The walk up Mount Emei is not an easy one. Actually, there was supposed to be a cable car station but it is still a 30 minute walk away. A 30 minute climb up stairs is not really a problem for me. It is just that the conditions of the stairs make it a little more difficult than usual.
Apparently, there was some snowfall the previous night, but now it is melting away into a mush of water an ice. As I discovered, this is quite dangerous combination. The stairs became very slippery, with me losing my balance several times. I have learned to cling on to the rails for dear life. I don’t want to have a bad fall now that I have reached this far in China. So I would take each step with utmost care making sure my shoe has grabbed on to the step. Now I remember why I didn’t like snow that much.
There were a procession of tourists going up the stairs slowly. Along the way, enterprising businessmen would sell grass sandals, apparently these are quite good for walking in these types of conditions. We decided to just slug it out instead. Another way up the stairs is by sedan chair. Two people would carry a bamboo chair on their shoulders with the tourist up the stairs for a fee. I wouldn’t want to subject myself to such humiliation either, but I think it is perfect of older folks.
At the end of the stairs is the Jieyin Temple 介音堂. It is a wonderful little red temple that marks the start of the cable car ride. Just beyond the Jieyin Temple is the cable car station. Unfortunately, you need to pay to be able to move further. That is, if you don’t want to punish yourself. The cable car’s cabin was very spacious and modern, which surprised me, since I was expecting small cars. Nevertheless, once the were enough passengers, we were off.
The ride to the top of Mount Emei was spectacular. We practically left the level of the clouds and were soon way above them. It was the first time I have seen such a sight, apart from a plane ride. I was really mesmerized by the sight of the clouds. This is one of the must see sights in a visit to Mount Emei – the Sea of Clouds. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the summit holds in store for us.
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