Updated for 2026: Nanshan is still one of Sanya's most popular day trips, so arrive early and allow extra time for the long, mostly outdoor walk between the main sights.
Nanshan literally means "South Mountain," and the name refers not just to the mountain itself but to the wider scenic area around it, including the park and the Buddhist cultural center.
Local legend says a ship carrying 12 monks was wrecked off the coast of Hainan. The monks survived, and a temple was later established here in gratitude. Today the temple complex and its landscaped grounds cover around 600 hectares.
One of the main landmarks is the towering Guanyin statue, a major Buddhist shrine and one of the best-known sights in the whole area. It rises 108 meters above the sea and dominates the coastline.
Gold and precious stones were used in the shrine's decoration, and the pedestal is shaped like a jade lotus. Sacred Buddhist relics are enshrined in the base of the statue.
Beyond the religious sites, the center also has a Longevity Alley with photos of Hainan residents who lived past 100. Visitors usually ring the "Bell of Happiness" three times for luck, well-being, and prosperity.
