What to do and see in Yangzhou, Jiangsu: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

Reviewed By 997DanielC - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

A wide open area that gives you a tranquil taste of traditional China, including a temple to buddha, statues of buddha, a tall pagoda and even temples and statues dedicated to gods of other religions. At the entrance stands two stone lions, a male and female and then you are free to explore a mixture of nature and civilisation. The temple itself is small but has three large golden buddha statues surrounded by incredible works of carved art and in front of the statues sit bowl of fruit and pillows for people to use when they kowtow to the statues. There is a large brazier which is used to burn incense and there are several large buildings with no glass or doors, just large holes allowing you to come and go whenever you like. There is a large lake with huge fish swimming through, you can get across by using the bridge or the more fun option of jumping across the stepping stones. As you explore the old architecture you'll find a large white buddha statue just beside the huge pagoda which itself has so many floors it seems like last forever and each one is decorated in beautiful artwork. The tower also gives you a great view of the surrounding area, once you reach the top it's almost as if you can see all of Yangzhou beneath you. Most amazing of all you'll find real Buddhist monks walking around, burning incense and singing songs in front of the statues, but strangely they drove around in a volkswagen car, a strange contrast to the ancient buildings.