Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area is well-known for its profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Nanshan Temple in the scenic area is the core display area of Buddhist culture. You can experience Buddhist culture, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and pray here. After praying, you can also copy Buddhist scriptures and taste vegetarian meals, which are very delicious and healthy.

Highlights of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Nanshan Temple

Nanshan Temple is a large-scale temple built in the style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. It is nestled among the mountains and faces the sea. The existing imitation buildings of Tang Dynasty include Renwang Hall, Tianwang Hall, Bell Tower, Runwheel Tibetan, East-West Climbing Gallery, East-West Annex Hall and Jintang, with a total construction area of 5,500 ㎡. The whole building is magnificent. It is the largest Buddhist Dojo newly built in China in the past 50 years and the largest temple in southern China. Here you can taste vegetarian food and feel its freshness and health. But please pay attention to keep quiet in the temple and don't expose yourself.

Guanyin on the Sea

Guanyin on the Sea

The 108-meter-high Nanhai Guanyin statue faces the South China Sea, with green mountains at its back. It exudes an imposing presence. Free guided tour services are available here, helping you better understand the cultural connotations of Guanyin. You can access the base of Guanyin's lotus seat via the underground passage and offer prayers up close. You can also take a cruise around the statue to pay homage and admire the Guanyin on the sea from various angles.

Cross the bridge and you'll reach the Guanyin Hall, where you can obtain incense for free to offer prayers. After praying, head to the Yuantong Hall to get paper stamped for free. The 25-kilogram massive seal is truly astonishing.

Best Photography Spots: To get a photo with the Guanyin statue in the frame, you don't have to enter the scenic area. Locate a shop "Yichang Cold Drink"（Chinese name：一畅冷饮） in Yazaitang Village. You'll find a Y-shaped intersection; take the left path, go downhill into the village, and walk all the way to the beach. Once there, you'll see reefs on the left side. It's recommended to visit between 10:30 and 13:30 in the morning, when the lighting is ideal and the sea appears bluer. Additionally, you can capture panoramic views of the statue from across the bridge and on the bridge itself.

Buer Famen

Buer Famen

The Buer Famen (Chinese Name: 不二法门) adopts the architectural design of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The eaves and brackets of the gatehouse are exquisitely carved. Every detail shows the superb level of ancient architectural art. The word "不二" has a profound connotation in Buddhism. Buddhism believes that although all things in the world are very different in appearance, they are all the same and empty from the perspective of Buddha nature. This concept not only reflects the profound understanding of Buddhism on the nature of the world, but also provides people with a practice method that transcends secular concepts and pursues inner peace. When you stand in front of the gatehouse of the Buer Famen and look up at this simple and solemn building, you will involuntarily feel awe in your heart.

Nanshan Thirty-Three Guanyin Hall

Scripture-copying

The Nanshan Thirty-Three Guanyin Hall is the best choice for a one-day prayer tour. It is a Buddhist cultural venue that integrates the display of Guanyin culture, the culture of the God of Wealth, and folk culture. It was meticulously crafted by more than 130 artisans.

In the courtyard, the main statues enshrined include a group of thirty-three manifested forms of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, a complete relief map of the three calamities and eight difficulties of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Longwuye, the First God of Wealth on Earth, and the Best Treasure Bowl in the World, etc. Among them, "the largest group of thirty-three Guanyin statues in the world" and "the Best Treasure Bowl in the World" have been included in the Guinness World Records and are world-renowned treasures.

Here, the thirty-three manifestations of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are displayed, covering everything from praying for marriage to praying for peace. On the left side, there is a scripture-copying area where believers can copy the scriptures for free, believing that sincere prayers will be answered. Behind the hall is the Hall of the God of Wealth, which is suitable for those who want to seek wealth to go and make wishes. It is recommended to go to the Nanshan Courtyard early to draw and have divination sticks interpreted. The masters will be more patient when there are fewer people, and the divination sticks can also be obtained for free.

Longevity Valley

The Longevity Valley is more than 2,000 meters deep and about 200 meters high. The valley is rich in natural plant types, with strange rocks everywhere, and a charming tropical rainforest scenery. According to different directions and landscape features, it is mainly divided into the gate landscape area, the source landscape area and the scenic tour line along the valley. There are many attractions such as mango forests, century-old trees, three longevity pines, 100-year-old hall, 100-year-old steps, as well as Nanshan centenarian photo gallery and other attractions. The valley is lush with trees and the atmosphere is quiet. It is a place to visit the scenery and pray for blessings. At the same time, activities related to longevity culture are often held.

Xiaoyue Bay

Xiaoyue Bay, a crescent-shaped bay in Nanshan Scenic Area, has a 7-kilometer-long coastline. It is remote and mysterious, surrounded by mountains and seas. The original ancient wooden boulders are well protected, and the sea winding corridor leads to the exquisite pavilions on the rocks. It is a wonderful tropical coastal scenery. It's also a perfect place to take some gorgeous photos, capturing your intimate moments with the ocean. As the scenic area is bathed in abundant sunlight, be sure to take sun protection measures. Meanwhile, don't forget to guard against mosquito bites. It's advisable to carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you.

Wishing Tree

According to local people, praying to the Wishing Tree is very effective. You can write down your wishes on a wishing board and hang it on the Wishing Tree. Here you can see the "Group of Elephants Sculpture" attraction. There are twelve lifelike stone elephants in different shapes, and they are very realistic. According to Buddhist scriptures, Sakyamuni was a six-tusked white elephant in his previous life. Therefore, elephants have always been regarded as auspicious symbols in Buddhism.

Nanshan Tree House

The Nanshan Tree House is built within the Tamarind Forest Nature Reserve, where there are thousands of tamarind trees that have a history of four to five hundred years. Although it is adjacent to the sea, the tree house constructed here has the function of withstanding typhoons. This is related to the well-developed root system of the tamarind tree itself, and the flat top of the tree with a slope that can effectively reduce the wind force. Standing in the unique and exquisite tree house, which is shaped like a bird's nest, you can enjoy the beautiful South China Sea and the 108-meter-high Nanshan Sea Guanyin Statue. It will completely relax your body and mind and enable you to feel the charm of nature.

Suggested Travel Routes:

The Buer Famen → Guanyin on the Sea → The Hall of Thirty-three Guanyins → Nanshan Temple → Longevity Valley

Educational Value

Nanshan is a renowned Buddhist holy land in China, boasting numerous Buddhist cultural heritages and architectures, such as Nanshan Temple and the Sea Guanyin Statue. Through visiting and studying here, you can gain an understanding of the development history, doctrines, philosophical thoughts and Buddhist art of Buddhism.

The architectures within the tourist area integrate the styles and techniques of traditional Chinese architecture, such as upturned eaves, bracket sets, and mortise and tenon joint structures. You can learn from them the construction principles, material usage and aesthetic characteristics of traditional architecture.

Activities to do at Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Participate in Traditional Folk Activities: The tourist area will irregularly hold some folk activities with local Hainan characteristics, such as song and dance performances of ethnic minorities, and displays of traditional handicrafts. You can learn to make traditional handicrafts and gain an understanding of Hainan's folk culture and traditional techniques.

Marine Ecology Observation: In the areas close to the seaside, you can observe the marine ecological environment, such as coral reefs and marine fish, through professional observation equipment.

Soil and Geological Investigation: The soil and geological conditions in the Nanshan area have certain uniqueness. For geology enthusiasts or students majoring in related fields, they can carry out investigation activities here, such as soil sampling and observation of geological structures.

Yoga and Meditation: The beautiful natural environment of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area provides an ideal place for yoga and meditation. You can participate in the yoga courses organized by the scenic spot or practice meditation on your own by the tranquil seaside or in the mountains and forests to relax your body and mind, relieve stress, and at the same time, it helps to cultivate concentration and inner peace.

Zen Meditation Lectures: The scenic spot will hold Zen meditation activities and health preservation lectures, inviting eminent Buddhist monks and health preservation experts to impart Zen meditation methods and health preservation knowledge to tourists. Through Zen meditation, you can deeply experience the Buddhist practice culture.