South Putuo Temple — Attraction in Binhai Subdistrict

Nanputuo Temple is a rite of passage dating back to the Tang Dynasty (yes, we’re talking over a thousand years of incense, prayers, and monks probably wondering why tourists like me keep snapping photos of their koi pond), this Buddhist temple has been rebuilt and restored through the ages, still standing proud at the foot of the scenic Wulao (Five Old Men) Peaks.

The vibe is peaceful yet buzzing. On one side, you’ve got the rhythmic sound of monks chanting. On the other side, the constant stream of visitors fumbling with joss sticks and selfie sticks (guilty 🙋‍♀️). Somehow, it all works.

The architecture is classic Minnan-style, with ornate roofs curling like dragon tails, golden Buddhas gleaming under the sunlight, and halls so detailed you’ll need a neck massage after staring up too long.

You can register for a 🆓 tour guide, available at 4 slots a day at the entrance and done by volunteers of followers/ disciples at the temple. In which, we started off strong but most of them wandered away like children till there was only 2 left at the end of the tour. Guess kids just wanna roam around when the...

China’s construction skills are on point with this temple but the authenticity is not there unfortunately. Down the street they’re are 2-3 bootleg temples competing for temple business.

I came for the food because I know they’re aren’t many places for vegetarian vegan food. Here’s the caveat- if you are cool with MSG, white sugar(poison) and cheap oil used to cook your food go here and order away! ;)

3 for the authentic Fujian/Southern Chinese customer service experience. The waitresses provide you with suggestions that save you money. I ordered a bowl of sesame oil soup noodles and then a bowl of pumpkin soup but she was like “you’ve already got soup with your noodles, just keep that” I figured that’s a great suggestion since it was my first time. It saved me money and my kidneys/liver(from filtering the artificial ingredients in the cooking)

Overall not my preference but you’re cool with MSG this place will rock your socks off! (Had to end this with some optimism since people can’t handle the truth... HA!)

Photo taken after my 7 hour walk across...

Xiamen Nanputuo Temple is located next to Xiamen University. It is an ancient temple built in the Tang Dynasty with a history of 1,500 years! It has suffered damage in history. The current temple building was built about 100 years ago, Whether it is architecture, sculpture or Buddha statue, they are all exquisite and worth a visit.

Nanputuo Temple is open all year round, from 8:00 am to 18:00 pm every day. During the Spring Festival, the opening hours will be different. In addition, the opening hours of the back mountain of Nanputuo Temple are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm every day. At the back mountain, visitors can climb the Wulao Peak at an altitude of 185 meters to enjoy the beautiful mountain and sea scenery and overlook the panoramic view of Xiamen University.

Nanputuo Temple is free to enter, but foreign visitors need to register at the entrance. If you have a Chinese mobile phone number, you can also make an online reservation through WeChat (up to 4...