Putuoshan

The gray beaches of Putuoshan. There was a huge statue of the goddess Guiyan (Guyana) that would have looked really cool had it showed up. I tried to tell myself that the fog gave the island an almost mystical quality, but in it was actually was a real drag.

A group of worshipers burning incense. I think this is called an arhat. On Chinese New Year's Day believers often go to temples to pray for luck and money in the new year. Now that China has a degree of religious freedom more and more people are taking up the practice. I even know a few people with no religious beliefs who have gone to make a "wish" at a temple. Often people will stand on the four sides of the arhat with three sticks of incense and make a short bow three times.

Owing to its remoteness, Putuoshan hasn't changed much over the years (with the exception of some modifications for the tourist industry.) This is a the rain swept court yard house on a road leading up the mountain.

One thing I like about Putuoshan is that the temples all looked real, not like something someone had put together for tourists. Many of the temples were built up hills with several staircases and passageways giving them a maze like feel. Inside the buildings there is usually a statue of a deity with an alter in front. Sometimes libations, or food sacrafices, are laid on the alter. Infront there are knee pads for those who kowtow (bow down). Outside is an incense burner, either an arhat or a more simple one. Worshipers light incense and bow toward the entrance fo the temple. Photos of the inside aren't allowed if anyone is watching.

The gray beaches of Putuoshan. There was a huge statue of the goddess Guiyan (Guyana) that would have looked really cool had it showed up. I tried to tell myself that the fog gave the island an almost mystical quality, but in it was actually was a real drag.
	A group of worshipers burning incense. I think this is called an arhat. On Chinese New Year's Day believers often go to temples to pray for luck and money in the new year. Now that China has a degree of religious freedom more and more people are taking up the practice. I even know a few people with no religious beliefs who have gone to make a "wish" at a temple. Often people will stand on the four sides of the arhat with three sticks of incense and make a short bow three times.
Owing to its remoteness, Putuoshan hasn't changed much over the years (with the exception of some modifications for the tourist industry.) This is a the rain swept court yard house on a road leading up the mountain.
	One thing I like about Putuoshan is that the temples all looked real, not like something someone had put together for tourists. Many of the temples were built up hills with several staircases and passageways giving them a maze like feel. Inside the buildings there is usually a statue of a deity with an alter in front. Sometimes libations, or food sacrafices, are laid on the alter. Infront there are knee pads for those who kowtow (bow down). Outside is an incense burner, either an arhat or a more simple one. Worshipers light incense and bow toward the entrance fo the temple. Photos of the inside aren't allowed if anyone is watching.