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Hainan Island's Nanshan Buddhist Center
I've been to my fair share of Buddhist centers, but this one on Hainan Island really takes the cake. The 108-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue is a sight to behold, and the entire complex is designed to help you connect with nature and your spiritual side. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it the perfect spot to unwind and reflect. Whether you're a devout Buddhist or just looking for a serene escape, this center has something for everyone - from the beautiful gardens to the tranquil water features. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get in touch with their spiritual side.
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Discovering the Breathtaking Nanshan Buddhist Center on Hainan Island
summarizeEditor's Summary
Our visit to the Nanshan Buddhist Center on Hainan Island was a real spiritual and visually stunning experience. The massive 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of the South China Sea, left us awestruck. The temple's immaculate grounds and serene atmosphere made it the perfect escape from the island's bustling streets. With its rich history and breathtaking architecture, this Buddhist center is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Hainan Island. From the moment we stepped foot inside, we felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility that lingered long after we left. We spent hours exploring the temple's unique exhibits, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and soaking up the peaceful ambiance.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Güzellik8/10
Merkeziyet9/10
Büyüklük9/10
Hello everyone!
We recently returned from an incredible trip to Hainan Island, and I'm still reeling from the experience. The Nanshan Buddhist Center was a standout highlight, and I'm excited to share our story with you.
In July 2025, my family and I decided to explore Hainan Island, and we managed to squeeze in some amazing activities, both on our own and as part of guided tours.
The Nanshan Buddhist Center was truly unforgettable. When we were planning our trip, this place kept popping up in our recommendations, so we made it a priority from the start.
The Nanshan Buddhist Center is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Eastern Asia, built in 1998 to commemorate two thousand years of Chinese Buddhism. For tourists and pilgrims, there are unique exhibits related to the origins of Buddhist philosophy. The main attractions include the 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of the South China Sea, and a small golden statue of Guanyin, said to contain the ashes of the Buddha.
Getting there from Dadonghai Bay:
We took bus number 55, and it was surprisingly comfy, almost like a long-distance bus, with super comfy seats. The ride to the final stop was a breeze.
The route for bus 55 is really convenient, allowing you to get to the Olen Park, where you can take in breathtaking views, as well as the Nanyshan Buddhist Center and the End of the World Park.
The bus 55 costs 13 yuan for the entire route.
From Nanyshan, it runs from 7:30 to 18:00.
And back, from 9:10 to 18:25.
Operating Hours:
The Nanshan Buddhist Center is open every day, from 8:00 to 18:00. Ticket booths stop selling tickets an hour before closing time.
Price: 108 yuan (entrance ticket, no bus included) - please bring your original passport or a photo of it on your phone.
The Complex:
This place is mind-blowing - the sheer size and scale are overwhelming, with massive territories that seem to be swallowed up by greenery.
The main attraction is undoubtedly the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, standing tall above the sea.
She stands at an impressive 108 meters tall - and that's not just a coincidence, since the number 108 is considered sacred in Dharmic religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
You can climb inside the statue and reach the observation deck, which offers breathtaking views.
The views from up there are stunning. But, be warned, it's not easy to get in. There are a lot of people who want to visit, so be prepared to wait in line. After you walk along the path to the statue, you'll see the start of the queue, where people are patiently waiting in a circle and a snake-like line to reach the entrance.
Once you're inside, you can take in the beauty of the statue. Since there are signs saying no photography, people still take pictures, and I did too – just a couple of shots.
After visiting the main attraction, you can take a stroll around the grounds, which feature various Buddhist buildings, statues, greenery, and water features.
The grounds are home to numerous temples and pagodas.
The grounds are well-maintained, with beautiful gardens and fountains. There are also areas for relaxation. You can take a ton of amazing photos here.
We decided to ditch the bus and walk instead. I mean, it's not like we had a choice, but it was actually kind of nice to get some exercise.
Walking became a daily habit for us in China. We'd easily rack up 30,000 steps a day, which is way more than we typically get at home. It was a welcome change of pace.
We headed down the path to the left of the Guanyin statue (if you're facing her) and made our way to the end. There, almost next to the Pagoda (you can see it in the next photo), was a friendly security guard who showed us where to take the best photos and even snapped a few shots of us.
Since it's such a large open area, I highly recommend bringing your own water and sunscreen. You can buy water at one of the cafes or shops, but I only saw one place where you could do that (in the center of the park). Maybe I just missed it. There are also cafes and souvenir shops on site.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't so intense.
The Guanyin statue is visible from many parts of the park.
We were thoroughly impressed. I'd definitely recommend it!
We didn't get a chance to explore the entire Nanshan Buddhist Center, but we did make it to the End of the World Park. It's supposed to be pretty cool, but the heat got the better of us. Still, we were happy with our experience.
P.S. If you're flying from Russia - specifically Aeroflot from St. Petersburg - and you're on the left side of the plane as you're heading towards the island, you might catch a glimpse of the Sacred Guanyin statue as you're approaching the island. The photo didn't turn out great, but it's worth a look.
A bird's-eye view Five stars.
If you're interested in more of my reviews about visiting Hainan Island, check out these links.
It's a place where adults and kids can have a blast from start to finish.
I also wrote about Nantian, China's secret to eternal youth, and my journey to find harmony between body and soul.
Thanks for reading my review!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the Nanshan Buddhist Center, and what makes it so special?
The Nanshan Buddhist Center is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Eastern Asia, built in 1998 to commemorate two thousand years of Chinese Buddhism. Its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism or simply looking for a peaceful escape.
What are the main attractions at the Nanshan Buddhist Center?
The main attractions include the 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of the South China Sea, as well as unique exhibits related to the origins of Buddhist philosophy.
Is the Nanshan Buddhist Center suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the temple's tranquil atmosphere and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together. However, some areas of the temple may be too crowded or noisy for very young children.
Can I take photos inside the temple?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple, but please be respectful of other visitors and refrain from using flash or taking photos during ceremonies or services.
Are there any facilities for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the temple provides wheelchair accessibility and has ramps and elevators to facilitate easy movement throughout the complex.
Can I purchase souvenirs or gifts at the temple?
Yes, the temple has a gift shop on site that offers a variety of Buddhist-themed items, including incense, statues, and other souvenirs.
Are there any guided tours available at the Nanshan Buddhist Center?
Yes, the temple offers guided tours in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Please check with the temple's administration for availability and scheduling.
Can I stay overnight at the Nanshan Buddhist Center?
No, the temple does not offer accommodations, but there are several nearby hotels and resorts that cater to a range of budgets and preferences.
How do I get to the Nanshan Buddhist Center?
The temple is located on Hainan Island, and there are several transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.
check_circlePros
- •The 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin is an absolute marvel and a photographer's dream come true.
- •The temple's immaculately manicured grounds and serene atmosphere make it the perfect escape from the island's hustle and bustle.
- •The unique exhibits related to the origins of Buddhist philosophy offer a fascinating glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage.
- •The stunning architecture of the temple is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders.
- •The tranquil atmosphere and peaceful ambiance of the temple make it an ideal spot for meditation and reflection.
- •The temple's proximity to the South China Sea offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- •The temple's gift shop has a great selection of Buddhist-themed items, including incense, statues, and other souvenirs.
- •The temple offers guided tours in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
cancelCons
- •Some areas of the temple can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.
- •The temple's vast size can make it difficult to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues.
- •Some of the exhibits and artifacts may not be well-signposted, making it challenging for visitors to fully appreciate them.
- •The temple's serene atmosphere can be disrupted by loud groups of tourists or rowdy children.
- •Some of the temple's facilities, such as the restrooms, may be in need of renovation.
- •The temple's remote location can make it difficult to find transportation or get around the island.
- •The temple's food options are limited, and the prices can be a bit steep.
- •Some of the temple's staff may not speak English, which can make it difficult to ask questions or get help.
