Page:Ports of the world - Canton (1920).djvu/45

CANTON efficacy of this particular device, thereby showing another of the countless differences between the customs of orientals and occidentals. Imagine an American clergyman burning a piece of paper in place of reading his Bible!

One of the most pretentious temples in and near Canton is the Buddhist structure, known as Hoi-tung-tsz, on the island of Honan. The grounds cover an area of five acres, are divided into numerous courts, and peopled by scores of Buddhist priests.

The Temple of the Five Genii, or Ng-sen-kwan, on Great Market Street; the Temple of Longevity, or Chung-shan-tsz, in the western suburbs; and the ancestral temples of the Chen and the Chun-ka-che families, are prominent among the places of worship in Canton. The Chen temple is better kept than most of the temples in Canton, while the Chun-ka-cho temple just outside the city proper, is one of the, most imposing buildings of its kind in all China.

Besides the temples there are numerous pagodas in Canton, including the Five

Storied Pagoda, or Chen-hoi-tan, and the Wa-tap, or octagonal flower pagoda, which stands in one of the most pleasing and restful places, from the occidental viewpoint, in the city.