The Ultimate Guide to Nanputuo Temple

Introduction: A Sanctuary of Peace in Xiamen

Nanputuo Temple, also known as South Putuo Temple, is at the foot of Wulao Peak. It is next to the well-known Xiamen University.

This temple is the most famous ancient monastery in Xiamen. This temple is not just a place to see. It is a living center of faith.

Here, you can experience deep Buddhist culture. The temple also features the unique style of Southern Fujian (Minnan). Plus, it is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

This guide is designed to provide a "depth-first" experience. A real visit to Nanputuo is more than just burning incense. It involves a journey for the spirit and body: "Worship the Buddha, Explore the Scenery, and Climb the Peak."

If you are a pilgrim looking for blessings or a traveler wanting a great view of Xiamen’s coastline, this plan is for you. It will help you appreciate the temple's full beauty.

Phase 1: Preparation and Etiquette

To ensure a smooth and respectful visit, you must pay attention to the specific customs of this sacred ground.

Dress Code and Personal Preparation Before you go, it is recommended to bathe and cleanse your body as a sign of respect. You should avoid eating meat or strong-smelling foods (like garlic or onions) before visiting.

Your attire must be modest and tidy. Do not wear slippers, shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or spaghetti strap tops. Additionally, it is respectful to remove sunglasses and hats upon entering the temple grounds. For female visitors, it is advisable to tie up your hair rather than leaving it loose to maintain a dignified appearance.

Entrance Rules When crossing the temple thresholds, pay close attention to your feet. Female visitors should step over with their right foot first, while male visitors should lead with their left foot. Never step directly on the threshold itself, as this is considered highly disrespectful in Chinese temple culture.

Phase 2: The Ritual of Worship

The temple is open to the public and offers free entry, though reservations may be required via official channels during holidays. Upon entering, each visitor can receive one free incense stick; please do not bring your own incense or candles from outside.

The Core Architecture Your journey starts at the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwang Hall). This is the first big building you see. Here, the Maitreya Buddha (the Smiling Buddha) and the Four Heavenly Kings are enshrined. Take a moment here to transition your mindset from the bustling city to the solemn temple atmosphere.

Moving inward, you reach the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian). This is the heart of the temple complex and the primary area for pilgrims to pay respect. Inside, the Three World Buddhas are enshrined. When you are here, calm your mind and appreciate the compassion and wisdom represented by these statues.

Further back is the Great Compassion Hall (Dabei Hall). This hall is architecturally unique and houses the Thousand-Hand Guanyin (Avalokitesvara).

The statues here are beautiful and realistic. Look up to see the detailed work that shows both seriousness and kindness.

Behind this hall is the Sutra Depository (Cangjing Ge). It holds a large collection of Buddhist scriptures. This place is important for cultural heritage.

How to Pray Correctly When offering prayers, to make a wish, you must be specific. Silently recite your name, home address, and the specific matter you are praying for. When kneeling, use the cushions on the left and right sides; the central cushion is reserved for monks or those accumulating great merit.

Incense and Circumambulation Do not blow on the incense with your mouth to extinguish the flame; simply wave it or flick it. Once the incense is inserted into the burner, do not pull it out to reposition it. If you choose to walk around the halls (circumambulation), always move in a counter-clockwise direction.

Phase 3: Exploring the Hidden Beauty

Beyond the main halls, the temple grounds offer serene spots that harmonize architecture with nature.

The Release Pond and Towers In front of the temple, you will find the Release Pond. This area is full of life, teeming with schools of koi fish and turtles, symbolizing the Buddhist virtue of respecting all life forms. It serves as a relaxing break point where architecture meets nature.

Nearby, look for the Duobao Tower on the side of the central axis. This stone pagoda is a fantastic example of Minnan architectural aesthetics and serves as an excellent spot for photography.

Photography Rules While the architecture is beautiful, please remember a strict rule regarding the interiors: Do not use flash when photographing Buddha statues. This protects the artifacts and shows respect for the deity.

Phase 4: The Ascent to Wulao Peak

The "essence" of a Nanputuo visit lies in the climb. Do not stop at the temple halls; continue to the path behind the temple that leads up the mountain.

The Hiking Experience The trail leads you up Wulao Peak (Five Old Men Peak). As you walk along the stone steps, you will see amazing rock formations. You will also find old cliff carvings, including the well-known large stone character for "Buddha" (Fo).

The Panoramic View The physical effort of the climb is rewarded at the summit. From the viewing platform, you gain a commanding view of the entire temple complex below. Moreover, the vista expands to include the beautiful campus of Xiamen University and the blue ocean stretching out toward Gulangyu Island. This is the premier location for capturing panoramic photos of Xiamen’s landscape and feeling the refreshing sea breeze.

Phase 5: The Culinary Experience

No trip to Nanputuo is complete without tasting its renowned vegetarian cuisine. The Vegetarian Restaurant located within the temple grounds is famous far and wide.

Dining Tips The restaurant typically opens for lunch at 11:00 AM. To avoid long queues, it is highly recommended to arrive by 10:50 AM.

People know the food here for its lightness, freshness, and variety. You should try these special dishes. They are called "Xiang Ni Cang Zhen" (Taro Paste with Treasures) and "Ban Yue Chen Jiang" (Half Moon Sinks in the River). Please remember that you must not bring meat products into the temple or the dining area.