Ten Hainan Temples & Shrines to Visit in the New Year

Ten Hainan Temples & Shrines to Visit in the New Year

Dates: Jan, 2020        Location: Hainan

As we celebrate the arrival of 2020, our thoughts turn towards our hopes and dreams for the New Year. Here in Hainan, it’s popular to visit local temples and shrines to meditate and pray for the upcoming year as the calendar turns from one year to the next, and no matter what your personal beliefs, Hainan’s temples and shrines offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and spiritual lives of this beautiful island people. As a bonus, the architecture and scenery is spectacular! As you plan your 2020 trip to Hainan, consider visiting one or all of the 10 temples and shrines listed here, which range from wave spattered statues on the rocky shores to traditional Confucius Temples, and even a few that are totally unique to Hainan, like the Li Ancestor Temple!


Wugong Temple 五公祠


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Wugong Temple, also known as Five Official’s Temple, was originally built during the Ming Dynasty. This temple complex consists of five main parts: the Five Lords Ancestral Hall, the Sugong Memorial Temple, Hairui and Fubo memorial temples, Guanjia Tang (Watching Crop Hall) and Xuepu Tang (Studying Hall).


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The Five Lords Ancestral Hall is the main part of this building complex and was constructed to commemorate five famous officials- Li Deyu, Li Gang, Zhao Ding, Li Guang and Hu Quan who were banished to Hainan during the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.


Here you will also see ancient wells, beautiful temple architecture, scenic gardens, and ancient calligraphy.


Tickets: 20 RMB / person
Location: #169 Haifu Rd., Qiongshan District, Haikou 海口市琼山区海府路169


Temple of Confucius 孔庙


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The Temple of Confucius, located in Wenchang, is one of Hainan’s oldest structures. It was originally built in the year 1048, and was moved to the present location in 1375.


Here you will see beautifully preserved traditional temple architecture, a life sized statue of Confucius, examples of calligraphy written by Chinese emperors, memorial tablets, works of art celebrating Confucius, and portraits of 72 Confucian disciples.


Locals come to the temple regularly to burn incense and pray, especially at the Chinese New Year and before important school tests. 


Tickets: 15 RMB / person

Location: #77 E. Chengwen Rd., Wenchang County 文昌县城文东路77



Buddhist Temple at Bo’ao Courtyard of Eastern Culture 博鳌东方文化苑


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The Bo’ao Courtyard of Eastern Culture is located in the home of the world famous Boao Forum for Asia, and features a Buddhist Temple. The main theme of the park is, as you guessed, Eastern culture. Enjoy the beautiful, scenic landscape, with elaborate eastern garden and temple architecture.


The Buddhist Temple on the grounds was originally founded in the year 748, and features a number of striking statues and sculptures. Come early in the morning to see the lotus flowers blooming.


Tickets: 23 RMB / person

Location: #13 Bowen Rd., Bo'ao Town, Qionghai 海南省琼海市博鳌镇博文路13


Nanshan Temple Park 南山景区


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Featuring a 108 meter tall three-faced Guanyin statue, a large temple complex, vegetarian restaurants, a hotel, and extensive beautifully groomed grounds, Nanshan Temple Park is a Buddhist paradise.


Traditional cultural and religious festivals are often celebrated at the park, providing a grand spectacle for visitors.


Tickets: 150 RMB / person

Location: Nanshan Temple Park, Sanya 三亚市南山文化旅游区



Wenbifeng Pangu Cultural Tourism Area 文笔峰盘古文化旅游区


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Wenbifeng Pangu Cultural Tourism Area is located at the foot of Writing Brush Peak in Ding’an.. It has been considered a land of treasure since ancient times. In the quiet and tranquil natural environment, relics from the ancient past can still be seen today.


According to the legend, Writing Brush Peak was originally formed from the nose bridge of Pangu, the first living being and creator of all things in many Chinese myths. The large Daoist temple complex sits on the mountaintop, surrounded by picturesque gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.



Tickets: 81 RMB / person

Location: Wenbifeng Pangu Cultural Tourism Area, Ding'an County 安定县文笔峰盘古文化旅游区



Yongqing Temple 永庆文化旅游景区


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Yongqing Temple is located in Chengmai County, and consists of several interconnected temple structures, which are surrounded by the temple gardens. Yongqing Temple was first built in the Song Dynasty, and later expanded to the current size. It was visited by famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who wrote of the temple's serene beauty.



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It is a popular place for locals to gather and pray, as well as hold all kinds of cultural activities.


Tickets: 50 RMB / person

Location: Yingbin Peninsula, Chengmai 澄迈老城盈滨半岛


 

Tianhou Temple, Haikou 海口天后宫


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Haikou’s historic Qilou Streets offer not only traditional Southeast Asian architecture, local Hainan souvenir shops, cafes, and regular cultural performances, but also the historic Tianhou Temple, built 700 years ago in honor of the Chinese Sea Goddess Mazu. Renovated in 2013, the temple is regularly visited by local worshippers, who burn incense to the statue of Mazu and pray for prosperity, health, and good fortune. If you are lucky enough to visit on the anniversary of Mazu’s birth or death, you’ll witness a large, fascinating ceremony!


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Tickets: none

Location: Haikou Historic Qilou Streets 海口骑楼老街



Mazu Statue Shrine, Riyue Bay 日月湾妈祖像


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If the Haikou Tianhou Temple has piqued your interest in the Sea Goddess Mazu, you won’t want to miss the striking Mazu statue on the shores of popular Wanning surf hotspot Riyue Bay, where local fishermen hold regular ceremonies to pray for safety on the water and an abundant catch. While you are on the beach, this is the perfect time to enjoy Hainan’s natural beauty, listen to the music of the waves, and take a dip in the water!


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Tickets: None

Location: Riyue Bay, Wanning 万宁日月湾



Chaoyin Temple 潮音寺


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While you are in Wanning, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Dongshan Mountain, which is home to a number of famous temples, most of which were built during the Tang Dynasty. Perhaps the most well known is the Chaoyin Temple, which was initially constructed during the Song Dynasty period. Repaired and refurbished over the years, the temple is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture. You’ll also find a giant golden Buddha statue sitting beside the path!


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Enjoy the hike up Dongshan Mountain to reach Chaoyin Temple, and take the cable car down from the peak for a relaxing ride and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.


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Tickets: 50 RMB / person

Location: Dongshan, Wanning 万宁东山



Li Ancestor Temple 黎峒文化园


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Located in the Li Cave Cultural Park in Wuzhishan, the Li Ancestor Temple hosts the traditional Li and Miao Sanyuesan Festival each year, with a huge celebration of Hainan’s traditional minority cultures involving colorful outfits, songs, dances, and prayers.


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The hike up to the Li Ancestor Temple is rewarded by a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual lives of Hainan’s native Li people, the original inhabitants of Hainan island.


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Tickets: None

Location: Li Cave Cultural Park, Shuiman Village, Wuzhishan 五指山水满乡黎峒文化园




Visited all ten of these amazing Hainan temples? Don’t worry, there are a million more amazing temples and shrines hidden across Hainan, and you’ll discovery them here and there in every village, on every mountain, and down each winding alley. Often, you’ll discover shrines to locally worshipped gods, each with unique architecture, statues, art, and customs! There’s plenty to explore all year long.


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