Nanputuo Temple Visitor Guide

Xiamen’s Sacred Buddhist Mountain Temple

Temple Overview

📍 Location: Adjacent to Xiamen University (ideal for combined visit)
🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
📞 Contact: 0592-2086586 / 0592-2087282

Historical Significance

• Tang Dynasty origins, rebuilt during Qing Kangxi era
• Named for its southern location relative to Putuo Mountain’s Puji Temple
• Dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) Bodhisattva

Temple Layout & Highlights

Main Structures

1. Mountain Gate

• Twin east/west entrances with release pond (turtles) and lotus flowers

1. Central Axis Buildings

• Mahavira Hall: Houses the Three Saints of the West
• Great Compassion Hall: 1,000-armed Guanyin statue
• Scripture Pavilion: Rare Buddhist artifacts & scriptures

1. Side Structures

• Bell Tower (east) & Drum Tower (west)
• Charity Building (left) / Puzhao Building (right)

1. Notable Features

• Giant “Buddha” stone carving on rear cliff
• Celebrity inscriptions throughout temple grounds

Must-Experience Activities

1. Vegetarian Cuisine

• Puzhao Building Restaurant
• Award-winning Buddhist vegetarian meals
• Must-try: Mushroom stew, gluten “meat” dishes

2. Souvenir Shopping

• Nanputuo Vegetarian Cakes
• Golden Tripod Award winners
• Popular flavors:
  🥥 Coconut | 🎃 Pumpkin | 🌱 Mung Bean

3. Wulao Peak Hike

• “Five Old Men Reaching Sky” – one of Xiamen’s 8 Great Views
• 30-45 min climb behind temple for panoramic city views

Visitor Tips

Before You Go

• Dress code: Cover shoulders/knees (shawls available for rent)
• Best times:
• Mornings (7-9 AM) for quiet contemplation
• Avoid 1st/15th lunar days (busy worship days)

Photography Spots

📸 Giant “Buddha” carving
📸 Lotus pond reflections
📸 Temple rooftops against Wulao Peak

Nearby Combos

• Xiamen University: 5-min walk
• Hulishan Fortress: 15-min drive

Accessibility Notes

• Flat stone paths in main temple area
• Steep steps to Wulao Peak (not wheelchair accessible)
• Free incense at entrance (no need to purchase)

“Where ancient incense smoke meets mountain vistas.”