Xiamen’s Nanputuo Temple enjoys surge in popularity

Xiamen's ancient South Putuo Temple, or Nanputuo Temple, welcomed a delegation of officials from Central and Eastern Europe on Aug 26 as the Buddhist site enjoys growing  popularity in recent years.

Visiting officials from Central and Eastern Europe pose for a group photo with Master Wuyun from Nanputuo Temple on Aug 26. [Photo/nanputuo.com]

The temple also hosted groups from the Kingdom of Bhutan and the American Buddhist Confederation this summer, having previously welcomed government and religious groups from Thailand, Laos and Sri Lanka.

Nanputuo's increasing popularity is a welcome boon for Xiamen, as the city looks to raise its profile overseas.

The temple's charming landscapes, historical architecture and antiques on display and well-established Buddhism education and charity systems all left a deep impression on the visitors.

Nanputuo Temple is built on the scenic Mount Wulao. With its buildings elevated tier upon tier along the mountainside and facing south toward the coastline, the temple offers spectacular views. The temple is situated in the southwestern corner of Xiamen Island, next to the prestigious Xiamen University. [Photo/nanputuo.com]

A temple has existed on the side of Mount Wulao since the late Tang Dynasty (618-907), when a site named Sizhou Temple was first constructed. This temple was then reconstructed during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) and renamed "Nanputuo" in honor of the renowned Buddhist holy site Mount Putuo in Zhejiang province. Nanputuo Temple has since become one of the most renowned Han Chinese Buddhist temples.

The Hall of Heavenly Kings, also called Tianwang Hall, looks spectacular in the azure sky with its brilliant colors, upturned eaves and sophisticated ornaments, which are commonly seen in ancient temples in southern Fujian Province. The hall enshrines a smiling Buddha. [Photo/nanputuo.com]