Nanshan Temple

A Guanyin statue in the temple

Situated 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Sanya City, Hainan Province, the Nanshan Temple (South Mountain Temple) ranks as one of the attractions in the Nanshan Culture Tourism Zone. Occupying an area of 400 mu (66 acres), it is the biggest Buddhist preaching site established since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Nestling at the foot of Nanshan Mountain, an auspicious region famous for Chinese Buddhist culture with emphasis on longevity-happiness, Nanshan Temple was completed on 12 April, 1998, the 2,000th anniversary year of Buddhism coming to China.

With its total floor space of 40,000 sq meters (10 acres), this temple boasts several replicas of Tang Dynasty (618-907) architecture. The Renwang Gate (Mountain Gate), the entrance to the temple, has two figures of Buddha standing there as guards. As well, seven Buddhist figures are enshrined in the Doushuai Adytum (or Hall). The Maitreya Buddha (Sanskrit, Mile in Chinese) is in the middle of the Hall with two Bodhisattvas on each side. Around these three Buddhist images stand the Four Heavenly Kings, who act as Buddhist guardians with duties to protect all living creatures and to bring favorable weather and ample harvest. From the Doushuai Adytum, a porch brings visitors to Jin Tang, also called in the time of the Tang Dynasty, Daxiongbaodian (Hall of Ceremony). Here are enshrined the three main Buddha images: the Sakyamuni, the Bhaisajyaguru (Chinese Yaoshiwang) and the Amitabha (Chinese Amituo). These two halls comprise the main parts of the Temple.

In addition, there are some other enchanting sights in Nanshan Temple.
 

Buer Famen Gate

This amazing national treasure is a 3.8-meter（13-feet) high Golden Jade Guanyin Statue. It is covered with 100 kg (221 pounds) of gold and silver, embedded with 120 carats of South African diamonds plus countless jewels, and containing two sacred Buddhist relics.
 Just in front of the tempel is a terrace directly facing the South China Sea, from which visitors can admire the vast seascape and meanwhile view the spectacular 108-meter (354-feet) high copper statue of the South China Sea Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Nanshan Temple is a comparatively new temple which combines Buddhist culture, garden architectures, and recreational facilities with the spirit of peace, tranquility, happiness and harmony. And it must be a wise choice for visitors who wish to pay their respects to Buddhist culture while traveling in Sanya.
 

The vegetarian food there is very famous, including many nutritious dishes made of wild fungus, konjak, and bean products.
 

Take bus 25 to Nanshansi (Nanshan Temple) station; or bus 16, 55, or 57 to Nanshan station.

Entrance Fee (covered by the ticket of the Nanshan Culture Tourism Zone)	October - April: CNY 129 May - September: CNY 108 Half price for children between 1.2 - 1.4m (3.9 - 4.6ft); Free for children under 1.2m.
Opening Hours	08:00 - 17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit	1-2h