For such a small city, Danyang in Jiangsu Province boasts some truly impressive historical remains and an even longer history than Beijing. Along with the tomb of the emperor of the Liang State in the Southern Dynasty (502-557), the most significant and meaningful site is Jizi Temple, which dates back over 3000 years ago.

To know about the temple we have to understand the person behind it. This temple located in the southwestern suburb of the city was named after a man named Ji, who was an aristocrat of Wu State in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). Yet in spite of the cruel age in which he was born, Ji was known for having a noble heart and pursuing a moral lifestyle over wealth and power. One story describes that Ji once traveled to Xu State and met the president of that small country. The president liked the sword Ji brought with him but thought it would be shameful to ask for it. Noticing that, Ji did not present it to him on the spot for he would need the sword on his following journey. Yet years later, Ji returned to find the president had died, so he left the sword on his grave. Ji understood that when he promised somebody something, even just in his heart, he would have to live up to it in any situation.

Ji died in 485 BC and it is said that he was buried somewhere near the temple. Thousands of years later, this place has become an ideal spot for traveling and worshipping not just for locals but people around the country. It's an especially worthy place for worshippers, as for spending just 20 yuan on the ticket price they could find tens of idols to worship, including gods from the ground or heaven, some of whom are said to have the ability to cure disease or bring fortune. The idols are all larger than human size and seated under the long glass wall the either side of the temple corridor. Just by looking the amount of wear on the cushions in front of each idol, you might tell who is the favorite of the worshippers.

In one additional small courtyard, I found a small room with a living fortune-teller. In case those who finished worshipping are still uncertain about their fate, they then might come here for help. But since the temple was quiet when I was there, this man's business was also slow.

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