平顶山市
The Buddha of the Central Plain and a very old kiln
Why this place
Pingdingshan is a coal city in central Henan, and just outside it is the Fodushan Buddha — a giant standing Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang, which is one of the largest in China. The area was also a major porcelain kiln centre in the Song.
What to see
- The Fodushan (Zhongyuan Grand Buddha) — an 18-metre Tang cliff carving
- The Ruzhou kiln sites, where Ru ware's ancestors were fired
- Yaoshan and the hot springs of the surrounding hills
What to eat
- Henan lamb noodles and the local braised dishes
- Pingdingshan is known for its dates and its sesame products
Best time
April–May and September–October
HSKHSK 3
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