. One day, she ran into an old man with a thirsty horse. She generously offered all the water she carried for the horse. In return to her kindness, the old man offered a jar and gave the young woman a whip. Whenever she needed water, she had only to brandish the whip and the water would come up and filled the jar. The mother-in-law got hold of the whip and decided to try herself. Water surged out from the jar nonstop. Frightened, she called out for help. The young woman was combing her hair, she hurried in and jumped to seat on top of the jar trying to stop the flood. The water then became a gentle clear flow that came to known as the Immortal Spring.

I used to ponder the meaning of a story like this. I would place myself in a role in the story. Should I be the old man-since folks here have address me as "old master" a lot these days, the invisible husband; the thirsty horse? No, I had be the jar that got whipped and got sat on-to produce endless flow of immortal spring? Nowadays, I just let it be.

Giant Cypress tree in the Jin Temple in Taiyuan

There is a group ageless cypress trees in the garden. These trees are the real reasons for me to visit this temple. The oldest one is said to be more than 4800 years old. It was tilting badly, but it was miraculously supported with a younger cypress tree planted some 1500 years ago. They became the symbol of loving couples. How lovely this is? Nearly 5000 years ago, a tree was planted here. Thousands years later, another tree came along and provided support to the older tree. This is the ground of origin, a place where tradition and continuity are personified. This is the real reason for us to be here. This is one glorious civilization, in a sense; we are all the decedents of dragon.

Ling Chi and I amongst the peonies at the Peony Festival in Luoyang

Luoyang and the Peony Festival

We came to Luoyang to be part of the Peony Festival. Luoyang put up huge banner to welcome us. We visited the second majestic cliff sculpture groupings where the Yi River cut through the Dragon Gate (Longmen). This masterpiece took a continuous 400 years. Empress Wu built the biggest Buddha among them, in her own image.

Empress Wu was the only lady Emperor in Chinese history. She came to Tang court in her teens to become a concubine to the second Tang emperor. She managed to attract the attention of the crown prince. When the emperor passed away she became a nun at the age of 24. The crown prince, now, the new emperor called her back and eventually made her the empress. When the weak emperor passed away. Empress Wu held supreme rule (690-705). Her title was "Disciplining Heaven." Her tombstone epitaph remained wordless for she felt no word could adequately describe how great she was.

Empress Wu is forever connected with the peony. The tree peony is Muh Dan in China. The flower symbolizes good fortune and is the king among flowers. Our lady emperor Wu once issued an order to God one winter. "Tomorrow I shall walk about my garden. I need you to make all the flowers bloom in the night." Indeed, all the flowers bloomed. Only peony remained bare. The lady emperor was angry. She banished all the peonies to the town of Luoyang. Once arrived, all the peonies blossomed.

We went to Shaolin Temple and enjoyed a martial art performance by the young monks. We had a tranquil time at Sung Yang Schoolyard. A hole that could house five people could be found near the root of one of the cypress. When the Han emperor visited the yard of the old school house here, he saw the first giant cypress and was greatly impressed. He gave the title of Top General to the tree. As he turned the corner, he noticed another cypress that was much taller and fuller. As emperor, he could not go back on his words. He could only call the second tree the Lieutenant. The taller tree could not swallow such injustice. He was so pissed that he busted his trunk open.

Lotus and a "Ting" or rest area at Hangzhou (West Lake)

Hangzhou (West Lake)

Both Lingchi and I came from south China. We again enjoyed the homecoming by going to Shangri-La by the incomparable Westlake. Yes, we are having a rendezvous with the poetic charm of the dreamy south China now. It is inconceivable to be able to enjoy a morning walk by the lake uncrowded and unhurried in these days. But we did. I have come to know each and every plant around the lake.

Tunxi and Yellow Mountain

It has been two years since last time we visited Yellow Mountain. We enjoyed its magic in springtime both on top of the mountain as well as its charming villages.

This land was the cradle of Chinese civilization. It was here, dried pulps of tree barks were found along the riverbank. The Chinese created the first sheet of paper. The Four Treasures of Literary Pursuits: brush, paper, ink stick, and ink stone were all developed in and around this area. My whole existence evolved with these wonderful tools.

In Tunxi, we visited Hu Kai-wen Ink Studio and observed the process of making ink sticks. From collecting soot, to pounding the ink dough, making the ink stick mold, pressing and drying, and eventually decorating the sticks. The studio gate read "Ink Connection." Indeed, it was ink that brought us together in sharing this dream journey.

Upon entering the archway of the Old Town, one was immediately taken back in time. Ancient alleyways dotted with historical relics, each a tapestry of father time. We were in a town beyond the noise of vehicles. Morning of Old Town took me back to a time way back. It was basic, familiar, and wonderful.

We took cable car to the top of the mountain then took a walk into the canyon. This was a newly developed trail once called the enchanting land. This was a pass of amusement. There are many clever features both adventuresome and fun.

On top of the hills, one can see the Embroidery Maiden on the left, and the Lovers sit on the right. The man is leaning over and proposing to a shy lady. This is why there are many locks. Couples put lock on the chained fence here, and throw the key into the canyon.

Spirited pines grew out from sheer rocks. The most daring ones were growing sideways off the cliffs. These pine let out a melting agent to allow them to cling onto the rocks. They are reaching and receiving, greeting and sending their guests.

Sunset against one of the peaks of Yellow Mountain

The chief of security led us to a secluded area to watch the sunset. It was here; we felt the magical power of this mountain. A tranquil contentment permeated the twilight time. Layers of mountains in multiple colors fade into distance. Evening splendors lingers until the last glow in the canyon vanishes. It is the mountains way of saying good night. Then, there was sunrise.

At dawn, the Prime Minister stood watching the chess player. What a gentleman of patience. For millions of years, he observed the game without utter a single word. The light came through from the back of the players. The stage was illuminated with colors of gold, vermillion and purple. Not far from them, the child was praying to the Goddess. We were in nature's temple. There was glowing radiance on the faces of my group.

There were multi-colored rolling clouds embracing distance hills. There was a calm stillness. One felt in tune with the rhythm of the universe. When one is as naturally beautiful as Yellow Mountain, every little thing she does is breathtaking.

What an uplifting experience for an artist. It was as if by a grand design, the mighty creator wants to show us how it is done. Every pine has its unique style. Every rock has enchanting legend. The poetic mood is everywhere. This is the Good Earth. This is what China meant for me. Each of the spiritual spot on this magic mountain has one unforgettable sight. An all stars cast created by the all mighty. There is the Magic Brush Tip; "the Prime Minister Viewing the Chess Players," "the Child Praying to the Goddess of Mercy," and the Monkey King, to name a few.

It is the exclamation of all visitors. No one believed such mountain existed. But once here, one cannot help but come out shouting "Now I Believe!"

The playful mist in Yellow Mountain

Yellow Mountain saved her best for us for our finale. She brought us the sea of cloud. At times, the mist rise gently, one could see through. Tremendous drama took place when the mist propelled like a jet stream, like a white dragon ascending. Occasionally, there was the grand symphony when all at once a giant white screen elevates and envelopes the whole mountain.

The ever-changing mist is playful, like a mischievous maiden. Mountains extended their welcoming arms. They were enjoying the gentle caress and soothing message with contentment. Millions of years, countless joyful unions and reunions, the millions of pines dotted the hills are witnessing a love endearing. A calm ocean, a rising curtain, a swift dispense, a rolling wave…the mist shared a thousand and one tales.

These moments were eternal. I felt like the most blessed child of nature. Yesterday, I was poor. Now, I felt the richness beyond my wildest imagination. When I think back, there is always that defining moment on the mountain. All my senses purified. All my worries washed away. All my cells opened and set free. I will carry that particular glow the rest of the year. It is an ultimate magical mystery tour. It is nature's grand opera house for continuous well-staged drama.

There is one mountain in China that embodied the whole essence of Chinese culture. Each moment, every corner, the mountain touches your soul. It inspires you to the core. It caresses you in such gentle warmth; it moves you with such natural elegance. This is our beloved Yellow Mountain.

Hsiun Tsuen Village

On our way down the mountain, we visited a village called Hsiung Tsuen. This type of visit was always special for my group. We got to make contact to real people face to face. I do appreciate these folks open their homes and fields for us. One should never under estimate the cultural heritage of the plain folks in this part of the world. Every hole, every ditch, every crevice…there were crouching tigers and hidden dragons. There is no shortcut to culture. It takes time. It takes the collective wisdom of generations upon generations.

Shanghai

Our dream Journey in 2008 ended in Metropolitan Shanghai. It was a cultural shock for us from Yellow Mountain to Shanghai. We visited the fabulous Shanghai museum. The dishes at our farewell dinner summarized some of the highlights of our dream journey-a fitting conclusion for a beautiful dream journey.

Spots are limited, join Ning for Dream Journey 2009!
For more info call 800-969-4471.