James Baquet

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

    Pingshan is a vibrant village with plenty of modern shopping. Although its two ancient public halls have now been dismantled for reconstruction, some standard features of ancient villages such as hand-painted wall decorations, formed lintels, and so on, can still be seen in the lanes.

    A few hundred meters east of the village’s large gate on Lishan Road, the New Guanyin Temple is bright red with a greentiled roof. Inside are numerous statues of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and other familiar figures including Caishen, the God of Wealth, Tianhou, Goddess of the Sea and even (on painted tiles on the beam overhead) the Eight Immortals.

    Next, head west on Liuxian Boulevard to where it meets the Nanguang Expressway overpass. Just to the north on Tongle Road is a playground, behind which is a small temple dedicated to Longmu, or Dragon Mother. Legend says that over 2,000 years ago in Guangdong she raised five baby snakes who grew 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 in front. The main building contains a small Guanyin and Caishen in addition to Longmu herself. Fine tile images also grace the walls and there is a small well outside.

    These two make the trip to Xili worthwhile.