Page:Ningpo to Shanghai.djvu/33

Rh From Hoi-yen to Fong-quong-ling, a Ding on a hill, which, with its arched verandah and white washed walls is seen from a good distance, the course is S. W. one mile. From the top of the Ling, Sze-ming-shan, a mountain 2,500 feet high, beats N. by W,distant some fifteen miles. From the top of Sze-ming-shan a view is obtained of three departments at a glance, viz Ningpo, Taechow and Shaouhing. San-Tew, a small hamlet of 30 families on the top of this hill, surrounded by tea bushes, is W. S. W. 5 lē from the ding spoken of. From this spot, as far as the eye can reach all round, only mountains meet the view. A little way down the hill, southerly, is the village of Wong-mo-teah, of 100 families, 10 lē from which, due west of the village, is the district city of Sing-chong.

The great object of attraction at Sing chong is the Tow-va-sze or Temple of the Great Buddha; and to reach it, travellers from the east pass through the city and mount a sharp ascent in the rear; then descending a flight of steps to the other side, a total distance from the city walls of 4 lē. A monastery of 50 priests is attached to the Temple, and, by the Abbot and Guest chancellor, the latter particularly, every attention and kindness are readily given to foreign visitors. A more fortunate selection for such an establishment could not have been made. It is in a complete hollow amid a group of hills and precipitous rocks from one to two hundred feet high, just large enough for the Monastery and outbuildings, the approaches winding in such a way that, but for a knowledge of the existence of the place, it would not easily be discovered. Here, carved out of the solid rock, fifty one feet in height from the base on which the demi-body sits, the great Buddh is arched in and enthroned in truly god-like state. 