One of the perks of being a teacher in China is that you get a hefty three-week holiday in February, in honour of the Chinese New Year celebrations. With a small budget and a desire to explore more of China, particularly warmer areas, I took myself away to Sanya. Based in Hainan, China’s most southernmost province, the region is often described as ‘Chinese Hawaii’ thanks to its beautiful tropical beaches and palm trees. And yes, the beaches are fucking beautiful, but I’m going to give you another reason to come to Sanya- Nanshan Temple, the most breath-taking and spiritual site that you will find in this part of China.
Built in 1988 to commemorate two thousand years of Buddhism in China, the Temple is a memorial to Chinese Buddhism. The highlight is definitely the statue of Guanyin, a Bodhisatva common figure in Chinese folk religion. Her name directly translates as “[The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World”, making the position of the triple faced statue in the East China Sea fitting, looking out both into the ocean and the land. Fun fact, it is also the fourteenth tallest statue in the world- obvious when you’re crossing the bridge towards her feet, craning your neck to get a glimpse at the delicate, yet towering sculpture.
Of course, let’s not forget the rest of the Temple, which is pretty sweet. The entire park site features a multitude of replicas of temples representing various aspects of Chinese Buddhist architecture, particularly from the Tang Dynasty, leaving you feeling super fucking zen. However, another of my favourite spots was definitely the Mountain of Longevity- a hike/exhibition featuring images and biographies of Hainan aged population that have, or almost have, reached their centenarian status. So significant, not only in a culture that prizes their elderly population, but in an area that has one of the highest centenarian populations in China.
If you’re planning on taking a spiritual journey to this site, here’s some advice. Firstly, definitely dish out the 30RMB that it costs for the hop-on-hop-off train. The site is huge, and this is a great, chilled way to see the area. Allow a full day to get the most out of the Temple- there is much to see and enjoy, as well as lots of places to sit back and relax with a book or a picnic. Finally, make sure you eat at the Buddhist, vegan restaurant next to bridge to the Guanyin statue. Not only is it affordable, but it hosts some delicious, authentic, vegan Chinese food- a rarity in a country where they eat pretty much anything that moves. Although it’s ironic that despite the vegan laws of Buddhism, the site still features a plethora of traditional Chinese food stops, full of the regular meat options. Pretty sad, but I guess the meat-loving Chinese tourists must be catered for. So, if you want something different, head to this restaurant.
Get yourself to Sanya for a spiritual site that’s guaranteed to take your breath away and leave you feeling hella’ zen.
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