Sanya Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone sits on the southern coast of Hainan Island, 40 kilometers southwest of Sanya city center. It is a national AAAAA-level scenic spot and one of China’s premier Buddhist cultural resorts, covering a total area of 34.7 square kilometers, including 13.3 square kilometers of sea area.
Nanshan, also named Ao Mountain in ancient times, is the southernmost mountain in China. The site carries profound longevity culture derived from the classic blessing phrase “May your life be as long as Nanshan mountain”. The iconic 108-meter Nanhai Guanyin Statue rises on an artificial islet in the sea. This three-in-one statue holds a sutra box, prayer beads and a lotus flower on its three sides, representing wisdom, compassion and peace respectively. Visitors can cross Puji Bridge to reach the lotus pedestal and “touch Buddha’s feet” for blessings.
Nanshan Temple, built in elegant Tang Dynasty architectural style, features grand halls and quiet courtyards facing the ocean. The Gate of Non-Duality at the entrance symbolizes the Buddhist philosophy of non-duality. Other must-see spots are Thirty-Three Guanyin Hall, Longevity Valley with huge stone carvings of longevity characters, and the 108 bodhi trees along the main road. The park is home to dracaena trees, known as “ageless pines”.
Combining ocean views, coconut groves, religious culture and ecological landscape, it offers Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, meditation and cultural experiences. It serves as a top destination for sightseeing, pilgrimage and cultural study tours in Hainan.