Live Your Best Lives
Nanshan Temple in Sanya, Hainan Province, is located within the Buddhist Cultural Park within the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, 40 kilometers west of Sanya. According to historical records, Sanya's Nanshan is the "Buddha's Abode," the abode of the Bodhisattva, also known as the "Mountain of Great Light." Covering 400 mu (approximately 1,000 acres), the temple is styled after the Tang Dynasty, featuring the Hall of Benevolence, the Main Hall, east and west side halls, the Bell and Drum Tower, the Chakravartin, the Dharma Hall, the Guanyin Courtyard, and the Beitian Courtyard. The temple, meticulously arranged according to the mountain's terrain, exudes a solemn, serene, and elegant atmosphere. Entering the temple feels like stepping into the very site of Guanyin Bodhisattva's preaching.
The entire building is magnificent. It is the largest Buddhist temple built in China in the past fifty years and also the largest temple in southern China.
Tropical maritime monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Jintang
The Main Hall, also known as the "Golden Hall" during the Tang Dynasty, is a historical allusion to the Eastern Han Dynasty's Emperor Ming, who dreamed of a golden man and sought the Dharma. The Main Hall is the main hall, or the Grand Hall. "Daxiong" (Daxiong) praises the Buddha's great power and might. It signifies the Buddha's boundless wisdom and magical powers.
Tushita Inner Courtyard
Tushita is the name of a realm or heaven, translated as "superior," "wonderfully satisfied," "satisfied," and "happy satisfied." It is a celestial abode in the Desire Realm. Buddhism considers the fourth of the six heavens in the Desire Realm to be divided into an inner and outer court. The inner court is the Pure Land of Maitreya Bodhisattva, while the outer court is the place of pleasure for the celestial beings. Seven Buddha statues are enshrined here, the principal one being Maitreya with a Heavenly Crown, flanked by Mahamudra Bodhisattva and Dharmagarden Bodhisattva, and surrounded by the Four Heavenly Kings.
Niomon Gate
It is equivalent to the "Three Gates" in ordinary temples. It enshrines Vajra Mitra and Narayana Vajra, who are the patron saints of the temple. According to the records of the Sutra of the Merciful King and the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the two Vajras were named Merciful Kings for their contributions to protecting Buddhism. Therefore, Nanshan Temple is not called "Three Gates" in imitation of the Tang Dynasty, but is called "Meridian Gate" after the two Vajras.
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
The entrance fee to the Nanshan Temple Cultural Tourism Scenic Area is 150 yuan per person (off-season ticket is 121 yuan per person; the Golden and Jade Guanyin is charged separately, 20 yuan per person)
08:00-17:30
Sanya Nanshan Temple is a modern Buddhist complex located on Hainan Island, completed in 1998. It is dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and promotes Buddhist culture, philosophy, and eco-tourism in southern China.
The temple is located about 40 km west of Sanya city center. Visitors can reach it by taxi, private car, or organized tour buses. Public buses also run from Sanya city to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April when the weather is sunny and comfortable.
Entrance to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is approximately CNY 150 per adult. Tickets can be purchased online via official websites or offline at the entrance.
It is recommended to book tickets 1–2 weeks in advance during peak tourist seasons or Chinese holidays.
3–5 hours to explore the temple complex, Guanyin statue, gardens, and coastal areas thoroughly.
Guided tours are available in English and Chinese. Audio guides may be offered in select languages depending on tour operators.
Enter through the main entrance, visit the temple halls, proceed to the Guanyin statue, explore gardens and coastal paths, then finish with a meal at a vegetarian restaurant.
Night visits are generally not allowed; the site mainly offers daytime tours. Special cultural and religious events may occur on Buddhist festivals.
It can be crowded during Chinese national holidays and weekends. Weekdays and off-peak months like May–September are less crowded.
Main areas are accessible, though there are stairs near the Guanyin statue. Wheelchair access is limited in some garden and coastal sections.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at entrance gates, restaurants, and shops. Carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases.
Several vegetarian restaurants within the temple complex, plus local eateries and cafes in the surrounding Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available at temple restaurants. Halal options are limited nearby and should be checked in advance.
Nearby accommodations include Sanya luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and boutique guesthouses in the Nanshan Cultural Tourism area.
Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Park, Tianya Haijiao (the "Edge of the Sky" scenic spot), and nearby beaches like Haitang Bay can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops sell Buddhist figurines, incense, prayer beads, postcards, and locally made crafts.
Taxi or private car to nearby beaches, resorts, or Sanya city center. Some tour buses also connect Nanshan with other tourist attractions.
