Nanshan Temple (Nanshan Si)

The basics

Nanshan is the largest Buddhist temple established since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Visitors enter the grounds through the Mountain Gate, where two figures of the Buddha stand guard. Several more Buddha statues in various forms live within the temple's two main halls. A front terrace looks out over the South China Sea, affording views of the nearby 354-foot (108-meter) copper statue of the Buddhist goddess Guan Yin.

Multi-day itineraries of Hainan usually include Nanshan Temple, and day trips from Sanya may as well.

Things to know before you go

• Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the views from the temple are postcard-worthy.
• Remember to dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees and to keep your voice down, as this is an active place of worship.
• The temple grounds are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, though be prepared for some inclines.

How to get there

Nanshan Temple is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Sanya City along the Hainan West Expressway. To get there by public transportation, take bus 25 to Nanshansi Station or buses 16, 55, or 57 to Nanshan Station.

When to get there

The best time of year to explore the temple’s outdoor grounds is between November and April, when temperatures tend to be cooler. Avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays, when the temple is often packed with Chinese devotees.

Dining at the temple

When visiting Nanshan Temple, come hungry. The complex is home to a vegetarian restaurant with a reputation for serving tasty food made from vegetables, mushrooms, and bean products. A daily lunch buffet features around 20 different dishes, making it a good introduction to Chinese Buddhist temple cuisine.