Actors perform an ancient ceremony to honor the five immortals who founded Guangzhou. [Photo by Erik Nilsson/China Daily]

Temple of the Five Immortals

Once upon a time, five immortals rode rams clutching rice stalks in their mouths to found Guangzhou.

Hence, the metropolis is called the city of rice, the city of rams and the city of immortals.

That's lot of nicknames hailing from one legendary event, the essence of which is captured by the Five Immortals Temple.

The site stages costumed performances replicating ancient scholars' sacrificial ceremonies honoring the deities.

The temple also hosts Guangdong's largest bell. The 3-meter-high, 5-ton bell was forged in 1378 and is known as the "forbidden bell" since it was to be struck only during emergencies like fire.

The Dragon King's fourth son, Pulao, is perched atop the bell, since he's known to possess a thunderous voice.