Updated for 2026: The Temple of Five Lords remains a worthwhile cultural stop in Haikou, with quiet gardens, traditional halls, and a calmer mood than Hainan's beach resorts.
This memorial complex honors five upright officials who were banished to Hainan when the island was still seen as a distant place of exile.
In those days, Hainan lay far from the political center, and life here was harsh. Heat, isolation, and poor living conditions made exile especially punishing, and many never returned.
Rather than a single shrine, the site is a spacious complex covering nearly 3,000 square meters. It commemorates five historical figures sent to the island in exile: Hu Quan, Li Guang, Li Deyu, Zhao Ding, and Li Gang.
The grounds combine temple halls, pavilions, and landscaped gardens in a traditional Chinese style. Look for the Jade Garden, the Grotto of the Wandering Celestial, and the Pond of Pure Thoughts.
The Temple of Five Lords is also known as Wugongci. Today it is recognized as one of Hainan's most important cultural heritage sites, and it is well worth adding to your Haikou itinerary.
