Title: Qing Shui Yan 请水岩
Description: Qing Shui Zhu Shi' temple, Anqui, Fujian
Description: Qing Shui Zhu Shi' temple, Anqui, Fujian
REBORN - October 7, 2007 11:56 PM (GMT)
Zhang Gong Sheng Jun celebration:
Day 6: Visit Qing Shui Yan 请水岩, Anqui, Fujian
I was very excited about this visit as I was kind of associated with Qing Shui Zhu Shi for more than 15 yrs and have never been to Qing Shui Yan, although my fellow li-shi had visited many times. Recently, the Qing Shui Zhu shi statue at Woodlands Ind Pk E9 temple have his faced and body painted (black, of course!). But I kind of sad as I felt that the original 'normal' faced status is unique for all temples/sintua showed the black-faced version. I felt that this 'black-faced' version is naive (immature thinking/perception) or blindfate. The four mountain spirits's statues was also installed (specially make in China).
The ride uphill reminds me of Cameron Highllands, Pahang. Such sceneric views!
These are the better variety tea (Tie Guan Ying):
The welcoming committee:
My very experienced and matured tour guides:
From here up, have to walk lah:
Both side of the stairway are lined with the 12 zodiac animals; the male set on the left and the female set on the right:
On top of this stairway, a tourist signboard greeted us:
As you see, it's a long way from the main temple. But, the things that awaits on the way will surely make you wish that the route is longer as its lined with historic site and legends!
Just wonders who and how many people walked this path!
Finally the ticket booth.
Entrance fee : RBM5 (about S$1)! The cost of printing the ticket is properly close to S$1 here (in Singapore).
REBORN - October 8, 2007 01:17 PM (GMT)
Ji Ji Chao Bei (技技朝北)
An ancient and unusual tree that have all its branch pointing north!
An ancient and unusual tree that have all its branch pointing north!
REBORN - October 8, 2007 01:42 PM (GMT)
Luo Han Song 罗汗松
The inscription on the stone read:
"It is a rare kind of tree. It is said it was planted by Qingshui Zushi.
It is 13 metres high (chinese length) and 1.35 metres large. People say it grows 3 cun (chinese length) tall every year but when thunder and lightning come, it will become 3 centimetres short, which sounds mysterous."
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Scientific name: Yew Prodocarpus
Podocarpus - Buddhist pine, Chinese yew
General Information: This upright, dense evergreen has pointed, leathery, dark green leaves arranged on stiff, symmetrical branches and works very well as a screen, hedge, strong accent plant, or framing tree. The crown forms a somewhat pyramidal to oval outline. Able to reach 90 feet in height, Nagi Podocarpus is usually seen at 30 to 40 feet in height due to the moderately-slow growth rate. Compact branching habit and very dark green foliage make this a dense tree in full sun, more open but surprisingly dense in shade.
Old Podocarpus bonsai are impressive with their stately elegance. Although trunk and bark formation always takes quite a few years, Podocarpus growth varies with climate - slow-growing indoors and towards the cooler end of their range, fast-growing in sunny areas. Their evergreen leaves are similar in formation and shape to yews, although Podocarpus leaves are larger - just under 2 inches to a maximum of 4 inches.
Family: Podocarpaceae
Lighting: Likes direct sunlight. Too little light will result in large, elongated needles. Can survive, however, on as little as 800 Lux. In very sun-intense areas, Podocarpus may suffer leaf-burn if not given shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature: Zones 9 through 11. Will survive light frost, but for best results, keep above 55F. Can be grown successfully indoors in a well-lit spot. Prefers winter temperatures between 61-68F.
Watering: Likes slightly moist soil, but be sure to provide adequate drainage. Gray needles are a sign of overwatering. Daily misting is appreciated by indoor plants.
Feeding: Peters 20-20-20, fish emulsion and fertilizer cakes are recommended. For indoor growers who can't take the fishy smell, liquid bonsai fertilizer can be used, applied every two weeks in warm weather, every six in winter. Podocarpus likes slightly acid soil, so a dose of Miracid several times a year is helpful. These plants need additional iron and magnesium; iron is partially supplied by the Miracid. In addition, apply a dose of chelated iron twice yearly. To prevent magnesium deficiency, use 2-3 applications of Epsom Salts (1 tbs per gallon of water) a year.
Pruning and wiring: Young Podocarpus plants have a tendancy to grow straight up, with no side branching. This is easily remidied by cutting them back hard, which will result in aggressive back budding. Pinch back new growth as necessary, and remove oversized needles. If half of the bud is pinched away, back budding is stimulated, and leaf reduction will occur. Cutting the leaves will result only in brown edges; smaller replacement leaves will not necessarily form. Wire lignified wood for 2-3 months, being careful to watch for any signs that the wire is beginning to cut into the bark. Green wood may be wired loosly. Old Podocarpus wood becomes very rigid and is difficult to bend. Suitable for all sizes, and all styles except broom. Driftwood can be successfully incorporated into the design.
Propagation: Podocarpus roots easily from cuttings. The best method seems to be simply to place softwood (preferably new growth) cuttings in water until roots form, then transplanting them into bonsai soil. Hardwood cuttings require the use of rooting hormone and bottom heat. Podocarpus can be grown from seed, but seeds can be hard to obtain.
Repotting: Every 3-4 years in spring. Roots should only be pruned by 10-15%.
Pests and diseases: Pests: Scale, mealy bugs and sooty mold. Diseases: It is susceptible to root rot on soils with poor drainage.
Some species suitable for bonsai:
Podocarpus alpinus - a dwarf form with smaller and less coarse foliage than P. macrophyllus.
Podocarpus macrophylla (also called P. chinensis): kusamaki, Buddhist pine, Chinese yew, bigleaf podocarps, swallow's tongue pine - this Chinese native bears green or purple fruit. In the wild, it can grow up to 40 ft.
Podocarpus macrophylla Maki (also called Podocarpus sinensis): Southern yew - smaller than the species, this shrub grows to 20 ft.
Podocarpus nagi: Yellowwood - A native of Japan, China and Taiwan, this small tree has 2-3 inch leaves and globose fruit.
Podocarpus nivalis: Alpine yew - another dwarf form, used for bonsai in the West.
The inscription on the stone read:
"It is a rare kind of tree. It is said it was planted by Qingshui Zushi.
It is 13 metres high (chinese length) and 1.35 metres large. People say it grows 3 cun (chinese length) tall every year but when thunder and lightning come, it will become 3 centimetres short, which sounds mysterous."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific name: Yew Prodocarpus
Podocarpus - Buddhist pine, Chinese yew
General Information: This upright, dense evergreen has pointed, leathery, dark green leaves arranged on stiff, symmetrical branches and works very well as a screen, hedge, strong accent plant, or framing tree. The crown forms a somewhat pyramidal to oval outline. Able to reach 90 feet in height, Nagi Podocarpus is usually seen at 30 to 40 feet in height due to the moderately-slow growth rate. Compact branching habit and very dark green foliage make this a dense tree in full sun, more open but surprisingly dense in shade.
Old Podocarpus bonsai are impressive with their stately elegance. Although trunk and bark formation always takes quite a few years, Podocarpus growth varies with climate - slow-growing indoors and towards the cooler end of their range, fast-growing in sunny areas. Their evergreen leaves are similar in formation and shape to yews, although Podocarpus leaves are larger - just under 2 inches to a maximum of 4 inches.
Family: Podocarpaceae
Lighting: Likes direct sunlight. Too little light will result in large, elongated needles. Can survive, however, on as little as 800 Lux. In very sun-intense areas, Podocarpus may suffer leaf-burn if not given shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature: Zones 9 through 11. Will survive light frost, but for best results, keep above 55F. Can be grown successfully indoors in a well-lit spot. Prefers winter temperatures between 61-68F.
Watering: Likes slightly moist soil, but be sure to provide adequate drainage. Gray needles are a sign of overwatering. Daily misting is appreciated by indoor plants.
Feeding: Peters 20-20-20, fish emulsion and fertilizer cakes are recommended. For indoor growers who can't take the fishy smell, liquid bonsai fertilizer can be used, applied every two weeks in warm weather, every six in winter. Podocarpus likes slightly acid soil, so a dose of Miracid several times a year is helpful. These plants need additional iron and magnesium; iron is partially supplied by the Miracid. In addition, apply a dose of chelated iron twice yearly. To prevent magnesium deficiency, use 2-3 applications of Epsom Salts (1 tbs per gallon of water) a year.
Pruning and wiring: Young Podocarpus plants have a tendancy to grow straight up, with no side branching. This is easily remidied by cutting them back hard, which will result in aggressive back budding. Pinch back new growth as necessary, and remove oversized needles. If half of the bud is pinched away, back budding is stimulated, and leaf reduction will occur. Cutting the leaves will result only in brown edges; smaller replacement leaves will not necessarily form. Wire lignified wood for 2-3 months, being careful to watch for any signs that the wire is beginning to cut into the bark. Green wood may be wired loosly. Old Podocarpus wood becomes very rigid and is difficult to bend. Suitable for all sizes, and all styles except broom. Driftwood can be successfully incorporated into the design.
Propagation: Podocarpus roots easily from cuttings. The best method seems to be simply to place softwood (preferably new growth) cuttings in water until roots form, then transplanting them into bonsai soil. Hardwood cuttings require the use of rooting hormone and bottom heat. Podocarpus can be grown from seed, but seeds can be hard to obtain.
Repotting: Every 3-4 years in spring. Roots should only be pruned by 10-15%.
Pests and diseases: Pests: Scale, mealy bugs and sooty mold. Diseases: It is susceptible to root rot on soils with poor drainage.
Some species suitable for bonsai:
Podocarpus alpinus - a dwarf form with smaller and less coarse foliage than P. macrophyllus.
Podocarpus macrophylla (also called P. chinensis): kusamaki, Buddhist pine, Chinese yew, bigleaf podocarps, swallow's tongue pine - this Chinese native bears green or purple fruit. In the wild, it can grow up to 40 ft.
Podocarpus macrophylla Maki (also called Podocarpus sinensis): Southern yew - smaller than the species, this shrub grows to 20 ft.
Podocarpus nagi: Yellowwood - A native of Japan, China and Taiwan, this small tree has 2-3 inch leaves and globose fruit.
Podocarpus nivalis: Alpine yew - another dwarf form, used for bonsai in the West.
REBORN - October 8, 2007 01:56 PM (GMT)
San Zhong Miao (三忠庙)
This stone inscription read:
Sanzhong Temple
It is a several-roof building. When it was built has always been unknown.
At first, only Zhang Xuan, Xu Yuan and Wuzi Xu were worship here. Later Zhu Yuan Zhang, the first king of Ming Dynasty put Yue Fei instead of Wuzi Xu and then Guan Yu was added. So there are actually four martyrs in Sanzhong Miao.
From left:
Guan Yu [ 关羽 ]
Yue Fei [ 岳飞 ]
Zhang Shun [ 张廵 ]
Xu Yuan [ 许远 ]
This stone inscription read:
Sanzhong Temple
It is a several-roof building. When it was built has always been unknown.
At first, only Zhang Xuan, Xu Yuan and Wuzi Xu were worship here. Later Zhu Yuan Zhang, the first king of Ming Dynasty put Yue Fei instead of Wuzi Xu and then Guan Yu was added. So there are actually four martyrs in Sanzhong Miao.
From left:
Guan Yu [ 关羽 ]
Yue Fei [ 岳飞 ]
Zhang Shun [ 张廵 ]
Xu Yuan [ 许远 ]
REBORN - October 8, 2007 02:20 PM (GMT)
Hai Hui Yuan (海会院)
Beautiful roof:
Recently renovated, it housed the Buddhist trinity, namely, Amitofu Buddha, Nan Hai Guan Ying and Dashi Jizun deng Pusa. On both side are the 18 luohans:
REBORN - October 8, 2007 02:37 PM (GMT)
Sheng Quan : 圣泉
(meaning: Holy spring)
In the past, one must washes the hand and feet here before proceeding further. This is to cleanse off one's sins and unholiness.
(meaning: Holy spring)
In the past, one must washes the hand and feet here before proceeding further. This is to cleanse off one's sins and unholiness.
REBORN - October 8, 2007 03:04 PM (GMT)
Ancient pine trees:
Holy pine trees. Legend have it that when Jigong need these pine tree to built a temple but not allow to cut these trees as it grows in this holy land. Jigong then travels to the next villiage where a rich landlord owns a huge plot of land that's covered with these pine tree. When Jigong asked for permission to cut some trees to build a temple, this cunning and miser landlord laughed and said to Jigong: "Look over the hill in front, my land are covered with the best pine trees in the whole country. If you can chop down all these tree before next morning light, it's all yours!" And laughed loudly and heartily (thinking that no human alone can cut down so many trees. It was estimated that a normal human will take a few hours just to cut down one such tree. Pine trees are the best timber because it is strong and hard!).
At that moment, Jigong took off his monk robe spreaded it into the air. The monk robe expanded bigger and bigger in the air till it covers all the pine tree in the forest and with a magic spell, all the tree disappeared! All these tree then slowly appeared one by one from this well!
Fu Shan Chi : 浮杉池
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There are many site on Jigong in the webby. Here's an interesting one:
http://www.ji-gong.com/chinese/gjdy_gjjj.asp
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Holy pine trees. Legend have it that when Jigong need these pine tree to built a temple but not allow to cut these trees as it grows in this holy land. Jigong then travels to the next villiage where a rich landlord owns a huge plot of land that's covered with these pine tree. When Jigong asked for permission to cut some trees to build a temple, this cunning and miser landlord laughed and said to Jigong: "Look over the hill in front, my land are covered with the best pine trees in the whole country. If you can chop down all these tree before next morning light, it's all yours!" And laughed loudly and heartily (thinking that no human alone can cut down so many trees. It was estimated that a normal human will take a few hours just to cut down one such tree. Pine trees are the best timber because it is strong and hard!).
At that moment, Jigong took off his monk robe spreaded it into the air. The monk robe expanded bigger and bigger in the air till it covers all the pine tree in the forest and with a magic spell, all the tree disappeared! All these tree then slowly appeared one by one from this well!
Fu Shan Chi : 浮杉池
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There are many site on Jigong in the webby. Here's an interesting one:
http://www.ji-gong.com/chinese/gjdy_gjjj.asp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
REBORN - October 9, 2007 12:10 AM (GMT)
Lie Zhu 裂竹
(Cradle Bamboo)
These unique bamboo have a legend! It was told that during the Song Dynasty, a pregnant woman came here to prays respect to Qing Shui Zhushi and gave birth to a baby. She hide herself behind these bamboo and a stranger thing happened. These bamboo cradled round her and provides coverage as well as a bed!
This story/legend is written on this stone:
The message read:
"It is said that in Song Dynasty, a pregnant woman came to burn incense and pray. When she was about to give a birth to a baby. She had to hide herself among the bamboos which cracked themselves to conceal the woman. Later the baby achieved an instant fame after he grew up. A poem praises it as follows,
Several tall green bamboos cracked
When a pregnant woman
Gave a birth to a baby
On their stems
Shows the character of woman
Which makes people respects them."
REBORN - October 9, 2007 12:16 AM (GMT)
China Premier Hu Ping visit.
On 14th September 1987, China premier Hu Ping visited this sacred place and wrote this poem here:
REBORN - October 9, 2007 01:52 PM (GMT)
Finally, the main temple!
Behind the gate are the set of door gods as well as the four mountain spirits that Qing Shui ZhuShi captured and tamed ( here, after a hard fought battle):
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The magnificant ancient Qing Shui Temple!
There are many dates as to when it was first buit, but it is definately in the early 1000AD, thus it is more than a 1,000 year old! Wow!
A huge ancient incense burner:
The fire-crackers' pit:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The main altar:
The one in the red robe is Qing Shui Zhu Shi. The other three behind in yellow robe are his 'mirror images'.
At the left corner is this smaller status:
Noticed a huge obit on the banner.
More obit here:
A smiling Wei To pusa:
Nanmo Di Zhang Wang pusa:
Nanmo Guan Shi Ying pusa:
Firing firecrackers time! Wah...love it! Something Singaporean will surely missed for a long long time. Although once a year during Lunar New Year, there's a fire-crackers firing display in China Town, nothing beats firing it yourself!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The path up is lined with souvenir shops:
Tourist guide for sale?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The common path is also lined with fortune-tellers:
Behind the gate are the set of door gods as well as the four mountain spirits that Qing Shui ZhuShi captured and tamed ( here, after a hard fought battle):
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The magnificant ancient Qing Shui Temple!
There are many dates as to when it was first buit, but it is definately in the early 1000AD, thus it is more than a 1,000 year old! Wow!
A huge ancient incense burner:
The fire-crackers' pit:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The main altar:
The one in the red robe is Qing Shui Zhu Shi. The other three behind in yellow robe are his 'mirror images'.
At the left corner is this smaller status:
Noticed a huge obit on the banner.
More obit here:
A smiling Wei To pusa:
Nanmo Di Zhang Wang pusa:
Nanmo Guan Shi Ying pusa:
Firing firecrackers time! Wah...love it! Something Singaporean will surely missed for a long long time. Although once a year during Lunar New Year, there's a fire-crackers firing display in China Town, nothing beats firing it yourself!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The path up is lined with souvenir shops:
Tourist guide for sale?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The common path is also lined with fortune-tellers: