Guanyin; short for Guanshiyin; is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism often associated with compassion and mercy. While she is often portrayed as a woman; she is beyond gender and can be depicted as both male and female.

Guanyin is often referred to as the 'most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity'; due to her miraculous powers and her loving compassion. She is not only worshipped in Buddhism; but also in Taoism and Chinese folk religion; with various stories and legends about her. Guanyin plays a very important role in the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West.'

She is known by various names in different nations; with the Japanese calling her Kannon/Kwannon; or more formally Kanzeon; while in Thailand she is called Kuan Im. She is extremely popular; with temples dedicated to her found throughout South and East Asia; especially in China and Chinese folk religion.