Impressions of Vientiane

*Impressions of Vientiane* Four hours, direct flight from Shanghai to Vientiane, Laos. The crowing of the rooster woke us up. In the hotel, there is a mix of French and Dai style. In the courtyard flower path, the decorations made of discarded shell casings are very eye-catching, reminding people not to forget the years of war. Laos, with a population of less than 8 million today, was colonized by many countries, and France was the master here twice. The territory of Laos, which is equivalent to the size of Guangxi Province in China, was almost covered by shells during the war. Visiting the sights of Vientiane is like reading a brief history of Laos. The Arc de Triomphe, started by the French in 1969; at the end of the 1960s, the Chinese government donated funds to renovate and expand the fountain square. From a distance, it looks like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; up close, the Buddha statues are carved inside and out, clearly a magnificent Buddhist temple. The dancing fountain adds a fashionable atmosphere to the Arc de Triomphe; its commemorative significance has become unclear. The Prime Minister's Office, the Presidential Palace, the Parliament Hall... passed by in a flash; the white walls, red tiles and upturned eaves of the Dai-style buildings present a new look after the establishment of the Republic in 1975. Perhaps it's because the Lao National Day in October has just passed, many places are hanging two flags: the Lao national flag and the party flag with the sickle and hammer. Talun Temple, the main tower is towering, surrounded by 30 satellite towers; the golden light is dazzling, magnificent. Talun, which means 'the world's precious sacred stupa', was built in 1556 and is said to contain the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha. In front of Talun is the tomb of King Setathirath of Lan Xang, Laos, and his seated statue looking into the distance; it expresses the people's respect for the leader who resisted foreign invasions and established a strong country, and also signifies the relentless pursuit of the Lao people. Around Talun Temple are magnificent Buddhist temples, a large-scale Buddhist conference center, and a chanting hall full of Buddha story paintings. The centuries-old Bodhi tree in the temple is robust and lush, witnessing the prosperity of Laos as a Buddhist country. Ximon Temple, founded in 1536; although the temple is not tall, it is still golden and brilliant, the temple is full of precious cultural relics, and has a unique reputation in Laos. It is said that a pregnant woman named 'Meng' dedicated herself to the foundation, and the temple was able to be built. Ximon Temple, therefore, became the 'Mother Temple'. Ximon Temple, there is a high monk tying a line to pray for blessings. My wife and I followed the crowd, knelt down and stretched out our arms, and asked a smiling monk to tie a colored ring on our wrists; we immediately felt auspicious and full of joy. At sunset, stroll along the bank of the Mekong River. Small boats sway in the afterglow, and anglers carry their equipment out of the dense forest. Across the river is Thailand. Building the capital on the border, Laos seems to be showing its attitude: the ancient Buddhist country, the newly born republic; the small agricultural country in the inland, peace and tolerance, self-improvement without harming others. It is said that Laos's culture follows Thailand, its economy relies on China; its politics follow Vietnam, and it is moving forward with China. It is rumored among the Chinese that Laos is poor and chaotic, we temporarily avoid the winter cold to this warm country, hoping to lift the veil of mystery and see its true face. Shou Cheng