I visited the Shrine of the Serene during the Phuket Old Town Festival and the shrine was brimming with people performing certain tasks relevant to this and the Chinese New Year.
I have a fascination with Chinese Shrines in Phuket and at every opportunity visit them. There are always a plethora of reasons to take photographs of the fascinating objects that you can find - simply by taking a little time and showing a little respect to the people who are taking care of the Shrine.
By taking time you will notice more things that simply going in and taking photographs. I would always leave a donation in the shrine - in what is usually a metal lidded box with a post box hole. Usually this is near to a hanging bell - put the money and ring the bell.
"Ring the bell that hangs from a rope in front of the offering box (some shrines don't have the bell/rope). Bow twice, clap your hands twice, bow once more, and then throw coins into the wooden offering box (100 yen is a typical offering). The prayer is made either before or after throwing money into the box. Another method is to throw a few coins into the offering box, then ring the bell, bow deeply twice with hands together, clap twice, and bow once again. When in doubt, watch how the Japanese people in front of you make their offering and prayer"
Please remember to remove your shoes when you enter into the Chinese Shrines. This is not the only time that we have visited this Chinese Shrine - Aug 2011 / Mar 2011 .
