Suzhou's Xuan Miao Temple

Xuan Miao Temple in Suzhou is along Guanqiao Road 观桥路 is one of the oldest Taoist Temples in the southern Jiangsu region. Suzhou itself is essentially Shanghai's large neighbor to the west. Xuan Miao is currently doubling as a retail space. However, while wandering around the greater Guanqiao and Leqiao area, I decided to take a look around. I find Taoist places of worship fascinating -- partly because there are not as many of them around this part of China when compared to Buddhist temples.  The admission ticket runs about 10 RMB.

The ticket itself is for entrance into the temple facilities. As I said earlier, part of this area does double as retail space and trinket stands. 

But this a real place of worship...

There is also some weird history to look at. For example, there is huge blank slab. 

The above is called "The No Word Tablet" in English. Eons ago, this tablet used to feature characters carved by a man named Fang Xiaoru. He once refused to write something for the emperor, which promptly led to the emperor having Fang and his entire family killed. The emperor also specifically ordered that Fang's writing be sanded off of the above slab. 

These last two photos have nothing to do with Chinese history or culture. This temple is also home to a kitten who's cuteness is absolutely mesmerizing.