Boao Oriental Culture Garden

Introducing Boao Oriental Culture Garden

The Boao Oriental Culture Garden, nestled on the banks of the Wanquan River and facing the permanent venue of the Boao Forum for Asia, is a cultural landmark of Boao and a prime spot for exploring Hainan's humanities and geography. Comprising the Boao Zen Temple and the Oriental Culture Theme Park, the Boao Zen Temple's backyard houses the Oriental Culture Theme Park and the Lotus Pavilion.

In addition, the Puji Hall of Boao Temple houses twelve unique "Twelve Zodiac Guanyin Statues"; the Thousand Buddha Pagoda is 77 meters above sea level and 55 meters high, making it the tallest building in the Boao area. Inside the pagoda is a 16.8-meter-high bronze statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, which is rare in Asia; there is also a bronze gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha donated by King Gyanendra of Nepal to Boao Temple.

Climate and best time to travel

tropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

8:30-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Boao Oriental Culture Garden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Culture Garden is part of the Boao Water Town area in Bo’ao (Qionghai City, Hainan). It was developed from the Boao Zen Temple and adjacent theme park, with Buddhist and lotus-culture themes, to reflect the region’s cultural heritage and support tourism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located on the banks of the Wanquan River in Bo’ao Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province. You can reach it by taxi from Boao railway station or the town centre. There is a special shuttle bus line “Qionghai-Boao Oriental Culture Garden” that runs into the scenic area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours are roughly 08:00-18:00. The best times are early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, especially around sunset by the riverside.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The attraction is free to enter (no admission fee) according to current info. There is no prominent mention of online ticketing—just turn-up entry.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required given free entry.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

About 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to visit the temple, pagoda, gardens, and riverside zone.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The key areas:

• Boao Zen Temple (including halls and the Twelve Guanyin statues)
• Wanfo Pagoda (55 m high tower over the site)
• Oriental Culture Theme Park / Lotus Pavilion area, focusing on lotus culture.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No specific information found about formal guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages. Visits are largely self-guided.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Great photo spots:

• The pagoda exterior looking out toward the river and water town.
• The riverside at sunset, with temple silhouettes and light reflections.
• Inside the hall with Guanyin statues and lotus motifs for detail shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Suggested route: Enter via the garden gate → walk to the Zen Temple main gate → explore halls → climb around the pagoda area to vantage points → proceed to the Oriental Culture Theme Park / Lotus Pavilion area → stop by riverside area for view → exit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No documented regular night-only tours or major light shows. The site is primarily daytime oriented.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site is moderately visited; fewer crowds on weekday mornings and non-holiday periods. Arrive early for best experience.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include basic visitor amenities (toilets, rest benches) and the riverside cafés/shops in Boao Water Town area. Some dining and refreshment outlets near the temple complex.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The temple and garden paths are relatively gentle; however climbing the pagoda area may involve steps. Seniors and children can visit easily; wheelchair accessibility is unclear.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Since entry is free, no ticket payment is required. For onsite vendors or cafés mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) and cards are likely accepted; carrying some cash is still sensible.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby within Boao Water Town and along the riverfront there are dining and café options—seafood, local Hainan cuisine, riverside cafés including the “Sea Story” bar converted from a fishing boat.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Not explicitly documented; vegetarian dishes likely exist in temple-associated or local eateries; halal options not clearly specified—ask locally if needed.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Yes—there are resorts and hotels in Boao and Qionghai near Water Town and the Culture Garden precinct (e.g., Boao Heyue Seaview Hotel).

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby you can visit:

• The permanent venue of the Boao Forum for Asia on Dongyu Island.
• Jade Belt Beach (Yudai Beach) at the estuary of Wanquan River.
• Boao Water Town scenic area, riverside walks and shops.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes—souvenir shops in the Water Town area and temple area sell items like lotus-themed crafts, Buddhist artefacts/charms, Boao Forum souvenirs, local tea or speciality snacks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting you can take a taxi or local bus/shuttle back to Boao town centre or Qionghai railway station. From there continue to other destinations on Hainan’s east coast or to Haikou/Sanya.