FUDING is a small city innorthern Fujian Province,along China's southeasterncoast. It is 299 kilometersnorth of Fuzhou, the provincialcapital, and to its east, separatedfrom it by the sea, is Taiwan'sChilung. This city, with its uniquescenery and colorful folklore, is amagnet for tourists.Beautiful LandscapeThe Tailao Mountain ScenicArea, 58 kilometers south ofFuding city proper, is surroundedon three sides by the sea and withmountains on the other. Strangelyshaped rocks and caves, and precipitous peaks shrouded in densemist are to be found in this scenicarea. Some caves stretch rightdown to the seashore, providingideal settings for gazing at theocean waves, while Others lead upto the mountain summit, a particularly suitable spot to sit andadmire the sunrise. Some cavesare small, with the capacity forjust a few people, while others arelarge enough for one thousand.Some of the large caves havesmaller ones leading off them,forming a labyrinth.In the late spring and earlysum~ the Tailao Mountains areoften veiled in mist, particularlyafter a rainfall. When viewedfrom a distance, mountain peaksloom through a sea of clouds. Inclear weather, the mountain summit is the perfect place to watChthe sundse over the sea.During the Tang and Songdynasties (618- 1279), thesemountains were well known fortheir 36 temples, all on differentscales, scattered throughout.Unfortunately, most of them havefallen into ruin, but there are 360stone pillars still standing on thesite of the Guoxing Temple.Visitors in the vicinity of the temple may also appreciate ancientstone tables and stone carvings offigures, animals and flowers.Ruiyun Temple, first constructedin 936, and oher undergoing several enlargements, maintains itsmagnificent aspect.At the foot of the TailaoMountains in the southwest gentlyflows the Lanxi Stream. From itslower reaches runs the Jiuli (NineCabs) Stream, extending 26 kilometers, When rafting downstream, visitors are amazed at thestretching and undulating mountains, with their summits cloakedin clouds. They may also be pleasantly surprised at the boldness offish busily searching for food.These fish are not disturbed bystrangers on rafts, but are oftenswept away by swift currents fromthe upper reaches of the stream.Unique Folklore of She EthnicGrouoVisitors to Fuding would finda visit to a She communal villagequite fascinating. They may seeShe women, weaking their ethniccostumes, busy at work. Withluck, they may also Observe elderly women. using old style loomsto weave cloth. The dress of thelocal She women is colorful, andincludes aprons embroidered withbirds, flowers or geometric figures, worn over their tunics, thecollar and wristbands of whichmay be trimmed with lace. Awoman may be distinguished asmarried or single by her hairstyleand earrings.She peoPle love singing, andsing while working, greetingguests, and when holding sacrificial rites. During major festivals,the She People organize songfestson various scales. Traditionalsongfests are usually held in themountains. Participants sing in theantiphonal style, which has nofixed tune. about love, or anythingrenecting aspects of their dailylives. A songfest might last aslong as three days.Local DelicaciesFuding attracts visitors notonly with its unique scenery butalso with its local culinary specialties -- Sin grapefruit, a frUitfrequently featured at state banquets for its distinctive fragranceand exquisite taste, and Binlangsweet potatoes, which after beingcooked and mashed make a delicious dessert. Local people usually greet their distinguished guestswith this dish. Nowadays, precooked Binlang sweet potato is apopular dish at state banquets,after having been slowly heatedfor a few minutes and its flavorenhanced with edible oil, sugar,sesame, peanuts and other condiments.For tourists, sampling thelocal delicacies prepared on streetstalls is far more enjoyable. Themost popular snacks include beefmeatball soup, dumpling soup,and sweet cake made with glutinous rice flour TOurists also
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