No. 59: Guanyin Gucha, Jilin, Jilin

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 3, 2013.)

The figures on the ridges of most Chinese temples vary more than
these at Guanyin Gucha (观音古刹) in Jilin City, Jilin (吉林, 吉林市).

August 26, 2011 - From Changchun, I took a fast train on a branch off of the main north/south line to Jilin City. I wouldn't be staying there; after a quick visit, I'd be back on another train.

The ancient Guanyin Gucha is quite small, and seems to be seldom visited. That day, volunteers were cleaning out the sutra repository (scripture library), and using large kettles to burn unwanted papers, such as old posters and pamphlets. I wish I could have taken some away!