Qizi Bay: Xiaojiao |
Xiaojiao (小角 Xiǎojiǎo) or 'Small Point' is a second rocky area of Qizi Bay, but compared with the majestic Dajiao it is friendly and accessible. To make up for the lack of scenery on a grand scale, Xiaojiao has a good share of 'scenic points'.
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Looking towards the start of Xiaojiao from the beach
at Zhongjiao.
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The first scenic point is the Sisters (姐妹石 Jiěmèi-shí).
They present quite different aspects depending on the side from which
they are viewed.
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 From one side... |
 And from the other. |
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This is as grand as Xiaojiao gets. After this it gradually
scales down into areas of curiously shaped rocks.
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We now enter one of the 'sights' of Xiaojiao, known
as 'the Stone Forest of the Gulf of Tonkin' (北部湾石林 Běibù-wān Shílín).
To anyone who has ever seen the real Stone
Forest near Kunming, this name is laughably grandiose, but the scenery
is nice, anyway.
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 Coming into the 'Stone Forest of the Gulf of Tonkin'... |
 A glance to the right as we pass... |
 Looking back...that was it? |
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This rock is known as the 'Dragon Throne' (龙位 Lóngwèi),
the traditional name by which the imperial throne (皇帝位 Huángdì-wèi)
is known in China. Our guide told us solemnly that if you make love here
and a child is conceived, it will be a 'dragon' if it is a boy or a 'phoenix'
if it is a girl (This is very auspicious -- a dragon is traditionally
identified with the Emperor and the phoenix with the Empress).
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| A neat balancing act known as 四两换千斤 Sìliǎng huàn qiānjīn (literally, four liang swapped for one catty). |
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Another woman looking out to sea waiting for her husband
to return. This one is called 'Looking out for Husband Rock' (望夫石 Wàngfū-shí).
The frequency with which one encounters such interpretations is a poignant
reminder of the perils and heartbreaks of the seafaring life.
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As we leave Xiaojiao we see a swimming beach up ahead
across the bay with shallow water ideal for bathing. Just beyond those
trees is the town of Changhua.
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A glance backwards at the start of Xiaojiao. This is
the first sight of Xiaojiao that you would see if you came from the town.
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