South Putou Temple

Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, beaches, and man-made scenery no wonder you are on one of China’s most affluent, modern, and vibrant locations – Xiamen. Awarded as the most livable City in 2002, this fast growing metropolis has been the center of economics, education and tourism in Fujian Province. Speaking of tourism, there is a lot to find in this magnificent place. One among the most visited sites which dates back to the Tang Dynasty was the Buddhist South Putou Temple (南普陀寺) or Nanputou Temple. It is one of China’s national treasures and was named because it is located south of Mt Putuo in Zhejiang Province.

Entrance gate of South Putou Temple or Nanputou Temple.

The temple is situated in the Wulao mountain range and the sea. A tourist could enjoy a picturesque view of Gulangyu, Haicang, Seming District, and Zhangzhou City from the top of the mountain. It is also adjacent to Xiamen University. Visitors could also experience lush green vegetation and caves along the trail up to the peak.

The 30,000 square meters temple has four major tourist attractions. These are the Devajara Hall (the Hall of Heavenly Kings), Dabei Hall (the Hall of Great Compassion), Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), and the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion which is built on hillsides, rising one step each higher.

Devajara Hall ( Hall of Heavenly Kings), Nanputou Temple

 The Hall of Heavenly Kings (Devajara Hall) is where the fat Buddha, Maitreya stands. The Laughing and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya is located at the center together with three other Celestial Kings.

The Mahavira Hall , Nanputou Temple

The Mahavira Hall was built in 1921 and houses several statues and figures of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy), Avalokiteshvara 's disciples and the Trinity of the Three Ages (Sakyamuni, Kasyapa, and Maitreya). Stories of Buddhism are depicted on the walls as well as familiar Indian figures.

Dabei Hall, Nanputou Temple

The octagonal shrine which is the Dabei Hall lays the four statues of Avalokiteshvara . You can also find two banyan trees planted on each side of the hall.

Sutra-Keeping Pavilion , Nanputou Temple

 Another important site which keeps one precious porcelain statue of Avalokiteshvara is the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion which was built in 1936. Ivory sculptures, Buddhist scriptures, images and other relics are kept here.

Carving of a Chinese Character of “佛” (means the Buddha).

 This majestic sanctuary provides an endless view of Buddhism. Not just that, Nanputou Temple has a lot of room which flanks the main buildings such as dormitories and libraries for the monks. They also served delicious vegetarian cuisines inside the complex.

A view from the top of WulaoFeng.

 After passing the 4 major temples, climbing up to the Wulao Peak should be your next itinerary. Along the trail, you can see a lot of inscriptions as well as the nearly five by three meters Chinese Buddha character. At the top of the peak, tourist could enjoy watching the photographic view of the city and the sea at a distance.

You can take bus nos. 45, 87, 17, 1, 18, 29, 47 and take off at the University of Xiamen. Entrance fee is free as of the writing of this article. The opening time is 0800 – 2000 hrs. Check out some of my photos below! :) 

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