The hustle and bustle of the Pearl River Delta can often be
totally overwhelming. That's why we offer this little travel
page – to give you some idea about getting out of the cities
for a long weekend in order to rejuvenate your body and
mind. And, if it's spiritual healing you're after, then the tranquility and
peace of Guangzhou's many temples are a perfect place to melt into
the Great Absolute again. Here's how we did it...

9.45am
Energize yourself, Cantonese style, with a beef rice roll, preserved
egg and pork congee breakfast, together with a couple of deep-fried
twisted dough sticks at Yin Ji (519 Hui Fu East Road), one of the iconic
morning restaurants of Guangzhou.

10.45am
Now visit the Temple of Forgiving. Follow a narrow lane just beside
Yin Ji and arrive in Da Fo Si, or The Grand Buddhist Temple (21 Hui
Xin Zhong Jie, Hui Fu East Rd.) The name of the temple, of course,
indicates tolerance and forgiveness. Originally built by the South Han
emperor Liu Yan Shang (917-971BC), Da Fo Si was sacked in 1649 but
rebuilt by Emperor Ping Nan. In short, it's a masterpiece of southern
Chinese religious architecture. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th of
the lunar calendar, the temple is packed with local Buddhists praying
for a better world.

12.30pm
Enjoy a healthy seafood lunch at Da Tou Xia Vietnam Restaurant
(548-552 Hui Fu East Rd, Tel: 020-83191277). In Cantonese slang, Da
Tou Xia means someone who is "very forgetful". In truth, most of its
customers never forget this place.

2.30pm
The Liu Rong Si, or Six Banyans Temple (87 Liu Rong Road), is
an ancient Buddhist temple built in 537AD in the Liang Dynasty of
Guangzhou. The Six Banyans Temple was originally called the
Baozhuangyan Si and was burned down only to be rebuilt in the
Northern Song Dynasty. "May Peace Prevail on Earth" is written on
an entrance pillar, in four languages: traditional Chinese, simplified
Chinese, English and Japanese. The Flower Pagoda, the major
structure inside the temple, was built in 1097AD and was named for its
colorful exterior. Visitors also throw coins into this flower pagoda. Often
you will see foreign families receiving blessings for their newly adopted
children in front of the fabled Kuan Yin statue.

4.30pm
After your respite, see the center of Chinese Buddism on foot. It is said
that Guangxiao Si, or Bright Filial Piety Temple (109, Guang Xiao
Road) pre-dated Guangzhou itself. Built as a palace for the prince
of Nanyue Kingdom (206BC–24AD), Huineng, one of the six legendary
founders of Chinese Buddhism, had his head shaven here before
becoming a monk. So, before you enter, beware of the fortune tellers
trying to forecast your fate (for a 'special price'). This complex is also
said to house the remains of famous artifacts. They include Mahavira
Palace, dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty; the Listening Spring,
exploited by Dharma in the Southern Dynasty; a thousand-Buddhapagoda;
and the drum tower of the Song Dynasty.

6.15pm
After a day of contemplation, an authentic vegetarian meal will
definitely make your journey complete. Try Pu Ti Gan Lu Fang
and choose from pumpkin, yam soup, and vegetarian dumplings.