Penglai Pavilion

Monday 26th September, 2011

I am visiting the Penglai Pavilion and Fortress today. Bernie recommended I go, as it's a major tourist attraction here in Penglai, so with my backpack ready, I left soon after breakfast.

Penglai Pavilion or is a famous tower in Penglai, Shandong, China. It is noted as one of the Four Great Towers of China. It is known as the landing place of the Eight Immortals and when the weather is right, it is known for it's famous occasional mirages. The dividing line between the Yellow Sea and Bohai sea is also marked and clearly visible from the area.

It was easy enough getting to the beach from the Hotel. I had to cross the road, turn right at the lights and just walk straight. Crossing the roads here in Penglai has been alot safer. Still a death wish, but with a smaller population of people, kinda lowers the chances of getting hit by a car, or 3 wheeled truck.
3 wheeled truck

3 wheeled truck

As I walked along the footpath, there was a group of 6 men playing cards. On the opposite side of the road, there were small convenience stores and plenty of seafood restaurants. They were just opening their doors, but I don't think they would start to trade until a little later in the day.

As I neared the beach, I was welcomed by the grand statue of the Eight immortals. The Eight Immortals are a group of legendary Xian in Chinese mythology. Each Immortal's power can be transferred to a power tool that can give life or destroy evil. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea which includes Penglai Mountain-Island.
The 8 Immortals

The 8 Immortals

It was very lovely to see the statue with it's ocean backdrop. It was still early in the morning, so not many tourists were out and about so LUCKILY I was able to get a nice photos, without random people ruining it.

From there I turned left and continued towards the Penglai Pavilion. I was now walking along the footpath that sided with the beach. It was refreshing feeling the salty breeze on my face and definately a welcoming change. Pollution wasn't so abundant here and it was obvious. The sky was blue and that hazy air was non existant.

I made it the the entrance of the Penglai Pavilion. By this stage there were bus coaches all lined up and a few tour groups congregating outside the ticket booth. I wondered on through and saw the sign board with the ticket prices. They offered different prices for different things, but because it was all in Chinese, I didn't know what to point to. So I went to the ticket counter and asked for 'English???' they gave me the 'wait for one moment ' gesture and soon enough a girl that spoke English met with me. I asked her how much the entry fee was and what did it include. It would cost me 100 RMB ($15AU)to get in and that would give me access to the entire fortress, except for the cable car. I thought that was OK. I can always do the cable car another day, as I wasn't sure exactly where it would take me or how far it would be. So with my ticket in my hand, I got it stamped at the gate and followed the stairs, which led me to the main outlook post.

The day was so clear, you could see clearly out to the horizon. My chances of seeing any form of mirage was slim. I continued on up the hills and came to the entrance of the fortress. Not that there was security, but at every entrance for a different fortress, they would check to make sure your ticket was valid. The crowds were now in full swing and I seemed to be the only white chick there. It seemed the Chinese tourists were not only facsinated by the Pavilions attractions, but more of me and what an odd sight I must've been to them LOL.
1...2....3.... BOOM!!!

1...2....3.... BOOM!!!

......

......

Garden within the pavilion

Garden within the pavilion

......

......

You could spend all day touring the fortress as there is also a museum inside. I decided to exit and head back for some lunch, but then I happen to see the entrance for the cable cars. I enquired about the cost of it and at 50 RMB, I thought, why not. The day was perfect for it and there were no queues!

After I paid, I was first in line. The operator saw me and gestured me to move in closer and on the count of three, I had to jump into the cable car. I've ridden in these cars before, but there was something unsettling about this one. Maybe it was because it was eerily quiet and there was hardly anyone around... or maybe, it was the fact that when I climbed on board, the operator pointed at the door and waved his hands, as if to say 'No, No, Noooo' I then saw him looking at my car and on his radio to the next landing point. I felt alittle nervous.

I was now over the ocean, heading to the next mountain. I was feeling uneasy about how I left the boarding site. I didn't want to do it... but I decided to push the door ajar a little, just to confirm my concerns. I didn't want to believe what I was seeing. The door didn't have a lock and was now a little open, exposing the water below me. I took a deep breath, thought to myself 'Welcome to rural China Tahnee' and sat as far back from the door as I could. I did take the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views, but I prayed for the cable car to get to the landing point quicker.
Woooo look at the cable cars

Woooo look at the cable cars


My open cable car door...

My open cable car door...


View while riding the cable cars

View while riding the cable cars

I made it safely across, but just thought to myself how irresponsible it was for them to have that cable car carriage running. There's no means of OH&S here!!!

The mountain had a paved walkway which opened up to a big garden. There were stone passages to walk through and statues aplenty. It was very relaxing and you felt very hidden away from all the noise and commotion of the city streets. There was a big Bell Tower and for a small fee, you could ring it to your hearts content. The dividing line between the Yellow Sea and Bohai sea is also clearly visible from the mountain. It's a lovely tourist attraction and I can see why it attracts hundreds of visitors through out the year.
Crown statue

Crown statue


Statue to represent the unity of the Yellow and Bonhai Sea

Statue to represent the unity of the Yellow and Bonhai Sea


The lighthouse

The lighthouse

Lookout

Lookout

Lovers statue

Lovers statue

After an hour or so of wondering around, it was now time to head back home for some lunch. I had to board the cable car again to cross the ocean and luckily for me, I got a carriage with a door lock on it LOL
Looking back at Penglai city

Looking back at Penglai city

Hello!

Hello!

When I got to the other side, I must've side tracked and found myself on the outside of the Penglai Pavilion. I don't even know how it happened!!! I had somehow exited the Pavilion and was now walking on the laneway parallel to it. I figured as long as I stay close to the high castle like walls, I should be able to find my way back onto the main street and walk home from there. The walked seemed like it would go on forever and passerbyers kept looking at me, as I don't think this road was used much, especially by foreigners. I eventually came to the main road, turned left and continue in the direction of my hotel.

Time for some noodle lunch and to figure out what to do tomorrow.
x

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