Longquan temple, located at the outskirts of Chinese capital Beijing, has decided to use a robot monk to boost followers. The temple says the robot monk can sing Buddhist chants, move via voice-command, and hold simple conversations.

Named Xian'er, the 60-centimetre-tall machine resembles a popular cartoon-like novice monk clad in yellow robes with a shaven head, and holds a touch pad screen on his chest. Its creator Master Xianfan says Xian'er is perfect to spread the wisdom of Buddhism. A new model of the robot is now in the development, and the temple says it will have a more diverse range of functions.

"This was originally the product of a combination of Buddhism and science. In this way, it shows that science and Buddhism are not opposing or contradicting, and can be combined and mutually compatible," said Master Xianfan.

"I think the impression one gets is that a temple, in traditional culture, should be a very serious place. But he comes in a very cute form, and the contrast is quite big. It's a cute contrast," said Zhao Xian, a 29-year-old tourist.