Nanshan Buddhism Center: A Journey into Chinese Culture

One of the most popular attractions of China is located on the island of Hainan. Center of Buddhism Nanshan, located near the city of Sanya, is a famous tourist complex. An ancient temple has been restored on its territory and a landscape park has been created that gives visitors peace and harmony.

Nanshan Temple

A sacred place for all Buddhists is dedicated to Guanyin - the most revered goddess. From generation to generation an ancient legend is transmitted, according to which once upon this place a small ship was wrecked, and 12 miraculously saved monks built a temple here as a token of gratitude.

Buddhism Center Nanshan is a huge complex surrounded by a green park located on a territory of 50 square kilometers. For the convenience of tourists, open electric vehicles run here, which stop at each sight. Tickets for transport are valid all day long, and visitors can sit down and leave when they are comfortable, which makes it easier to move through a gigantic complex in a debilitating heat.

Gates that give enlightenment

Entrance to the center of Buddhism Nanshan, a photo of which conveys its exotic beauty, is realized through the Celestial Gate. They are decorated with two hieroglyphs inscribed by the oldest calligrapher of the country, which denote two important concepts - unity and non-duality. According to Buddhist philosophy, in order to attain enlightenment, it is necessary to go through this gate. Immediately located is the so-called gong of happiness, in which all the visitors who stayed in the line, beat three times, calling on luck, wealth and prosperity.

Merciful Liberation Park

Walking along the picturesque park, called the Mercy of liberation, you can get to the valley of Longevity through the alley dedicated to the long-livers of the peninsula. Everywhere red ribbons with golden hieroglyphs are tied - the wishes of love, happiness and other blessings. Especially for tourists from Russia in the points selling scraps of cloth, there are signs with translation. Every guest who visits the center of Nanshan Buddhism binds ribbons to statues or trees, and no one takes them off. It is believed that the gods always fulfill their cherished desires.

Built in a classical Chinese style park with bamboo thickets and pretty pavilions resembles a paradise in which it is so nice to meditate and relax from the city bustle.

Alley of centenarians

On a picturesque avenue there are stands with photos of people who reached the age of a hundred years, as well as excerpts from interviews with them. Everyone can learn their secrets, which consist in an active way of life, proper nutrition, communication with loved ones. The fact is that on an island where there is a very respectful attitude towards the elderly, a large number of people live, older than 80 and 90 years. Once in two years an interesting festival is held, where long-livers publicly congratulate and give them gifts.

All interested persons can climb to the top of the mountain on the stairs, which has ten thousand steps. From the hill, there are stunning views of the rainforest and the giant statue of the goddess. In the valley of Longevity tourists meet a sculptural composition consisting of three turtles symbolizing family happiness with children and grandchildren, respect for old age and peace.

Temple in honor of the Goddess of Mercy

The colorful center of Buddhism Nanshan, opened 18 years ago, is famous for its magnificent temple, where a golden statue of the eight-handed goddess of mercy is installed. Having attained perfection, the caring and compassionate Guanyin, who did not want to go to nirvana, begged the gods for happiness for people and saved them from various disasters and troubles.

The tall statue of the goddess is made of 140 kg of pure gold and is encrusted with precious stones, the total weight of which exceeds 400 carats. For believers, the main relic is a piece of the ashes of the Buddha himself, stored inside the statue. The walls of the temple are filled with small cells, where miniature images of the goddess, left by tourists and believers, are installed. By the way, each visitor will be able to purchase a figure on the plate of which his name will be engraved, but it will not be possible to take it with him, since the copy should remain in the temple.

Next to the structure is a giant jug, carved in stone, filled with rainwater. At its base is installed a container in which goldfish are swimming, and tourists are happy to feed them with rice. An ancient legend tells that water from a vessel will pour out and purify the earth only when all wars in the world stop. Buddhists believe that such a day will come soon.

Statue of Guanyin on an artificial island

The final point of the route is an artificial island, in the center of which a bronze statue of the goddess rises. Two of her faces look at the South China Sea, and one faces people. The height of the Guanyin sculpture is 108 meters (this figure in China is considered sacred).

Believers who come from all over the world to the center of Nanshan Buddhism touch the gilded petals of the lotus on which the great goddess rests. At the foot of the statue weighing 2,600 tons is a smart temple with special stands, where red ribbons with wishes are attached.

Nanshan Buddhism Center: directions

Those who want to visit the local landmark themselves, you must first get to the city of Sanya. You can transfer from Moscow to the resort with transfers, and departures are made from Sheremetyevo Airport.

Further to get to Nanshan Temple, working from 8:00 to 18:00, it's easy: in the international center of tourism there are buses numbered 25 and 29, which in an hour will be brought to the final stop - the largest Buddhist complex in Asia.

In addition, you can purchase an excursion, the price of which (about 65 euros) includes: a return trip, a walk with a guide and tickets for an electric car.

Guest Reviews

Tourists who have visited the temple admit that they felt a surge of strength and cleared themselves of the negative. A tour of the Buddhist center is a journey into the history and culture of China. Here, each is imbued with an interest in philosophy that preaches peace and respect for man. Visiting the sacred place, giving peace and peace, heals the soul, and on the heart after the fascinating journey it becomes amazingly light and joyful.