Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone
Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, a sacred Buddhist enclave on Hainan Island, is China’s premier destination for pilgrimage, culture, and coastal serenity. Anchored by the 108-meter-tall Guanyin of Nanshan statue—the world’s tallest outdoor white-jade Buddha—it merges Buddhist philosophy with tropical landscapes. Designated a National AAAAA Tourist Attraction in 2007, the zone spans 40 square kilometers, offering temples, gardens, and vegan cuisine, all while overlooking the South China Sea.
Historical Overview
The site’s origins trace to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when monk Huineng visited and declared it a "land of ultimate bliss." Modern development began in 1995, inspired by the Buddhist Scripture of Longevity, which mentions Nanshan as a realm of eternal life. The Guanyin statue’s completion in 2005, funded by donations from 108 global Buddhist communities, marked its ascendance as a pilgrimage hub. Today, it hosts the World Buddhist Forum biennially and preserves over 2,000 Buddhist artifacts.
Structural Layout
The zone is divided into six areas:
Guanyin Plaza: The 108-meter statue with three faces (representing compassion, wisdom, and peace) and a 1,500-seat prayer hall.
Nanshan Temple: A Tang-style complex with the "Longevity Hall" and a 2.5-meter-tall jade Buddha.
Golden Valley: A bamboo forest path lined with 18 arhat statues and a lotus pond.
Longevity Culture Park: A museum showcasing Taoist and Buddhist longevity practices.
Fenghuang Coast: A 2-km boardwalk with ocean views and the "Turtle Releasing Pond."
Vegan Village: Restaurants serving mock-meat dishes like "Buddha’s Delight."
Major Attractions
Guanyin of Nanshan: The statue’s base houses a 33-meter-tall Buddha and a 60-meter-tall lotus pedestal.
Nanshan Temple: A Ming-era replica with a 1,000-year-old Bodhi tree sapling from India.
Thirty-Three Halls: A series of shrines dedicated to the Bodhisattvas of each life stage.
Golden Valley Zen Garden: A meditation space with rock carvings of the Heart Sutra.
Longevity Culture Exhibition: Interactive displays on qigong, herbalism, and calligraphy.
Fenghuang Coast Sunset: A daily ritual where monks chant as the sun sets over the Guanyin statue.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 Hours):
Entrance → Nanshan Temple → Guanyin Plaza → Longevity Hall → Fenghuang Coast → Exit.
Highlights: Pilgrimage trail and coastal vistas.
- Extended Route (5–6 Hours):
Entrance → Golden Valley → Thirty-Three Halls → Vegan Village Lunch → Temple Sutra Copying → Sunset Chanting.
Highlights: Cultural immersion and vegan dining.
- Spiritual Route (Full Day):
Morning: Temple rituals and sutra copying.
Afternoon: Longevity Park workshops and Bodhi tree meditation.
Evening: Private vegan banquet and Guanyin statue night illumination.
Highlights: Deep wellness and religious practices.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone (Official Site) or Ctrip up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets at the entrance; queues longest 8–10 AM.
- Prices:
Peak Season (October–March): ¥218 (adults), ¥109 (students/seniors).
Off-Season: ¥180 (adults), ¥90 (students/seniors).
Guanyin Statue Access: ¥88 (requires separate ticket).
Bus: Routes 16, 25, or 57 to Nanshan Station (¥8, 1.5 hours from downtown Sanya).
Taxi: Direct from Sanya Bay (¥100, 40 minutes) or Yalong Bay (¥150, 1 hour).
Shuttle: Free resort buses from Sanya’s Dadonghai and Haitang Bay areas.
Tour Group: Half-day trips from ¥200/person (includes temple guide).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: November–February (mild weather); avoid Chinese New Year.
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends draw 18,000+ visitors.
- Essentials:
Modest attire (shoulders/knees covered for temples).
Comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible).
Cash for temple offerings (incense and candles).
Prohibited: Outside food, photography in prayer halls, and touching statue bases.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
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