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 三亚南山文化旅游区官网 (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).
Transportation
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.
FAQ
Where can you enjoy the beautiful sea views in the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone?
There are several spots. The viewing platform near the Nanshan Sea Goddess of Mercy Statue offers a panoramic view of the vast sea. Also, along the coastal path around the temple area, you can walk while enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful ocean scenery.
What should be paid attention to when visiting the Nanshan Sea Goddess of Mercy Statue?
You should follow the guidance of the staff, keep quiet and respectful in this sacred place. Don't touch the statue randomly. And when taking pictures, make sure to choose appropriate angles to show respect for the religious significance of the statue.
What's the opening time of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone?
The scenic area is usually open from early morning to late afternoon, for example, from 08:00 to 17:30. However, it may be adjusted according to different seasons and special circumstances, so it's better to check in advance.
What etiquette norms should be followed in the scenic area?
You should keep quiet in religious areas, avoid wearing revealing clothes. When entering the temple, take off your hat. And don't litter anywhere to keep the environment clean and show respect for this cultural and religious place.
How to get to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone more conveniently from the airport?
You can take an airport shuttle bus that has a stop near the scenic area. Or you can take a taxi directly from the airport, which usually takes about an hour depending on the traffic conditions.
