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Nanhua Temple is located on the banks of Caoxi River, 7 kilometers southeast of Maba, Qujiang District, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. Backed by the foothills of Baolin Mountain, it boasts breathtaking scenery and breathtaking peaks. It is one of China's most renowned Buddhist temples and the birthplace of the Southern Zen tradition, which was promoted by the Sixth Patriarch Huineng. His famous Zen maxim, "There is no Bodhi tree, nor is there a mirror stand. Originally, there is nothing, so where can dust gather?" has been passed down through the ages.
Nanhua Temple was first built in the Southern Liang Dynasty and was originally named Baolin Temple. The temple was built on the mountain and faced Caoxi River. During the Tang Dynasty, it was known as the "No. 1 Zen Temple in Lingnan".
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
20 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Nanhua Temple, located in Shaoguan City, Guangdong, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in southern China. It was founded in the 6th century during the Tang Dynasty and has long been associated with Chan Buddhism (Zen). The temple is famous for its ancient architecture, tranquil environment, and historical significance in the development of Chinese Buddhism.
Nanhua Temple is located in the city of Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. You can reach the temple by taxi or private car from the Shaoguan city center, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, local buses are available to take visitors to the temple area from the city center.
Nanhua Temple is open year-round, generally from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to Nanhua Temple is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online through various travel platforms.
Advance booking is not typically required, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. Booking a few days in advance is ideal to ensure availability.
To fully explore Nanhua Temple, plan for about 2-3 hours. This will allow you to visit the main hall, pagoda, gardens, and participate in any available activities such as meditation or prayer sessions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered in Chinese and occasionally in English, depending on availability. It’s best to check in advance for English-speaking guides.
Start by visiting the main hall and the surrounding temple grounds. Then, head towards the Pagoda for a great view. Explore the gardens and ponds afterward, and if time allows, visit any available cultural exhibits or participate in a meditation session.
There are no night visits or light shows at Nanhua Temple. However, the peaceful temple grounds are ideal for evening walks if you visit during daylight hours.
The temple is more crowded on weekends and during Chinese holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The temple offers basic facilities such as public toilets, water stations, and small rest areas. There are also shops selling Buddhist artifacts and souvenirs within the temple grounds.
The temple is accessible to most visitors, with paved paths and some areas suitable for the elderly and children. However, some parts of the temple, including the Pagoda, may involve stairs that could be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at the temple for entrance tickets and souvenirs. Credit cards may be accepted at some shops, but mobile payments are preferred.
Vegetarian food options are available at the local restaurants, especially near the temple. However, vegan and halal options may be limited in the immediate area.
Yes, there are souvenir shops within the temple grounds selling Buddhist statues, incense, prayer beads, and other religious items. You can also find traditional Guangdong crafts and tea.
