Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Park
San Ya, Hainan
A large Buddhist cultural and temple complex about 40km from central Sanya, built around a 108-metre statue of Guanyin standing in the sea — one of the tallest statues in the world.
Why visit Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Park?
The scale is the point: the Guanyin statue is visible from a considerable distance out at sea and on approach by road, and the surrounding temple grounds, gardens, and Buddhist relics make this one of the largest religious tourism sites in China, reflecting Hainan's historic status as a stop on Buddhist pilgrimage and trade routes.
How to experience it
The site is large enough to need a half-day — an internal shuttle bus covers the distance between the main gate, temple halls, and the Guanyin statue itself, which sits at the tip of a peninsula reached by a long causeway.
Tip
Modest dress is expected as at any active Buddhist site; the complex can get very hot at midday with limited shade along some walking sections.