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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| The Mahavira Hall , Nanputou Temple |
