China's South - Eastern Coast
............................................................................................................................

Southern east coast of China which covers the Fujian Province consist mostly of mountains, the landscape is a rich green and the coastline is often harsh and rugged. The towns, which have yet to be opened up to mass tourism, offer a number of interesting sights.

Shantou, a port in the eastern part of Guangdong Province is rich in vegetation has about 700,000 inhabitants. Western influence on the city from the 18^th century is noticeable in the town. However, in contrast to Shanghai with its mostly well preserved colonial buildings, Shantou looks somewhat neglected. The two most popular tourist destination here are on two islands that can be easily reached from the harbour in the south of the city . Mayudao, located at the south east of the town has a stony shore in the east as well as a sandy beach. In the southern of the island a pavilion with the poetic name Sea View (Guanhaiting) has been built while on the northern part are the Temple of the Sea God (Tianhaigumiao) and Maguang Temple. Shantou is one of the five Special Economics Zones of China and the smallest. It has started attracting overseas Chinese investment and is developing fast.

Zhangzhou, this town has been recorded in historic documents since the 7^th century, and has long been well known as a centre for foreign trade and as a port. Around 300,000 people live in an area of 265 sq, km. The most important sight in this town is the Southern Mountain Temple (Nanshansi). It waas built during the Tang Dynasty, then destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present site originates from the Qing Dynasty. The Precious Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) , in the middle of the site, houses three gilded seated Buddha statues, the huge copper bell from the Yuan Dynasty, which weighs almost 700 kilograms is of special interest.

Xiamen, about two hours on road from Zhangzhou is also known under the name of Amoy (Fujian dialect) is probably the best known town in Fujian Province. In 1387, it achieved the status of a city. An important port for a long time, in the 17^th century it became a centre of historic battles. The last loyal supporters of the Ming Dynasty sought refuse here from the new rulers, the Manchu and the notorius Ming general Koxinga fled from here to Taiwan. The island Gulangyu, in front of the town, became a foreign enclave as a result of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Since 1980, Xiamen has been a Special Economic Zone, and Chinese abroad, in particular are encouraged to invest here. Today, it is also the most popular excursion spot. One of the worthwhile places for tourists to visit is the Garden of Ten Thousand Rocks (Wanshi Gongyuan), which is to the east at the top of Huyuanlu. The area covers 80 hectares and includes a lake, large green areas and a pavilion. There is also a botanical garden. In the east are Mount Taiping (Taipingshan) and Taiping Rock (Taipingyan), with a small temple from the Tang period. In the south of the park, on Mount Lion Head (Shitoushan) are the Temple of the Sweet Dew (Ganlusi) and the Temple of the Heavenly Kingdom (Tianjiesi), dating from the second half of the 17^th century. South of the park is the Mountain of the Five Elders (Wulaoshan).

Quanzhou, which is about three hours by bus from Xiamen was founded in 700 and was for a long time one of the biggest and most important ports in China. Today, there about 400,000 people live on an area of 530 sq. km. In addition to Islamic traders who came in the 7^th century to Quanzhou, two Muslims missinaries also settled here. The Holy Islamic Graves (Yisilamjiao Shengmu) on Soul Mountain (Lingshan) bear witness to their presence. The mountain is in the east of the town and can be easily reached on foot. The Muslim Temple of Calm and Clarity (Qingjingsi) in Tumenjie is another example of the strong Islamic influence. Northwest to this mosque in Xijie and easily recognisable by its two richly decorated pagodas from the 10^th century is the Kaiyuan Temple. It was erected in 686 and substantially extended in subsequent centuries. At six hectares, it is one of the largest temple sites in China today.

Fuzhou, that is located few hours on road from Quanzhou is situated by the banks of the river Minjiang. Its history goes back to the 2^nd century BC when it was the residence of the Kingdom of Yue. Its importance as a port grew from the 10^th century onwards. It was opened in 1842, as a result of the Opium Wars. The town, which has over a million inhabitants today, was occupied by the Japanese from 1940 to 1945. The town can be view from the 60 metre high Yushan Hill. At the north - westerly edge of the hill is the White Pagoda (Baita), which was built in 904 and has been restored several times. East of Baita is the temple of Qigongci, which was built in honour of the Ming general Qi Jiguang (1528-1587), who had successfully fought against Japanese pirates. Opposite Yushan is the Wushi Mountain at 86 metre high with its seven story Wushi Pagoda dating to 941. West Lake (Xihu) in the northwest of Fuzhou is a popular spot for excursions. It was constructed in the 3^rd century, but has been considerably enlarged this century. Another worthwhile sight in this town is the Splendid Forest Temple (Hualinsi), dating from the year 965 and at the foot of the 45 metre high Pingshan Hill in the north of the town.

Wenzhou, a harbour town that belongs to the Zhejiang Province lies on the south bank of the Oujiang River, 30 km from its estuary. Wenzhou’s importance as a port has grown since 1949 and is of greater importance now since it has become an open city. The many different directions of Chinese development are clearly seen in this ancient, 2,000 year old city. The Island at the Heart of the River, located to the north is the main attraction for tourists.

Ningbo, which a also a harbour town that belongs to the Zhejiang Province became an important port during the Tang period and flourished during the period of the Southern Song (1127 - 1179). Most of the big fortunes of Shanghai before 1949 came from Ningbo. Today, 600,000 people live in the town which continue to be an important junction. Some worthwhile a visit places including the Private Library Tianyige, Tianfeng Pagoda, Sun Yatsen Park, Protection of the Land Temple and Temple of the Heavenly Child.

Putuoshan Island is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China can be reached from Ningbo by boat. Before 1949, over 2,000 monks and nuns lived here in 218 monasteries, whose origins go back to the 11^th century. The Monastery of Complete Redemption was built in this century, while the Monastery of the Law dates from the 16^th century. The Popular Branch Convent, situated to the west, dates from the year 1608. The third largest is the Convent of the Enlightened Redemption, lying on Buddha Hill in the north of the island, it was founded during the Ming period and was considerably extended in the following centuries.