Sung Dynasty pottery kiln in Wu Yi Mountain Fu Jian where ancient Sung Dynasty pottery has been found and restored for admiration.

Steps leading to Peach Blossom Cave where the Taoist Temple is hidden in Wu Yi Mountain.

Daoist Temple Wu Yi Mountain, China

In China, the place of studies and practice for Daoist masters are called “Dao Guan”. Instead of calling it temple, it is better translated as ‘the way to look within’. It can also mean the practice of looking within and the ability to observe without. These words immediately bring up the sense of duality in our daily lives and applications. Here in Wu Yi Mountain, The Dao Guan is located in a hidden away place near the Cave of the Plum Blossoms.

One of the many attractions of Wu Yi Mountain is a bamboo rafting trip down the river which has nine twists and turns.  The boat men use long bamboo poles to guide the raft in the water which is so clear one can see the stones at the bottom

Here we see the docking place for these rafts. In Wu Yi Mountain a ride on the unique bamboo raft down the river allows one to see ancient calligraphy carvings on the side of the mountains.

Famous scholars and calligraphers throughout history have stopped to admire the beauty of WuYi Mountain as we still can see what they have left behind in the way of their calligraphy in the carvings on the side of the mountains.

Fu Jian province is famous for tea plantations in the high regions of Wu Yi Mountain.  Tea culture is an art and a life syle. A Wu Yi tea culture teacher is demonstrating the ritual for us.

Sung Dynasty Neo-Confucian Master Zhu Xi’s 800 year old home in Fu Jian Province, China where he lived and taught.

Zhu Xi (1130-1200), a student of Chen-I, was the leading scholar of the rational school of Neo-Confucianism and was one of the most influential and important Neo-Confucian scholars. His prolific writings and commentaries on the classics helped Confucianism gain wide acceptance long after his death. During his life he always avoided politics even though he served officially in many important government positions. He devoted almost forty years teaching privately in Fu Jian Province and died in obscurity. In front of his old home these ancient trees were planted by Master Zhu with his own hands and are still standing today..

Mr. Chen Zhongsen demonstrating brush calligraphy

Chen Zhongsen is a well respected calligrapher and artist. He is best known for his Qi Gong practice which allows him to carve miniatures on beautiful Sou San Stones uniquely found in Fu Jian Province. In this photo he was creating Chinese calligraphy while the curator of Zhu Xi’s Old Home Museum, Mr. Jian looks on. Chen Zhongsen will be one of many guest artists and speakers who will teach at UNM Harwood museum Asian Arts Festival this summer. To learn more about Chen Zhongsen go to our Gallery and view his art work.

A visit to Neo-Confucian Master Zhu Xi's old home last year with Mr and Mrs. Chen Zhongsen , Mr. Jiang, the curator of this museum, and Mr. Yi our Host.