Wuhan, China Overseas immersion Programme (OIP)
4th March to 14th April 2009
Photo Essay
Theme: Places of Historical and Cultural Significance in Wuhan, China
Done By:
Satish Menon
Group 1
Aerospace Electronics
School of Electronic & Computer Engineering (ECE)
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
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Location: East TingTiao Lake, Wuhan, Hubei, China
East TingTao Lake, the biggest scenery tourist attraction in Wuhan and also the largest lake within a city in China, is located on the south bank of the Yangtze Riverand in the east suburb of Wuchang. It covers an area of 87 square kilometers (33 square kilometers of water area).
Because of its winding banks and crisscrossing ponds and brooks, it is called 'a lake with 99 bays'. The East Lake Scenic Area was formed from many famous scenic spots along the bank. The six major ones are Tingtao (Listening to Surging Waves), Mo Hill (Millstone Hill), Luoyan (Diving Wild Goose), Baima (White Horse), Chuidi (Playing Flutes), and Luohong Hills.
The East Lake gate opens to the Tingtao scenic area featuring the rare sequoia especially elegant in late autumn.Many exhibits about Qu Yuan are featured in this building including his great literary masterpieces. In addition, the first allegory sculpture park in China is here displaying wonderful sculpture and allegories.
East TingTao Lake, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken by: Satish Menon
POETRY-RECITING PAVILION (XINGYINGE): A statue of Quan Yu, a famous Poet in the Chu Dynasty along with the background, the Poetry-Reciting Pavilion (Xingyinge). This is one of the treasured buidings in the area of East TingTao Lake.
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Location: Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Hubei Provincial Museum, located in the Wuchang District of Wuhan, Hubei Province, is the only provincial comprehensive museum in the province. The museum collects, protects, and exhibits the cultural relics discovered in the province. Since 1953, the museum has collected over 200,000 cultural relics, including pottery, porcelains, jade, bronze vessels, ancient weapons, and ancient musical instruments. Among these cultural relics, 812 are listed as first-class relics of China, and 16 are considered national treasures.
This museum is divided into three parts: the Chime Bells Exhibition Hall, the Chu (a state in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC)) Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Comprehensive Exhibition Building.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
LIFE IN THE PAST: This display at the Hubei Provincial Museum, The Chu Period, tells of the lives of the people in the Chu Dynasty.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
MUSIC: An ancient Musical Instrument that used to belong Zhou Yu in the past.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
CHIME BELLS: One of the most famous treasure in the Hubei Provincial Museum is the Chime Bells, which is the largest bronze musical instrument ever discovered. With a set of bells of different sizes, it can play various tones of the musical scale, and the timbre is quite beautiful. There are about 3,000 ancient Chinese characters on the bells, describing the music and the owner of this instrument, showing its level of complexity back then. Its total weight is 4000kg.
DESIGN: This artefact was used to hold the Chime Bells in the past, seperately. The intricate design of the artefact is able to hold the weight of the particular Bell.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
WINE: These containers were used to store Wine in the past.
They were able to store them for extended periods of time, and usually found in the cellars of the Palace.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
WINE: These artefact was used to serve Wine in the past, especially to royalty and high-ranking officials. Notice the intricate dseigns of the artefact, which comprises of dragons and pheonixes, indicating the level of royalty for such an aretfact.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
TREASURE: A huge parcel of land excavated to reveal the Chariots used in the past. The Structure remains intact after all these years. If you look closely, you can actually see the remains of the horse's bones as well. This clearly shows how well preserved they were found when excavated out from the ground.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
WEAPONERY OF THE PAST: A Crossbow used in ancient times in China. It may look simple in design, but certainly is proven effective in eary warfare.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
WEAPONERY OF THE PAST: Spears, the earliest weapons ever discovered by Man, used in Ancient China.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
SWORDS/DAGGERS: This Sword is made out made entirely of Jade. This Sword is only been used by Commanders and Generals or other high ranking officials.
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
According to legend, Yellow Crane Tower was built by the family of an old pothouse owner living in Wuhan City long ago, named Old Xin. One day, a shabbily dressed Taoist priest came to the pothouse and asked for some wine. Old Xin paid no attention to him, but his son was very kind and gave the Taoist some wine without asking for money. 
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009) 
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
EXTERIOR: The Main Building of the Hubei Provinical Musum, Wuhan, Hubei, China. The place surronding the Museum, provides a calm effect on those whom visit the museum, as they have a small garden, in front of the entrance of the Museum.
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Location: Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Yellow Crane Tower is located on Snake Hill in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Enjoying the fame of 'The First Scenery under Heaven', it is one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. Its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.
Yellow Crane Tower is located on Snake Hill in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Enjoying the fame of 'The First Scenery under Heaven', it is one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. Its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.
According to legend, Yellow Crane Tower was built by the family of an old pothouse owner living in Wuhan City long ago, named Old Xin. One day, a shabbily dressed Taoist priest came to the pothouse and asked for some wine. Old Xin paid no attention to him, but his son was very kind and gave the Taoist some wine without asking for money.
The Taoist priest visited the pothouse regularly for half a year when one day the Taoist said to the son that in order to repay his kindness, he would like to draw a crane on the wall of the pothouse, which would dance at his request. When people in the city heard of this, they flocked to the pothouse to see the dancing crane. The Xin family soon became rich and they built the Yellow Crane Tower as a symbol of gratitude to the Taoist priest.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
VIEW FROM ABOVE: View from the highest floor of the Yellow Crane Tower. Looking towards the horizon, one can view the spectacular sight of the Yantze River and the Yangtze River Bridge which boasts 2 Levels.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
99 CRANES: In this particular Wall Carving at the entrance of the Yellow Crane Tower, there are exactly 99 Cranes carryoing out various tasks such as flying, eating, resting and many more.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS: A 3 Storey High Visual Treat depicting the main cause for the existence of the Yellow Crane Tower and the Legend that revolves around it as well.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
The dam controls flooding, enhances navigation, and provides a vast amount of clean electricity. However, it has also flooded archaeological and cultural sites, displaced some 1.24 million people, and are causing dramatic ecological changes. The decision to build the dam has been deeply controversial.
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon 
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
VIEW FROM ABOVE: From the highest floor of the Yellow Crane Tower, one can see the huge bell of the Tower. Knocking the Bell is believed to ensure that your prayers are all answered.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
AWE: The design and architechture of the Yellow Crane Tower is certainly very unique indeed. Every Level of the Tower is constructed using Yellow tile. Not only that, the edges of the Tower resembles a crane getting ready to take off.
Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
DRAWINGS FROM THE PAST: This Drawing tells of the various people who played pivotal roles during the ancient times in Wuhan, Hubei, China. They include Zhuge Liang, Qu Yuan, Wang Zhaojun and many more.
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Location: Yangtze River, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Location: Yangtze River, Wuhan, Hubei, China
The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang River is the longest river in China and Asia, and the third longest river in the world, after the Nile in Africa and Amaxon in South America.
The river is about 6,380 kilometres long and flows from its source in Qinghai Province eastwards into the East China Sea at Shanghai It is considered by some as a dividing line between North an South China, although geographers generally consider the Qinling-Huai River line to be the official line of geographical division. As the largest river in the region, the Yangtze is historically, culturally, and economically important to China. One of the dams on the river, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric powered dam in the world.
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Location: Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China
The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric river dam that spans the Yangtze River in Sandouping, Yichang, Hubei, China. It is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Except for a planned ship lift, all the original plan of the project was completed on October 30, 2008, when the 26th generator was brought to commercial operation. Six additional generators in the underground power plant are being installed, with the dam thus not expected to become fully operational until around 2011. The total electric generating capacity of the dam will reach 22,500 MW.
The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric river dam that spans the Yangtze River in Sandouping, Yichang, Hubei, China. It is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Except for a planned ship lift, all the original plan of the project was completed on October 30, 2008, when the 26th generator was brought to commercial operation. Six additional generators in the underground power plant are being installed, with the dam thus not expected to become fully operational until around 2011. The total electric generating capacity of the dam will reach 22,500 MW.
The dam controls flooding, enhances navigation, and provides a vast amount of clean electricity. However, it has also flooded archaeological and cultural sites, displaced some 1.24 million people, and are causing dramatic ecological changes. The decision to build the dam has been deeply controversial.
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
VIEW OF THE DAM: A Picture of the Dam from the Memorial Park.
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
SCENERIES: These Mountain Peaks are the highest points along the Yangtze River.
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
VIEW OF THE DAM: The Three Gorges Dam produces as much as 22,500 MW of electricity. The size of the Dam simply says it all. After all, it is the world's biggest hydroelctric powered Dam.
Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
VIEW OF THE DAM: The view of the Dam from the front of the entire structure.
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
MOUNTAINS: The unique and interesting Landscapes of the Mountains along the Xiling Gorge. Notice that the rocks are neatly formed to one side....
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Yangtze River, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
MOUNTAINS: The unique and interesting Landscapes of the Mountains along the Xu Gorge. The mountains at the back are actually aligned perfectly with the mountains in the front to form a connecting section between the two mountains.
Baidi City, Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River,China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon 
Baidi City, Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River,China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon 
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
ENTRANCE: This is the Entrance to the Crown Prince Temple.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
PURPLE HALL: This is the Purple Hall, where the diety of Quan Yin is placed.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Wudang Mountain, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Baidi City, Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River,China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
MAIN TEMPLE: The main gate leading to the Temple of the White City (also known as Baidi City). Inside the Temple are many different sections used for various different purposes.
Baidi City, Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River,China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
TUO-GU-TONG IN BAIDI TEMPLE: This is a scene that took place many years ago, whereby the king of the Shu Kingdom, Liu Bei, failed in the battle with the Wu Kingdom at Baidi City. He became ill and entrusted his son to his prime minister, Zhuge Liang before closing his eyes. Now, the hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.
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Location: Wudang Mountain, Shiyan , Hubei, China
Wudang Mountain, located in Shiyan in western Hubei, is both a famous scenic spot and the Taoist Holy Land in China. The ancient architectural complex on the mountain was listed by UNESCO in 1994 as a World Culture Heritage Site.
The natural scenery of Wudang Mountain is powerful and magnificent, tinged with some fantastically serene and charming touches.
Major scenic spots include 72 peaks, 36 rocky cliffs, and 24 streams. Tianzhu Peak, its highest point, creates a striking view of "One Pole Supporting the Sky." Clustered around it are numerous smaller ones, composing a fantastic picture of 72 peaks paying homage to the main one.
Wudang Mountain is renowned as Immortals' Mountain of Taoism and the World for Swordsman. It is a famous Taoist center in China with a long history of Taoist practice and a profound Taoist culture. Wudang Mountain is also well-known for its deep-rooted tradition of wushu (martial arts). As an old saying goes: "Shaolin wushu is the best in the north, while Wudang wushu is the best in the south."
Wudang's ancient architectural complex consists of eight palaces, two Taoist temples, 72 rock temples, 12 pavilions and 10 shrines. Large in scale and excellent in technical detail, it is a powerful demonstration of the harmony between architecture and nature. Inspired by the fairyland picture of the perfect blending of buildings and mountains, Wudang architectural complex is known as the Imperial Palace on the Cliff.
Wudang Mountain, located in Shiyan in western Hubei, is both a famous scenic spot and the Taoist Holy Land in China. The ancient architectural complex on the mountain was listed by UNESCO in 1994 as a World Culture Heritage Site.
The natural scenery of Wudang Mountain is powerful and magnificent, tinged with some fantastically serene and charming touches.
Major scenic spots include 72 peaks, 36 rocky cliffs, and 24 streams. Tianzhu Peak, its highest point, creates a striking view of "One Pole Supporting the Sky." Clustered around it are numerous smaller ones, composing a fantastic picture of 72 peaks paying homage to the main one.
Wudang Mountain is renowned as Immortals' Mountain of Taoism and the World for Swordsman. It is a famous Taoist center in China with a long history of Taoist practice and a profound Taoist culture. Wudang Mountain is also well-known for its deep-rooted tradition of wushu (martial arts). As an old saying goes: "Shaolin wushu is the best in the north, while Wudang wushu is the best in the south."
Wudang's ancient architectural complex consists of eight palaces, two Taoist temples, 72 rock temples, 12 pavilions and 10 shrines. Large in scale and excellent in technical detail, it is a powerful demonstration of the harmony between architecture and nature. Inspired by the fairyland picture of the perfect blending of buildings and mountains, Wudang architectural complex is known as the Imperial Palace on the Cliff.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
ENTRANCE: This is the Entrance to the Crown Prince Temple.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
PURPLE HALL: This is the Purple Hall, where the diety of Quan Yin is placed.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
PARENT'S TEMPLE: This temple houses the Deities of the Emperor's Parents (back then) and the Gods of Heaven as well.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
OFFERINGS: Devotees are to walk on the narow steps to offer Incense at the other end.
Wudang Mountain, Wuhan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
THE TOP: Tianzhu Peak Temple is the Temple at the top of the Wudang Mountain.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
ALTARS : Dieties are found in them. They are located at the edge of narrow staircases, on the route towards the peak of Wudang Mountain.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
TEMPLE: The architechture and layout of the Temple is very unique. Notice that there are some additional designs on the roof of the Temple.
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)
Taken By: Satish Menon
Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei, China (March 2009)Taken By: Satish Menon
OFFERINGS: People offering incense and other materials by putting them into the fire.
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