Guanyin sanya. NanShan the Center of the Buddhism, Nan Shan

16.10.2020

I can say with almost one hundred percent certainty that the first excursion that a guide will offer you in Hainan is a trip to the Nanshan Buddhism Center. They are very proud of this complex; it has been awarded the AAAA status (by Chinese standards, the highest award is 5*), and, finally, many of local residents believers, that’s why this place is so dear to them.

From the point of view of antiquity, to be honest, I was not very impressed with the complex. Yes, a huge territory, yes, many temple buildings, yes, the tallest statue of the goddess Guanyin, but everything there is somehow too new. There is no antiquity, history, beauty that I expected to see. But this is a very beautiful green park, built according to all the canons of Feng Shui, so it is pleasant and interesting to walk in it.

How to get there

Since Nanshan is the most famous place on the island, then getting there is as easy as shelling pears:

They go especially for tourists sightseeing buses No. 25 and 29, they travel from Yalong Bay, through the bay and Sanya. Buses run from 6.30 to 19.30. The final stop of this bus is the Buddhism Center. The fare costs from 0.67 to 2.7 euros (5-20 yuan), the price of the trip depends on the distance (from Yalongwan is more expensive, from Sanya, respectively, cheaper). From the bus terminus to Nanshan you need to walk a short distance; in which direction is immediately clear, the entire flow of tourists is moving exactly there, so it’s simply unrealistic to get lost. If you are too lazy to walk, you can use the services of taxi drivers who are “on duty” at the final stop. As soon as the bus arrives, they run up and offer their services. Taxi drivers operate according to the following scheme: for 5 yuan per person they offer to take you to the Center and buy you skip-the-line entrance tickets. The ticket price is the same for taxi drivers and at the ticket office of the center, so you have nothing to lose here.

Taxi from or Yalongwan. Payment by meter, the average price is about 16 euros (120 +/- 20 yuan).
And, of course, you can buy a tour. The price includes a round-trip transfer, a 3-hour guided walk, and tickets for a train that will take you around the park. Price for adults - 64.5 euros (480 yuan), for children from 1 m to 1.2 m - 32.3 euros (240 yuan), children under 1 m - free.

Travel time is about an hour from , from Yalongwan - 40 minutes. Address: Yacheng Town,Sanya,Hainan Island.

Opening hours, entrance fees

The Buddhism Center is open from 8.00 to 18.00.

Entrance ticket prices:

adult admission ticket costs 20.2€ (150 yuan);
children (height from 1m to 1.2m) – 10.5 € (78 yuan);
children under 1m – free.

Additional services:

A ticket for a train that will take you from one stop to another is 2.7 € (20 yuan). But you can also walk.
Audio guide – 5.4 € (40 yuan).
Entrance to the statue of the goddess Guanyin – 11.8 € (88 yuan).
Ticket to the temple with the golden statue – 2.7 € (20 yuan).
For kids you can rent a stroller - 0.68 € (5 yuan), but it’s better to have your own, otherwise suddenly there will be a lot of people interested and everything will be sorted out.
Hit the gong/bell with a “mallet” to cleanse karma and attract good luck, happiness, etc. – 1.3 € (10 yuan).
Red ribbon to make a wish come true – 1.3€ (10 yuan).

There are free toilets in the park, which can be found by signs.

Complex infrastructure

The center of Buddhism is located in the mountains, everything is green, there is a lot of vegetation, water, and again, the sea is nearby. But the territory is simply huge, so direct sun cannot be avoided, so it is better to choose a non-hot day for a trip to Nanshan. Or go in the morning and take an umbrella to hide under it from the scorching sun.

Even before entering Nanshan, you will see dozens of shopping kiosks where you can buy everything: from souvenirs to “family” clothes (the price for 1 suit is about 40 euros).

In addition, enterprising Chinese sell incense sticks, birds, fish and even turtles! They offer to buy, say, a turtle - a symbol of longevity, release it into the lake in Nanshan, and that’s it - a long life is guaranteed to you! Just don’t think that by buying an animal you are saving it from captivity - the next day these same birds or fish will again be sold to other gullible tourists.

There are several hotels in the center where you can stay. For example, Sanya Nanshan Leisure Villas 5*, cost for 1 night for two from 78 euros.

There is video surveillance throughout the complex. Everywhere is very clean, there are signs and trash cans. There is even a hospital, apparently because there are monasteries in the complex where monks live.

Each "bus" stop is under a canopy; there are benches for waiting and tables where you can have a snack. You can also buy water, juices, snacks, and souvenirs here. On average it will cost 10€: souvenirs cost 3-7€ (20-50 yuan), water/juice 3€ (20 yuan).

You can eat in the restaurant located in the center of the complex. The stop is called: a rest and lunch center. Keep in mind that the Buddhist Center only sells vegetarian food, so there is no meat here, everything is replaced with soy. For example, steamed vegetables and juice will cost 8 euros (60 yuan), a little expensive, but all the food is blessed by the monks :)

Sights of Nanshan

The Buddhism Center consists of 7 parts:

one district (Main Gate);
three parks (Park of Merciful Liberation, Park of Happiness and Prosperity, Park of the Goddess Guanyin Culture);
one valley (valley of longevity);
one temple (Nanshan Temple);
one bay (Nanshan).

Main Gate

The entrance gate to Nanshan is called the “Heavenly Gate” or Pu Er. They depict 2 hieroglyphs “non-duality” and “unity”, that is, there is no other path other than the path to enlightenment, and it does not matter what faith you are. So this gate is a kind of “passage” to the world of Buddhism.

The same gate on the other side.

Merciful Liberation Park

A picturesque place with a lot of bridges, gazebos, ponds; there is a lake with fish and turtles, that is, everything is in the style of Feng Shui.

In the same part there is a room where a jade and gold statue of the goddess Guanyin is kept, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

It took 140 kg of gold, a lot of silver and precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, pearls, jade, jade, etc. to make it. In addition, the statue contains a piece of Buddha's ashes, which is why it is sacred.

Previously, admission was free, but it was forbidden to take pictures of the statue with a camera. Now pay 2.7 euros (20 yuan) and take as many photographs as you want.

The “golden goddess” is surrounded by her miniature copies. Anyone can order one for 1,349 euros (9999 yuan). The name of the owner will be written on the minicopy and carefully placed in dense rows of similar figurines, because it cannot be taken home. By the way, there are Russians among the owners.

Valley of Longevity

Everyone knows that in China they treat the elderly very respectfully, and the number of centenarians per unit of population here is the highest in the world. There is a special valley in Nanshan Park where there are huge portraits of grandparents that are over a hundred years old.

Symbols of long life - turtles - are everywhere here. These four animals symbolize four generations of the family.

You can buy red ribbons and tie them to live happily ever after. Couples wishing to have a child tie their ribbons here.

Since 1999, Hainan has held an annual Longevity Festival in October. People who have turned 100 years old take part in it! The Buddhism Center organizes colorful festive events for them, giving them flowers and gifts. According to established tradition, everyone climbs Mount Nanshan. Sometimes on this day, centenarian couples act as witnesses at the weddings of newlyweds.

Park of Happiness and Prosperity

There is a “bell of pure reason” that must be struck three times for well-being and good luck. And many more bells of different ages collected from all over China.

There is a clearing with statues of 12 arhats (those who have achieved enlightenment).

Nanshan Temple

This is a whole temple complex, consisting of three buildings, each of which has a through passage to the next building.

The main hall is located high in the mountains, with a long staircase leading to it. To get into it you need to go through the “triple gates”, that is, through three halls, which are separate rooms.

A high staircase leads to each room, and the hall has a high threshold so that evil spirits cannot enter it. (pictured “first gate”).

There are two Buddhist guards standing here: Generals Hen (with his mouth closed) and Ha (with his mouth open).

Buddha statue in the center of the hall.

The same Buddha, but in a different guise, more familiar to us (Buddha of Wealth).

These “gates” have a through portal, therefore, passing through them, we again find ourselves on the street and in front of us are new steps leading up to the next building.

The “Second Gate” is the hall of the heavenly ruler - the Buddha of the future, who will descend to Earth many years later, and all the believers will already be there. Harmony and peace will reign, everyone will live in peace and harmony.

The Future Buddha is surrounded by four heavenly kings, each of whom is responsible for his own region: North, South, West and East.

We pass through the “second gate”, again find ourselves on the street and again go up the steps to the “main hall” (“third gate”).

It contains three Buddha statues.

The Buddha in the center represents the real, today's world. The one on the left is asked for protection from disasters and diseases. And they pray to Buddha on the right for the dead.

Along the perimeter of the hall there are statues of Arkhapas - disciples of the Buddha who achieved Enlightenment.

Guanyin Cultural Park

The most popular and impressive place in the entire Buddhist Center is, of course, Guanyin Park. There is a Square of Light here,

beautiful stairs,

“houses” where they sell wishing ribbons, incense, and “mallets” for beating the drum.

And finally, you will see the largest statue of the goddess Guanyin. It is believed that she constantly wants to be at sea, so a 108-meter statue of the three-faced goddess was erected in the sea on an artificial island.

The goddess Guanyin is highly revered by the common people. This is the embodiment of everything feminine, a protector from misfortunes and troubles, asking the Gods for the well-being of people. It symbolizes the intelligence, mercy and peace of the peoples of the East.

Guanyin has three faces: one faces the people (inside the island), and the other two look out to sea, protecting people from bad weather and storms.

Places where wishes come true

The Center of Buddhism is a very powerful place in terms of energy, because everyone who comes here is sure to make a wish, hoping for its fulfillment. Therefore, the park even has special places where you can ask for your dreams to come true. There are at least three such places.

Firstly, at the entrance to the park there is a large gong that you need to hit three times. Hit hard, then the sound of the blow will be loud and the wish will come true faster.

Secondly, there is a huge stone that is shaped like an ear. If you whisper a wish into it (in your ear), it will definitely come true.

Next to the stone there are mantra drums, which you need to spin after making a wish. One circle of the drum, like many mantras read, will help you get rid of diseases, evil spirits, and improve your life.

Thirdly, the most famous and popular place- near the statue of the goddess Guanyin. There is even a special circle, in the center of which you need to stand and ask the great goddess to fulfill your cherished dream.

You can also buy a goldfish at the entrance for 2.7 euros (20 yuan) and release it into the pond so that it will fulfill your wish. What if it really works?!

The territory is very large, and the sun beats mercilessly, so sunscreen, hats and more water Be sure to take it with you.
It is better to go to Nanshan in the morning, while it is still cool.
If you are traveling with a child, be sure to buy tickets for the train; it is simply unrealistic to get around the park on foot with children.
A guided tour usually lasts 3 hours, which is not enough time to explore the entire complex. I would advise coming here on your own, taking an audio guide and walking around calmly. This way you will have time to look at everything, relax in a cafe, and admire the picturesque views.
In temples, do not turn your back on the shrines.
In some rooms it is customary to take off your shoes before going inside.
The Center of Buddhism is a beautiful picturesque place, but here I felt not like in temples, but like on the rides in the park: if you want to knock on a gong, pay, look at a statue, pay, tie a ribbon, pay; “buy a fish”, “buy some incense”, “donate for the construction of a new monastery”, etc. They even manage to sell a piece of tile here! You pay for it, write a wish on it, and then these tiles will be used to build a temple and then your wish will come true.

The Nanshan Buddhist Center is located 40 km southwest of Sanya in Hainan Province. Many tourists flock to this area to admire the beauty of Nanshan Mountain ( South Mountain). Visitors are also drawn to the deep Buddhist influence on the surrounding culture. The center of Buddhism in Hainan includes three theme park: Buddhism Culture Park, Blessing and Longevity Park and Hainan Island Customs and Traditions Park.

The Buddhism Cultural Park was designed to depict Buddhist culture and help people understand the deep philosophy of this culture. The main sites in this park include Nanshan Temple, Goddess Guanyin Statue and the Chinese Institute of Buddhist Culture. Tourists are especially delighted by the statue of the Goddess Guanyin, which is 108 meters high. There is another Guanyin statue located nearby, but its height is only 3.8 meters. True, it is attractive because it is made of gold, diamonds and jade. It is said that the craftsmen used more than 100 kg of gold to create this statue.

The Blessing and Longevity Park at Nanshan Buddhism Center in Hainan embodies the essence of Chinese culture, conveying an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

Hainan Island Customs and Traditions Park is located in a scenic location (Nanshan Mountain) and is designed to showcase the tropical scenery and customs of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities.

At the Buddhism Center near Sanya you can admire beautiful nature, see many religious sites and try famous vegetarian dishes. Chefs here use wild mushrooms and vegetables to prepare delicious and nutritious dishes. After lunch, enjoy a classical music concert and a kung fu show. The concert is performed by a group of 14 Chinese young girls. They use traditional instruments such as erhu, zither, lute and flute to create beautiful Chinese music. The kung fu show is also memorable.

Goddess Guanyin statue in Sanya

Guanyin Statue in Hainan - a 108-meter tall statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva located on south coast China, on Hainan Island, in tourist area Nanshan. This statue is currently one of the five tallest statues in the world. The huge statue of Guanyin took about six years to build. Today this statue is one of the main attractions in the Sanya area.
Its construction work ended in 2005, while the Nanshan Temple complex is still under development. This is the tallest Guanyin statue in the world, which has three faces. Two of them look towards the sea, and the third - towards the land. You can go inside the statue to admire the beautiful view of Hainan Island. True, there are too many people who want to do this, so you have to stand in line. The number of tourists who can enter at one time is limited. Additionally, photography is prohibited inside. I can only say that everything inside is beautifully decorated with gold, there is big statue Buddha in the center.

How to get to the Buddhist Center from Sanya

The taxi fare is approximately 80 yuan one way and the travel time is about 40 minutes. Of course, you can also purchase a tour, which will include transfers to and from the Buddhist Center and tickets. Often this option is more profitable than independent trip, especially if having a Russian-speaking escort is important to you.

Nanshan on the map of Hainan

Excursion to the center of Buddhism Nanshan

The Nanshan excursion is an ideal day trip from Sanya that doesn't take up the entire day, allowing you to relax in the afternoon by the pool or beach.
Nanshan Temple is located just 30 minutes from Sanya. The best time The best time to visit it is early in the morning, when the weather is a little cool and the temple itself is not crowded. Unlike many other large temple complexes in China, Nanshan Temple was only built in 1988 to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of Buddhism in China. Its main attraction is the Guanyin statue, completed in 2005.

Nanshan Buddhism Center - scenic area in the vicinity of the city of Sanya, which has various temples and a pagoda. I recommend taking a shuttle to get from place to place, as walking in the heat is not fun and takes a lot of time. It is better to devote this time to direct study interesting places. Nanshan Temple, along with the Temple of the Future Buddha and the Pagoda, are located in the western part of the scenic park. They are the main attractions along with the Guanyin statue. Nanshan Temple has a beautiful view of the sea with the Guanyin statue in the background. If you are lucky, you may see people practicing tai chi on the rocks below the temple.
If you walk through the Nanshan Temple Scenic Area, you will see various other temples and structures. Longevity Valley is one of the places I recommend visiting. Here you can just wander around and learn something new about the history of Buddhism. Nanshan Temple Complex is a well-developed tourist attraction and despite a large number of tourists, this is quite a pleasant place to visit.

Cape Tianyi Haijiao

Although Tianyi Haijiao Cape is called the "Edge of the World" and is considered the southernmost part of China by most tourists from Russia, in fact it is the most southern point China is located on Cape Jinmu south of Sanya. Tianyi Haijiao Cape is famous for its large rocks, which are mentioned in various Chinese poems. There are Sun and Moon Rocks here which are said to symbolize the sun and moon holding hands so as not to be separated.
Tianyi Haijiao is a famous destination for couples, where proposals are often made and weddings are held. It is believed that a wedding in this place will bring good luck to the family.
In addition, the cliffs of Tianyi Haijiao are a popular backdrop for photographs, so there are many people who want to take a selfie or regular photo here. Another popular place for photos is the coast with two crossed palm trees.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit Hainan Island, we advise you to take an excursion to Nanshan the next day or 2-3 days after arrival. This will allow you to better understand Buddhism and see one of the main attractions of Hainan Island.
Of course, an excursion to Nanshan Park is not the best option for families with children. And the point is not only that children may be bored here, but also that you will have to walk a lot, even if you use special transport throughout the park.

Nanshan Buddhism Center is the largest center of Buddhism in Asia. It is located on the slope of the mountain of the same name. Translated from Chinese, “Nanshan” means “southern mountain”. The temple complex is dedicated to the goddess of mercy Guanyin - one of the most revered in Buddhism. According to legend, a ship on which 12 monks were sailing was wrecked at this place. They were saved by dolphins, and in gratitude for their salvation the monks founded here Buddhist temple.

Nanshan Park was opened in 1999 and is now a temple complex with an area of 50 km2, surrounded by a landscaped park.
The entrance to the park is Heaven's Gate non-duality. In Buddhist philosophy, the final step in achieving enlightenment is the symbolic passage through the gate.

The gate depicts two hieroglyphs - “non-duality” and “unity”. They were inscribed by the famous 94-year-old calligrapher Gu Ting Long.

Near the entrance there is a gong of happiness, which is supposed to be struck three times: for prosperity, wealth and good luck.

One of the main attractions of Nanshan Park is the temple with the golden statue of Guanyin.

According to legend, having achieved perfection, Guanyin did not want to go to nirvana out of compassion for the world. In Chinese mythology, Guanyin is a deity who saves from troubles and misfortunes, caring and infinitely compassionate, asking the gods for well-being for people.

Photography is not allowed in all temples, so take pictures interior decoration and there will be no statues. I'll just tell you what awaits inside the temple.
The Golden Guanyin statue is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest golden statue in Asia. Standing 3.8 m tall, it is made of 140 kg of pure gold, stands on a jade lotus flower and is inlaid with more than 1000 pearls, 120 diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones, weighing more than 400 carats. For Buddhist believers main value The temple consists of a piece of Buddha, stored in a small seven-step pyramid.

Traditionally, Guanyin is depicted with eight arms. In six hands she holds various symbolic objects: a flower (a symbol of beauty), a jug (a symbol of fertility), a rope (salvation from trouble), musical instrument(harmony), book (teaching about salvation) and beads (symbol of infinity). One free hand is extended to the people, and the other is folded in a sign of blessing.

Not far from the temple. Guanyin stands as a huge jar of purity, carved from solid stone and filled with rainwater. It is believed that when all wars and conflicts stop in the world, water from the jug will pour onto the earth and cleanse it of evil.

Walking through Compassionate Liberation Park - a classic park with palm trees and bamboo thickets, koi ponds and traditional Chinese gazebos - we reach the Valley of Longevity.

But before we get there, we walk along a path dedicated to the centenarians of Hainan over 100 years old. Each photograph includes a short interview with a centenarian. Based on what I’ve read, the secret to longevity is moderate healthy eating, an active lifestyle (for example, working in the garden) and communication with family, children, grandchildren and friends.

Hainan has more centenarians than the rest of China. In 2012, in Hainan province there were 1,610 people over 80 years old, which is 17 people per 100 thousand inhabitants. Every two years, a festival of centenarians is held at the Nannash Buddhist Center, where the elderly are welcomed and celebrated. In China, in general, there is a very respectful attitude towards old people.

In the Valley of Longevity we are greeted by a family of turtles, symbolizing family happiness among children and grandchildren.

And a statue of an old man who is asked for longevity.

In the Valley of the Centenarians and along the entire length of the Path of the Centenarians you can see red ribbons with gold hieroglyphs. These are ribbons with wishes. There are many points in the park where you can buy a ribbon with hieroglyphs with regrets for happiness, love, wealth and other benefits. There are signs with translations of wishes especially for Russian-speaking tourists. These ribbons are tied to trees, to statues, and no one takes them off in the park so that the gods can read the ribbons and fulfill their wishes. On some ribbons, wishes are written in pen, but not knowing whether the higher powers of China understand the Russian language, we limited ourselves to ribbons with standard inscriptions.

In addition, older people lead an active lifestyle, and to prove this they climb the path of centenarians to the top of the mountain. I came across information that the staircase has 10,000 steps. We also walked along the Centenarians' Trail, climbing all the steps surrounded by a picturesque tropical forest with beautiful views of the 108-meter Guanyin statue in the sea.

The path leads us to the statue of the Buddha of Longevity, who is asked for a long life for himself and his loved ones. Few tourists make it to the end of the trail, although the walk is worth it.

Going down the path, we find ourselves in a clearing with an old tamarind (Indian date) and sculptures of elephants. All of them are also thickly hung with red ribbons and wooden signs with names and wishes.

Due to the thickness of the cover, we did not immediately notice statues of monkeys around the tree, symbolizing the Buddhist idea of not doing evil: “If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it.”

Speaking of elephants, the Chinese love them very much :) And we often came across images and sculptures, even very small ones, of elephants.

A nice Chinese sign warning that it is not advisable to walk on the lawn because of dangerous insects and snakes.

We make our way to the Temple of the 33 Guanyin Statues, admiring the beautiful views along the way.

The inside of the temple looks luxurious, in addition to the beautiful and terrifying statues of the gods, all the walls of the temple are filled with cells with small gilded statues of the goddess that were donated to the temple. Anyone can buy such a statue for 10,000 yuan, with his name engraved on the plaque. The statue cannot be taken away; it remains in the temple. And I would say that most gilded Guanyin have engraved plaques.

Our path lies in the main Guanyin Temple through beautiful park with gazebos, stones with bas-reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

If you turn off the main alley, you can go to the clearing of the 12 arhats, the guards of the 12 months of the year and the 4 cardinal directions. Translated from Sanskrit, “arhat” means “worthy”; in Buddhism, this is a person who has achieved liberation from kleshas and emerged from the “wheel of rebirth.”

Through a picturesque white pavilion, as if straight out of a classical Chinese painting, we descend to the foot of the Guann Temple.

A high staircase with two walk-through temples with guardian gods leads to the main temple. All rapids in Buddhist temples have a high threshold that evil spirits cannot cross.

From the upper platforms of the temple there is a magnificent view of the snow-white statue of the goddess, to which we go after visiting the main temple.

Since the park's territory is huge, a train runs for tourists. On the way we pass by a wall with sayings of Buddha carved in stone.

Having reached the final point of our route, we find ourselves in a beautiful square with a wonderful view of the Guanyin statue. It’s getting dark, and the park will soon be closing, so we are left almost completely alone, alone with the blue sky, the azure sea and the snow-white three-faced Guanyin.

Along the 320 meter bridge we go to artificial island, which has the fourth tallest building in the world buddhist statue. The height of Guanyin is 108 meters, and this number is not accidental. In Buddhism, the number 108 is sacred and it is believed that there are 108 desires. preventing a person from achieving enlightenment, the collection of Buddha’s sayings consists of 108 volumes, etc.

The two faces of the goddess face the sea, protecting people from harsh and cruel storms. One image of Guanyin faces the island.

Those who wish to pray and touch the goddess’s foot can climb to the gilded lotus petals on which Guanyin stands.

The Nanshan Buddhist Center is rightfully considered the largest attraction on Hainan Island and one of the most beautiful. Although, in my opinion, everything in Hainan is wonderful :)

The tropical island of Hainan, located in southern China, is famous not only for its beautiful resort areas. Here, near Mount Nanshan, a large Buddhist center was opened not long ago, where, in addition to carefully restored temples, there is a beautiful landscape park.

The location for the center was not chosen by chance. According to legend, many centuries ago there was a shipwreck off the coast of Hainan, the victims of which were several Buddhist monks, among others. Dolphins saved them from inevitable death, and in memory of this wonderful event, the monks founded a Buddhist temple here.

Today, tourists can explore this legendary temple, in the center of which is a golden statue of Buddha. And at the entrance to the park, visitors are greeted by huge statues, according to legend, placed here to guard their Lord.

But by far the most famous attraction in the center is the huge statue of the goddess Guanyin. This snow-white monument, 108 meters high, is one of the tallest statues world, significantly surpassing in this parameter the Statue of Liberty (93 m) and even the Motherland in Volgograd (102 m). The snow-white three-faced goddess reigns over the island, bestowing her patronage and protection on everyone. No matter from which side the observer approaches the statue, he will always see only one of its three faces, each of which is unique. On the one hand, the goddess is depicted holding a rosary, on the other, her fingers are folded into a magical mudra, and on the third, she is seated in the lotus position.

Guanyin is one of the most revered goddesses among all nations. Far East, she is worshiped equally in China, Korea and Japan. She is considered the keeper of the hearth, protecting people and their homes from all kinds of troubles and misfortunes. This is the embodiment of compassion and mercy.

The statue stands on a pedestal, and is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the bay, only a narrow long bridge connects it to the coast. On holidays, and especially on Mother's Day and Family Day, a huge number of people gather in the square in front of the statue who come here to worship the goddess.

In this square, directly opposite the statue, there is a circle. In order for the goddess to hear the prayer addressed to her, it is necessary to stand in the center of this circle and loudly pray to her for mercy. This place has miraculous properties - the sound of the voice of someone who is inside the circle is incredibly amplified, as if the person is speaking into a powerful microphone. This effect is not observed anywhere else in the area. There is probably some scientific explanation for this phenomenon, but in front of the majestic statue of the goddess, it seems like a miracle, or a divine gift from the kind and wise Guanyin.

So, today's monument is in second place in height...

Asia's largest Buddhist Center "Nanshan" is located in the "Nanshan International Tourism Zone" on Hainan Island, located 40 km away. west of Sanya near Mount Nanshan (South Mountain). The area of the park is -50 sq. km. The park was opened in 1999 and is a whole temple complex with magnificent landscapes. An ancient Buddhist temple was restored here and a huge landscape park was laid out. In 2005, on a man-made island connected to the shore by a thin isthmus, the construction of the temple of the Goddess of Mercy - Guanyin was completed; a colossal tower rises above the temple bronze statue Goddesses. The height of the statue is 108 meters, which surpasses the famous New York Statue of Liberty.

The world's largest golden statue of the goddess Guanyin, weighing 140 kg, is carefully kept in a separate pavilion in the park. She is decorated precious stones and stands on a pedestal in the shape of a lotus flower, made of white precious jade. This statue is not only included in the Guinness Book of Records, but at the same time it is the greatest Buddhist shrine - it contains particles of the ashes of Buddha Shakya Muni, the founder of Buddhism, who lived 2.5 thousand years ago. Nanshan is the highest standard of Feng Shui - a philosophical concept that is so fashionable in the world and known in China for more than 3,000 years. This is the highest harmony of Man and Nature, Man and Society. The Nanshan Buddhist complex includes a Temple with a golden statue of the goddess Guanyin, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, an alley of longevity, a meditation park, a bell “Purification of Consciousness”, “Vessel of Purity” and many other sacred places for Buddhists.

Nianshan Center is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and beautiful attractions on the entire Hainan Island. The Buddhist Center is a huge park with many Buddhist objects on display. The entire territory of the park fully complies with the theory of Feng Shui. Among the local population, it is considered the pinnacle of national park art.

In Nianshan Park you can get acquainted with several rarities of Buddhism.The first is a statue of the goddess Guan Yin, whose height is as much as 108 meters, which is higher than the famous American Statue of Liberty. The Guan Yin statue can be clearly seen even from an airplane when it lands at Sanya Airport. A long beautiful path leads to it. Approaching her, believers stop and begin to pray. For their convenience, special pads have been prepared here.The statue of Guan Yin has many faces - it has 3 faces in total. Guan Yin looks at visitors holding a book in his hands, the second face is with a rosary, the third is with a lotus flower.The number of elements in the rosary is 108. Let us recall that the height of the statue itself is exactly 108 meters. In Feng Shui theory, 108 is considered a sacred number, so all Chinese believers consider such a coincidence of meanings extremely favorable.

The second attraction that you can see in the park is the 140-kilogram Buddha statue, made of pure gold and decorated with precious stones. Ordinary tourists will be clearly disappointed that it is strictly forbidden to photograph this statue. But the outside of the Golden Buddha Temple is also very beautiful. It is very bright and made in colorful yellow tones.

Around the temple there are copper rotating drums (most likely, there are also 108 of them) on which Buddhist texts - koans - are written.According to local culture, before entering the temple of the golden Buddha, one must walk around it and spin each drum, thereby becoming familiar with the sacred scripture.

All the temples in Nanshan Buddhist Park have a natural, pleasant brightness. The exterior design is dominated by red and yellow tones, while the interior design contains all the colors of the rainbow. Seeing this natural riot of colors, I want to sincerely rejoice along with the believers. Inside the temple, incense is always smoking, candles are burning, and unique relaxing music is playing.

In addition to the temples and the Guan Yin statue in cultural center Nian Shan also has other interesting attractions. For example, the Alley of Centenarians, which displays photographs of Hainan's centenarians. The trail of centenarians is also located here. Beautiful gazebos, small ponds, bridges, stones with red hieroglyphs and red ribbons hanging on trees - wishes - also deserve the attention of tourists.

You should start getting acquainted with the sights of the city of Sanya with an excursion to this park; here you will take a huge number of interesting photographs and get a lot of positive emotions from what you see.