Perched atop a mountain in the rugged forests of Guangdong is the picturesque Yinxian Resort. Built to commemorate Ming Dynasty official Li Juesi, the spacious resort features a Li Juesi memorial hall, built in classic Ming-era style (complete with original furnishings), as well as several Buddhist monuments. 

Welcoming visitors at the foot of the mountain is a 15m (49ft) statue of the Maitreya Buddha's human form, while on the mountain's pinnacle stands a 29m (95ft) tall white marble statue of Kwan-yin, China's Goddess of Mercy - it's the biggest one of its kind in China. From Li Juesi's residence near the top of the mountain, you can look down upon Yinxian Temple and the placid, aquamarine waters of the lake beside it.

The resort is a good place to get away from the bustle of nearby Dongguan (about 15km or 10 miles away), but don't expect complete peace and quiet. The area is frequented by tourists from all over, and a variety of outfits serving this market have set up shop. Some of these are nice, the resort serves up a tasty BBQ for its guests, while others might come across as a little campy. The musical/light show fountain seems a little out of place to most, as do the daily acrobatic and animal performances.

To get away from the crowds you can easily take a walk along the mountain crest or in the nearby forest, or wander Li Juesi's halls to contemplate the life of seclusion this celebrated Ming-era author chose to live.