EmeiShan 峨嵋山, China

Emeishan, Sichuan Province (21 October, 2005)

Emeishan 峨嵋山 is one of the four most sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Since 1996, it is recognised as one of China's World Heritage Sites. The mountain got its name from two peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. The undulating peaks of Emeishan are covered with lush forests occupying an area of more than 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) in southwest Sichuan Province, 160 km from Chengdu.

Many different visitors are drawn to Emeishan, from pilgrims making sacred journeys to climbers attempting to scale the magnificent heights. Most of the monasteries and temples on Emeishan were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), while others were added later on. Being a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Emeishan once had more than 100 monasteries. The mountain is known for its craggy cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering trees and fragrant flowers.

There are rare animal and bird species on Emeishan, including 200 different types of butterflies. About 29 meters below the summit is Jinding Si, or Golden Peak Temple, with a 20-meter long bronze hall.

When the weather is ideal, a remarkable natural phenomenon can be experienced at the peak. When the sun is in the right position, we can view our own showdow cast onto the clouds below the peak, and an auro of pastel rainbow forms around our silhouette. Buddhist pilgrims consider this a special sign and in the past, many devotees threw themselves from the peak into their shadow imagining that this leads directly to the longed-for nirvana.

The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area is recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site in China.