Temple vs Skyscrapers
(View from the top steps of the Jing’An temple, Shanghai)
Much of the Jing’An temple seems to be a reproduction or to be heavily renovated – but it remains a picturesque and amazing space nestled between skyscrapers in hectic, modern Shanghai. I read that the temple pre-dates Shanghai and has been destroyed and renovated many times since its conception on this spot back in the third century. It still functions as a working temple, I believe, even though the primary worshipping space sits underneath the temple structure as a concrete and rather functional bunker affair.
Sometimes it doesn’t feel appropriate to take photographs, hence why I did not take one of the female Buddha statue (apparently rare, which must be why I didn’t know about her), the Goddess of Mercy. She was carved entirely from one huge piece of timber and shone with the natural luster of well-finished wood. The carvings, bronze statues and craftsmanship in the temple and all its buildings are exquisite and the quality of the wood is beautiful. What makes it more impressive is that there are no nails if the construction is traditional; the structure is held up and together with interlocking joints.
Like most metropolis’, Shanghai has her share of beggars and unfortunates patrolling the tourist spots. I have come to realise that although Suzhou feels to me like a huge bustling conurbation, it is small by Chinese standards and has not developed this divide of rich and poor to such a degree. As we walked one street at night, the air was filled with the crying of a young boy, calling out as if his lungs would bleed. He did this until he elicited no response, then stopped, walked to another street to begin the same routine. It is incredible how awful this sound is, and even more amazing that it can be controlled to provide a living through an intense brand of begging.
hey, I know this place! I was living next to it @ friend’s place!
Have fun travelling, nice to see all the pictures here of you!
kisses, nicole