2009 09 15 – Day 81 – Chengde
Putuo Zongcheng Temple, modelled on the
Potala Palace in Lhasa, is a definite highlight of Chengde.
The view from the car park is impressive:
but not quite as impressive as
this view.
The top of a gateway
The Imperial way to ascend. Sadly there were no porters.
I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable looking at this sculpture. It seems to me as if the elephant's forelimbs are broken.... and yet an image search for '
elephant lying down' reveals that the sculptor wasn't entirely wayward.
Approaching the temple involves a stroll uphill through pleasant gardens,
followed by a steep climb up stone stairs
Inside is much more human than the formidable sheer outer walls would have you believe
and worth exploring.
This exposed pillar paintwork tells you everything you need to know about the strength of the sun here, standing in it too long and why there are so few windows in the building.
Imperial stage for Imperial performances... presumably for, rather than by the Emperor.
Up on the roof there's little chance to escape the heat of the sun,
so I didn't stay up there long - completing a short lap and briefly enjoying the views -
like this one, across another of the Eight Outer Temples of Chengde to Sledgehammer Peak, before descending to join my little tour group.
