TEMPLE OF THE SIX BANYANYAN

The Temple of the Six Banians (Liurong Si), founded in 537 during the Southern Liang dynasty, is one of Guangzhou's oldest and most revered temples. Originally called the Temple of Precious Solemnity, it was destroyed by fire in the ^10th century and rebuilt as the Temple of Purifying Wisdom. Its current name was given by the poet Su Dongpo, who marveled at the beauty of the six banyan trees that shaded the temple. He calligraphed the characters "Liu Rong" (六榕), immortalizing their soothing presence.
The 57-metre-high Flower Pagoda (Huata) appears to have only nine levels, but actually has seventeen inside. Crowned by a 5,000 kg bronze mast adorned with over 1,000 representations of Buddha, it is an architectural masterpiece of the Song dynasty. In the main hall, three majestic Buddhas embody the past, present and future, while in a side hall, a statue of Guan Yin, Goddess of Compassion, attracts numerous devotees.
Guan Yin, originally represented in male form, is said to have changed sex to better touch the hearts of women and guide them along the path of Buddhism. Her cult, very popular in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizes universal love and mercy.
Leaving the temple, visitors follow an alleyway lined with stalls selling incense, paper banknotes and other cult objects. Spirituality permeates the atmosphere, between the scent of incense and the prayers of the faithful. The temple exudes a pleasant gentleness.