FASHION OF THE MIND

On Day 37 I visited the Temple of the Six Bayan Trees (六榕寺). The main attraction is a 9-layer, 57.6 metre high pagoda originally constructed in 1097 AD and most recently restored in 1900. The temple grounds were very well maintained, serene, and peaceful. I didn’t know what I was doing with my incense sticks but a monk came over to help me start my prayers.

The Lotus Pagoda at dusk. 

A Buddhist monk returns to his quarters at closing time. 

On Day 43 I checked out the nearby Guangdong Museum (广东省博物馆) at Flower City Plaza (花城广场). Free admission with valid ID! Permanent exhibits include Guangdong’s history and natural resources, Chaozhou wood carvings, Duan inkstones, calligraphy and paintings, and more. The current museum building was built in 2010 and was conceived as “an allegory to the impeccably and intricately sculpted antique Chinese artifacts” such as a lacquer box. 

“The Deep” marine-themed temporary exhibit was on display. Doesn’t the exterior look like a volcanic rock with lava cracks? 

One of my favourite gold-foiled Chaozhou wood carvings. Guess what? This is actually a lunch box!