Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple

Built in 990 during the Song Dynasty, Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple is located on the Niugugang of Fenghuangling Mountain in Foshan, Guangdong Province. During its over one thousand years' history, it has been destroyed and restored repeatedly. Numerous Buddhist disciples from generation to generation came here to worship Nanhai Kwan-yin. In the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), the temple was totally damaged.

In the 1990s, the temple was rebuilt on the original location Niugugang – a ridge with lush vegetation and appealing scenery. With an area of over 100 mus (about 6.7 hectares), the renovate Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple was open to the public in 1996. Due to the convenient transportation to Guangzhou and Foshan, the temple now attracts many tourists.

The buildings of the temple were designed by the Ancient Architecture Department of Tianjin University. The whole construction followed the architectural style of the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties especially the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The main buildings inside the temple include Tianwang Temple, Grand Hall, Liuzu Temple, Jialan Temple and Kwan-yin Hall, covering an area of about 20,000 square meters (4.94 acres). They are arranged on three layers with one upon another. The Kwan-yin Temple can be seen from quite a distance and is quite grand. On the central axis of the Kwan-yin Temple, there is a road called the Imperial Pass for the imperial carriage with the stone carvings of dragons and lotuses. According to the regulations in the feudal society, only the palaces can have an Imperial Pass and only the imperial court can have dragon carvings. However, Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple is an exception for it is a palace-style temple.

Additionally, the landscape of its exterior is also picturesque. Especially, when summer comes, the Fangsheng Pool in front of the temple becomes a stage of gorgeous lotuses. Also the Culture Square and waterfall attract many tourists.

Every year on January 26th, according to the lunar calendar, is the Kwan-yin Temple Day. Thousands of devotees will go there to worship Kwan-yin. Thus, it became the largest Buddhist shrine in Foshan.

Admission Fee: CNY 10
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30

- Last updated on Aug. 16, 2019 -
Questions & Answers on Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple
Asked by Lai | Apr. 09, 2018 01:27Reply
Hello. How to reach the Kuan-yin Temple from New World Hotel Shunde?
How long for the travel and how much for taxi? Thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Selina from CANADA | Apr. 09, 2018 03:28
00Reply


You are suggested to take a taxi and it takes about 1h and CNY 200.
Asked by kim from MSIA | Dec. 22, 2015 22:20Reply
Are there 2 Nanhai Kuan Yin temples in Foshan in different locations?
Answers (3)
Answered by Johnson from CANADA | Dec. 24, 2015 00:10
10Reply


Yes, there are two:
One is Kuan Yin Statue. It's located at the Xiqiaoshan Scenic Area. But the other is actually Kuan Yin Temple. The address is Niugugang, Nanguo Taoyuan, Shishan Town.
Answered by Kim from MALAYSIA | Dec. 24, 2015 06:12
20Reply


Thank you for the reply Johnson,
I was in Guanzhou recently and visited the Kuan Yin Temple in FoShan. I found the temple and the surrounding vry enchanting and serene wish I had more time to explore the place. However I was not aware of the other one until I came back and did some checking on the net. Nonetheless I was very happy with my visit.
Much appreciate for your reply.
Answered by Johnson | Dec. 25, 2015 02:43
20Reply


Xiqiaoshan Scenic Area focuses on Kuan Yin Cultures, along with clear springs, cascading waterfalls, and various grottoes. The Kuan Yin Statue is about 203 feet (62 meters) high. It looks very magnificent! If you are interested, you may pay a visit there some time.
Asked by Ger Small from IRELAND | Oct. 01, 2014 04:43Reply
Is Nanhai Kwan-Yen temple far from the centre of the place. Ger.
Answers (1)
Answered by Cola from SENEGAL | Oct. 10, 2014 05:05
01Reply


It's about 14 miles from the centre of Nanhai District.
Asked by Ms.CAPRI_1004 | Dec. 04, 2012 02:07Reply
How do I reach Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple if I using the GuangFo metro ?
Which station shall I stop ? Are there taxis which I get to reach there ? If so, how much would the estimated taxi fare cost ? Thanks.
Answers (3)
Answered by Carmen_01 | Dec. 05, 2012 03:25
10Reply


Hi, but where are you heading from? Actually, the MTR cannot take you there directly.
It is only about 12km from Guangzhou and Foshan to the temple, so the taxi fare is CNY50-60.
Answered by Ms.CAPRI_1004 | Dec. 23, 2012 21:38
01Reply


Hi Carmen_01,

Im heading Foshan from Xilang station by using GuangFo line. Which station (at the GuangFo line) shall I stop to get a taxi to Nanhai Kuan-Yin Temple ? Thanks.
Answered by Hank | Dec. 24, 2012 01:19
10Reply


You need to get off the Guangfo Line from Guicheng Station. After that you find easily find Youdianju Bus Stop where you can take bus 206 to reach Xianzigang Stop. Then you may need to walk about 40 minutes to reach the temple.
You can take a taxi to reach directly, but the taxi fee may be a little bit high, maybe around 60 to 70 RMB.
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