Nanhua Temple
Nanhua Temple (Nanhua si 'South Flower Temple') is 20 kilomters south of Shaoguan and has a history of more than 1,500 years. Founded in 502 by the Indian monk Zhiyao Sanzang, the temple became famous through the activities of its sixth patriarch, Huineng (638-713), who sat in meditation here for 36 years before suddenly reaching enlightenment. His successors spread his doctrine of Nanzong Chanfo, or Chan Buddhism, throughout China from where it filtered into Japan as Zen.

 Nestled into the surrounding maple trees and Chinese cypresses, the 12,000-square-meter temple grounds have the standard setting of a Buddhist Temple. Enter the temple through the Caoxi Gate, behind which is a Life-saving pond (Fangsheng chi) and the Five Fragrances Pavilion. Moving forward, reach seven halls full of relics, behind a second gate reach the Lokapala Hall, with the masterly shrine in the centre and flanked by the four heavenly Kings standing aside. Next is the Mahayana Hall containing a 8 meter high lacquered Statue of Avalokitesvara. At the side of the hall are the Bell and Drum Towers. Relics include scrolls of scriptures and iron images which are kept in the Tripitaka Pavilion. At the back of the temple is a spring called Jiulong Quan.

After Huineng passed away, it is said, his body was considered as an immortal body, and was mummified. Now there is a sacred lacquered model, said to be the actual mummy, in the Sixth Master Hall, which is open to worshippers. The Sixth Master's kasaya robe embroidered with 1,000 Buddhist images, his alms bowl, shoes and a stone pendant can also be found in the temple.
There's a good vegetarian restaurant over on the east side of the temple grounds, and the gift shop sells tiancha, a special liquorice-flavoured tea made by Nanhua's nuns.
Location: In Caoxi, 24 kilometres south of Shaoguan.
How to get there: Take the minibus from the Shaoguan railway station.
Cost: RMB 10.
Open Hours: 08:30-16:30.