Emei Mountain

Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and is traditionally regarded as a place of enlightenment.

Most people come for the views.

Some walk up to the summit (10,167 ft) to take a look at the statue of Samantabhadra.

Many come to pray.

... Hella people come to pray.

I came to take pictures.

Halfway up the mountain, there is a small quarry with porters streaming in and out.

The men carry gravel.

The women carry sand.

And this guy is just a bad ass.

They all carry walking sticks to prop up their loads when they rest.

Until they reach this construction site at the top of the mountain.

I asked one of the laborers how much he makes in a day. He said 150 RMB (23 USD).

$23 a day?!

I told him he was a strong man.