Two Temples in Xili

This article was originally published on February 18, 2011, in the Shenzhen Daily.
The information was accurate at that time, and may be outdated now. Use with caution.

The fire-engine red New Guaynin Temple in Pingshan, Xili

Xili is a quiet-but-developing area now, but it has a few fairly old features, including the villages of Pingshan and Liuxian Dong, each of which features a small temple.

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Guanyin Temple, Pingshan Village

The main gate of Pingshan Village

Pingshan is a vibrant village with lots of modern shopping. Although its two ancient public halls have now been dismantled for reconstruction, in the alleyways you can still see some standard features of ancient villages: hand-painted wall decorations, formed lintels, and so on.

The "Eight Immortals Cross the Sea" on the tiles of a crossbeam in New Guanyin Temple

A few hundred meters east of the village's large gate on Lishan Road, the "New Guanyin Temple" is covered in bright red tile (above) with a green tile roof in a kind of Christmas-y effect. Inside are numerous statues of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and other familiar figures: Cai Shen, the God of Wealth; Tianhou, Goddess of the Sea; and even (on painted tiles on the beam overhead) the Eight Immortals.

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Longmu Temple, Liuxian Dong Village

Longmu Temple in Liuxian Dong Village, Xili; note the incinerator to the right

Next, head west on Liuxian Boulevard to where it meets the Nanguang Expressway overhead. Just to the right (north) on Tongle Road is a playground, behind which is a small temple dedicated to Longmu, or "Dragon Mother." The legend says over 2,000 years ago in Guangdong she raised five baby snakes who grew up to be dragons. She is now venerated as a patron of parents and children.

The temple is just one building, with a covered platform to the Earth God out front. The main building contains a small Guanyin and Cai Shen in addition to Longmu herself. Fine tile images also grace the walls, and a small well is found outside.

These two make the trip out to Xili worthwhile.

GPS Info:

• Guanyin, Pingshan = 22.5843, 113.9676
• Longmu, Liuxian = 22.5822, 113.9302

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Click on the links to see the maps:

• Guanyin, Pingshan
• Longmu, Liuxian