The Temple of Six Banyan Trees (Liu rong si) is a pretty and exceptionally well maintained temple situated in the heart of Guangzhou. The Temple originally had a different name but was renamed the 'banyan tree' temple by the dissident poet Su Dongpo who visited the site in 1,100. This is a very active working temple.

An interesting construction stands in the temple grounds. The Hua Ta Pagoda is an octagonal building, reaching up seventeen storeys. The sculpture in the wooden eaves and the ceiling here is exquisite and there are hundreds of small posing Buddha's peering out at visitors as they make the climb up the steep staircase.

How to get there: The Temple and Pagoda are situated in the city centre on Liurong Rd. Take Metro Line 1 and get off at the Gongyuanqian stop.

Costs: RMB 1 to enter the Temple. RMB 10 for the Pagoda.

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00