Guigang：A Holy Land of Buddhism

In early June， a loud gust of wind arrives in Guigang， offering Yujiang River （the largest tributary river of Xijiang River） with abundant rainfall. Each year， millions of tons of cargoes travel through this river， making it one of the busiest waterways in Guangxi.

As a “green gem” lying on the Tropic of Cancer， Guigang features a subtropical monsoon climate. From the perspective of Wuxing， including metal， wood， water， fire and earth， among which “water” is regarded as the soul of Guigang， hence its name. “The golden watercourse” -- Xijiang River flows through the city， making its port the biggest freshwater port in South China.

During the Qin Dynasty （221 BC-206 BC）， Bushan County （today’s Guigang） was established here under the jurisdiction of Guilin Prefecture at that time. Many years later， Guigang was promoted to be a city of Guangxi in 1988. For centuries， travellers to Guigang have told tales of this magical land.

The sacred place for praying

Nanshan Temple

Guigang has a unique character shaped by Buddhism over thousands of years. This obscure and archaic-looking religion has produced one of the enlightened cultures here. A cultural tour of Guigang will include a wide range of local wonders. And the landmark attraction -- Nanshan Temple is certainly high up on the schedule.

The Nanshan Temple located on Nanshan Hill was built in the Song Dynasty （960-1279）. The temple was closely associated with emperors. 224 imperial books were donated by Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty； Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty presented a plaque inscribed with “Jingyou Zen Temple”； Emperor Wenzong of the Yuan Dynasty （1206-1368） visited the temple twice and wrote “Nanshan Temple” in Chinese on the entrance plague， which can still be seen now.

Outside the temple， there are some banyan trees. Inside the temple， the meandering paths may lead you to somewhere. Atop the hill， you can have a panoramic vista of Guigang. Surrounded by shops selling local specialties， Nanshan Temple is crowded with worshipers all year round. If you ask anyone about the Buddhism， they’ll tell you that Buddhism is a very difficult philosophy to teach or explain， and the very best way to understand it is to experience it.

Longhua Temple

Over 2，500 years， the dream of Buddha is still with us. People who share a common vision and goal are gathering around another temple -- Longhua Temple which is a must-see sight in Guigang because of its religious， cultural and historical significance.

The temple located in the West Mountain Scenic Area was built in the early years of the Song Dynasty. For over 1，000 years， it has survived numerous wars and earthquakes， with well-preserved Buddhist buildings you can see today.

It is said that the Buddhist prediction here is very accurate. And even those of other faiths or nonbelievers would find a spiritual experience in Longhua Temple. For foreigners， a temple fair here is definitely a cultural experience， because it shows Chinese cultures from a very detailed perspective. Nowadays， going to the temple fair of Longhua Temple has become a routine for residents near the area during China’s annual Spring Festival.

Impacts of Buddhism on the locals

In the north of Guigang， there is a very highly blessed place--Hulong Village. People of Lanyi （blue suite） Zhuang are living here with an older and simpler lifestyle. Despite arduousness of this journey， the joy of moving closer to this village shows in visitors’ smiling faces.

In the golden terraces surrounding the village， the ears of rice are plump and right for harvesting. People here are influenced unconsciously by Buddhism. In Buddhism， there is no place for laziness and lethargy， and industry is the soul of the natives， as well as the keystone of their prosperity. Villagers believe that you can’t expect an apple tree if you sow thistle seed.

The trip to Hulong Village felt like a pilgrimage. In vivid contract to the urbanites， people of Lanyi Zhuang value a clear mind and know how to relax and live at this moment. It’s true that most of people in the modern society are money-oriented and worried about their living. However， Hulong Village is a land with the purity of heart， peace and wellbeing. The brand of happiness reflected in the locals’ eyes is scantly seen in the country’s materially wealthier cities. Perhaps it explains why Buddhism has become particularly attractive to those who live in our demanding 21st century.

People here have a long tradition of co-existing peacefully with the creatures and landscapes around them. The natives respect for nature and may find expression in practical ways. An injured bird would be nursed back to health by the villagers. These acts of kindness are common in this village where people believe that helping other beings is helping themselves. The culture of veneration and protection extends right across this land， helping preserve a unique yet fragile ecosystem.

Buddhism has marked out a path that leads directly from ancient world to the modern society. After this unexpected round-trip journey on the blessed land， please don’t forget to make a wish and pray devoutly before the Buddha， and it may come true sometime soon.