A lesser-known and secluded grotto in Shaoxing, the Shiwu Zen Monastery lies at the foot of Mount Kuaiji

I must say responsibly that even Shaoxing locals may not know where the Shiwu Zen Monastery is, let alone the fact that it is surrounded by cemeteries, making it a definite off-the-beaten-path destination. The atmosphere there is quite eerie, to be honest. Although this mountain road is a necessary path for pilgrims heading to the Xianglu Peak of Mount Kuaiji, there is not a single person in sight now. When I asked the villagers if there were any statues nearby, they thought I was there to tend to graves... If it weren't for the sight of a cultural heritage marker, I might have given up. 📍Location: Jiuli Village, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing 📸Highlights ✅Niche one: Statues of the Medicine Buddha, Sakyamuni's merciful father, and Amitabha sitting, slightly rough in craftsmanship, with the Buddha's head possibly restored later; the main gate is closed, requiring one to peer through the window gap. ✅Niche two: Standing statues of Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, very elegant and dynamic. ✅Niche three: Seated Maitreya statue, the big-bellied Maitreya Buddha is very characteristic of Zhejiang. ✅Niche four: Seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue, wearing a Vairocana hat, with ears draped over the shoulders and wearing a kasaya, with a small lion beside, probably the mount Diti. 🧑🏻‍💻The grotto statues in Zhejiang are generally very secularized, with no fixed style for the Buddhas. I think many are carved according to the appearance of the patrons, not particularly exquisite, but very down-to-earth. Although they cannot be compared with the royal grottos in the north, they are still precious historical relics. 📌tips: The Zen Monastery no longer exists; next to it is the Fayin Temple. One must walk along a dirt road that goes uphill, surrounded by the village cemeteries, ancient in age. Unless you are a crazy enthusiast of grotto statues, don't go alone for no reason. Is it a Zen Monastery or a 'Chan' Monastery? I don't understand