After a stressful week, last Friday I walked to this nearby temple to find a quiet place away from all the hustle and bustle.  Heavy construction was going on next door to the temple, but once I stepped through the doorway, the beautiful trees and gardens buffered out the noise.  

 I think this man is getting the trees ready for summer by stripping away some of the outer bark.  I have no idea if this is true but he was pretty good at whatever he was doing!

As I walked through the temple, I was amazed how many people were praying there on a Friday afternoon (before 5pm).  Young school children were walking around to each building, placing an incense stick before a statue then praying.  There was even an art class at the temple drawing and painting the scenery.  This temple seemed like an escape not just for me but for others as well to relax and slow down within the city.

I was most fascinated with the incense they were burning.  To me, this incense seems to be counting down to something.  Burning away until it reaches its stub.

I had a wonderful afternoon wandering around the temple and being with other Xi’an people in this peaceful, quiet place.