Guan Yin originated as the Sanskrit Avalokiteśvara, which is her male form. Commonly known in the West as the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan-yin is also revered by Chinese Taoists as an Immortal. The name Guan Yin, also spelt Kuan Yin, is short for Kuan-shih Yin which means "Observing the Sounds of the World". Kuan-yin (also spelled as Guan Yin) is the Chinese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokiteœvara. However, folk traditions in China and other East Asian countries have added many distinctive characteristics and legends. Avalokiteœvara was originally depicted as Buddha when he was still a prince, and therefore wears chest-revealing clothing and may even sport a moustache. However, in China, Guan Yin is usually depicted as a woman. Additionally, some people believe that Guan Yin is neither man nor woman.
In China, Guan Yin is usually shown in a white flowing robe, and usually wearing necklaces of Indian/Chinese royalty. In the right hand is a water jar containing pure water, and in the left, a willow branch. The crown usually depicts the image of Amitabha Buddha, Guan Yin's spiritual teacher before she became a Bodhisattva.