Deities worshipped at City God Temple. [Photo by Erik Nilsson/China Daily]

City God Temple

Guangzhou is ruled by the underworld－not the criminal kind but, rather, the immortal variety.

At least that's the traditional belief behind the 640-year-old Guangzhou Du City God Temple that enshrines three deities－Liu Yan, Yang Jisheng and Hai Rui.

The Taoist holy site's primary divinity is the chenghuangshen－literally, the god of the moat and walls－who's believed to govern the corporeal city from the spirit realm.

Monks honor his birthday with rituals and prayers. They also pass out longevity noodles and provide free clinical care to worshipers during the festival.

Given the city's vibrancy, it seems they've succeeded in appeasing its protector and ruler.

Deities worshipped at City God Temple. [Photo by Erik Nilsson/China Daily]