The one thing I liked about Jin Li was the mind boggling number of snacks and sweets. I couldn’t taste any that day because it was just too crowded to go near any of the counters since it was a Sunday. But I am planning to go back there (the entrance is free) on a...

The street had buildings and houses that were constructed to resemble old China. But these two stylish mannequins, displaying the wares of the shop, bring you back to the present.

One of the few interesting shops in Jin Li was this place that sold calligraphy brushes. All sizes, all types. Don’t miss that huge brush made from elephant tusk on the far left.

Last weekend I visited Jin Li Jie, or Jin Li Street. It’s a reconstructed ancient street, which is filled with shops and restaurants. A tourist favorite. But I didn’t like it much. It was too commercialized, complete with a Starbucks, which took the charm out of the place. Crammed with small and big shops that...

These monkey police warn us to watch out for falling stones all around the mountain roads. The monkey is kind of the unofficial mascot of Emei Shan, which is known for its wild macaques. These things can be quite aggressive, snatching things from bewildered tourists. I encountered a few but thankfully they left me alone…

That contraption the man is carrying is an easy chair. Rich Chinese whose main aim is just to see the summit and old Chinese who cannot climb the torturous steps have themselves carried to the top. Two men hold each end of the chair and can be periodically seen rushing up and down the mountain.

On the way back, as my ice numbed feet drag slowly, I notice more of these numerous spice shops that dot the sides. They had funny names, with some of them labeled as fungus even. The big mushroom at the center? That was one of the fungus labeled ones. It seemed quite popular, all these...

These locks in various shapes, the most popular being a heart, can be found all over the sides of the huge courtyard at the summit. Remembrances of love. Tied by couples, as a prayer to hold their love steadfast.

Finally the summit! This is what greeted me. The sun, unspoilt blue and a huge towering Buddha. Though there were crowds of tourists, I felt exhilarated at reaching the summit, at being able to see such glorious sunshine and the Buddha of course.

See those glistening steps? One wrong step and you could land at the bottom. This was how it was for half the way till the ice thawed out and warmer winds kept the steps dry. In a few places, there was no way but to slide down because it was so slippery!