Can't they be refunded?

Just a quick, hesitant question: what's the starting fare?

I've seen those Taiwanese media reports before, and they're pretty funny.

Actually, I feel Quanzhou is more like Tainan, while Xiamen is more similar to Taipei.

Shenzhen's forecast calls for rain every day, but we never actually see any.

I'm also looking for e-commerce jobs, and the salaries are ridiculously low.

Will it be very hot and crowded if I go now? I'm planning to go on Saturday.

Hey, everyone! Let's talk about the temples in Guangdong. The variety of temples there is so diverse.

• The populous and heavily frequented "popular" temples:

  • These temples are usually well-known with grand architectures, such as those named as "XX Great Buddha Temple" or ancient ones with rich history.
    • Cultural Note: "A throng of incense lit" (xiānghuǒ wàng) refers to the fact that lots of people visit and offer incense for blessings. In China, this usually means the temple is believed to be powerful and effective, or very famous, leading to people being more willing to make donations (called "布施", bùshī), and thus, the temples can improve their facilities better but may get more commercialized too.
  • Travel Experience:
    • Inside, tourists are always bustling, with people taking pictures, burning incense, and consulting fortune-tellers. It can get quite lively.
    • There'll also be many "supporting services": vendors selling incense materials, souvenirs, even some "masters" waiting to give you good advice (obviously, all for a price).
  • Complaints & Avoidance Guide (Please Note!):
    • Extremely Expensive Incense Materials/Souvenirs:
    • Warning: The prices for incense or charm sellers near the entrance or inside the temple might shock you! Some might even suggest buying expensive items for it to be more effective.
    • How to Avoid: Buddha watches our intentions rather than what we spend on the incense. Just be sincere and save unnecessary expenses. Many temples have free incense, or you can buy the cheapest joss sticks for just a few coins.
    • Overly "attentive" guidance:
    • Warning: Some people might enthusiastically direct you to where to burn expensive incense sticks, light costly lamps, or consult certain "masters".
    • How to Avoid: Be cautious and politely refuse if it feels off. True spiritual cultivation and peace of mind comes from within, not by spending money.
    • Night scene of old Great Buddha Temple: Some temples might look beautiful during nighttime with their lights but pay attention as they might introduce additional expenses due to the light show.

• The tranquil and anonymous "hidden" small temples:

  • These temples may hide deep in the woods or in some inconspicuous corners without being known by many tourists.
  • Cultural Note: "Place of Hardship Training" (kǔxiū zhī dì) refers to places where monks make great spiritual efforts under harsh conditions, paying more attention to their minds than materialism.
  • Travel Experience:
    • Inside, there may only be several monks who keep it quiet, letting you hear the birds and natural sounds.
    • The surroundings may feel simple and slightly worn-out, but this helps people seek tranquility and distance themselves from worldly chaos.
    • Here, "cultivating mind and body" (xiūxíng xiūxīn) feels more genuine as it pursues peacefulness and wisdom.
  • Things to Note (Please Beware!):
    • Respect for Quiet Cultivation:
      • Warning: These places are dedicated spots for monks to undergo cultivation, not tourist attractions; loud disturbances or random photo-taking (especially at monks) are highly disrespectful.
      • How to Avoid: Keep quiet and behave properly. Ask for permission before taking any photos.
    • Material Support:
    • Notice: If you sincerely want a way to support those hardworking monks, small donations (布施) would be a real help that they'd appreciate. There's usually a humble donation collection box.
    • Inconvenient Accessibility: These small temples might face problems of accessibility, thus be prepared mentally and plan your schedule appropriately.

Thus, if you want to experience the hustle and bustle and admire impressive buildings, opt for those larger temples, but remember to guard your wallet tight, don't get tricked! Should you want to find a place for a peaceful mind, taste the real environment of profound cultivation, why not visit those less known small temples, just please keep respect at heart.

Which memorable temples have you visited in Guangdong? Share your stories, experiences, and avoidance tips here!

Why is Panyu so expensive? I live in Baiyun, and my one-bedroom apartment with an elevator, unobstructed views, and great sunlight and ventilation is only 1100. My commute is just three kilometers.

Feeling trapped and suffocated, you mean?

Just follow Route 318 straight ahead, no turns needed. Drive all the way to the end, and you'll hit The Bund. You're welcome to come visit!

Your photos are better than mine.

Yesterday, the navigation apps showed solid red traffic all around. I ended up parking at the train station, took the subway there, and rode a bike back.

With so many stations in Suzhou, why did they specifically have to choose the South Station?

Is this week okay?

How's the scenery there recently? I'm planning to visit after the 10th day of the Lunar New Year.

Well, what can you do? The number of cars and e-scooters has exploded in the last decade or so. The old road designs just can't handle the load anymore.

Then don't bother explaining. The more you try, the more worked up they get. Honestly, as long as we're enjoying our lives and good food here, that's all that matters.

This actually counts as having nightlife now... Way back when I used to visit West Lake, the last buses were pretty much around 6 PM.

I've been to the actual Disneyland and brought back a load of toys.