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Guilin Wave-Subduing Hill
The Wave-Subduing Hill, known as Fubo Hill, is about 2 kilometers from Elephant Trunk Hill and above the western bank of Li River Scenery .It is another of
Guilin's wonderfully scenic spots. The Wave-Subduing Hil reaches the height of 213 meters and emerges 62 meters above the water. Half of it stands in the river and the other half of it on land.
History of the Fubo Hill
Since the galloping water is always blocked here and eddied, the hill is considered to have the power of
subduing waves. Moreover, it was on this hill that a temple in commemoration of General Fubo was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), which gave rise to the name Wave-Subduing Hill.
What to see ?
Natural scenery of rocks and stalactites as well as artificial cloister and pavilions compose the fantastic and unique sight of the hill. At the foot of the hill lie the Pearl-Returning Cave, the Thousand-Buddha Cave and the Sword-Testing Rock, all of which have great appeal. A gracious cloister and tearoom were built on the southern slope. Halfway to the hill is the Tingtao Pavilion (Pavilion of Listen-to-Waves). Stone stairs wind up towards the hilltop on the western slope of the hill. The Viewing Platform on the stairway is an ideal spot for taking in the panorama of Guilin.
The Cloister lies on the second terrace of the Wave-Subduing Hill and combines the first and second terrace in an ingenious manner. In the well-tended garden by the cloister, trees and flowers grow prosperously. In front of the garden lies a pavilion which features a more than 300-year-old iron boiler which weighs above 1,000 kilograms (2204.6 pounds). It is said that it can boil enough food for one thousand people. Therefore, it was given the name 'Thousand-People Boiler'. When wandering alongside the cloister up to the third terrace, it is possible to rest in the tearoom featuring a court.
Entering the cave by boat on the green Fubo River, visitors are given the opportunity to appreciate the charming rock and stalactites and the interior statues. Most of the statues were engraved in the later
Tang Dynasty by use of finished techniques, and subsequently became precious Buddhist artworks.
Connecting with the Pearl-Returning Cave, the Thousand-Buddha Cave lies hidden in the hill. It has three levels with a total area of 133 square meters (159 square yards). Visitors climbing up along the winding stairs will find themselves attracted to the 239 statues of Buddha in 36 enshrines from the later
Tang Dynasty situated on the upper level, along with mural paintings from the
Song Dynasty (960-1279). All of the artworks bear exquisite carvings. Among them, a curiosity can be found - a painting of Mi Fu, a renowned artist, done by the artist himself, because few of Mi Fu's works are intact today.
Sword-Testing Rock
Inside the Pearl-Returning Cave, a breathtaking sight is hidden - the Sword-Testing Rock. It is a huge stone pillar hanging down with a large upper body and a smaller lower end. Seen from afar, it may look like a pillar plunging from the ceiling into the water surface. At a closer look, surprisingly, it actually hangs at a distance of 1 cun (a Chinese unit of length, 1 cun equal to 1.3 inch) above the water and seems to be cut by sharp sword. If you are curious, you can get close to it and touch the rummy rift.
Legend has it that the General Fubo tested his sword on the rock, which gave it its present shape. When the general negotiated with the offenders in the Pearl-Returning Cave and reached a deadlock, he drew the sword and cut rocks off the huge pillar. The opponents were startled and immediately retreated.
'How far do you want us to turn back?' they asked.
'Back to where my arrow falls.' the general replied steadily.
'Ok, we agree. Let us then see how far it will fly.'
General Fubo climbed up to the Fubo Hill and shot his arrow, which flew a distance of three hills till it landed on the field from which the offenders had originally come. The offenders retreated as agreed. From then on, the rock was known as 'Sword-Testing' in honor of the valiant general.
Geographically speaking, the rift belongs to the terrane of limestone. Streams flow along it and cause corrosion, and a rift was thus formed. Today, since there is no more corrosion, the pillar cannot produce any deposits, and the rock will retain its odd shape forever.
Travel Tips
Add: Fubo Hill Park, Guilin City,China
Entrance Fee: CNY 30
Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:30 (December to March), 07:10 to 18:00 (April to November)
Transport: Take bus no. 2 or 203, and get off at Fubo Hill Station.