Boao Temple in Qionghai｜A Spiritual Sanctuary by the South China Sea, Where Zen Meets Grandeur

At the estuary where the Sanjiang Rivers flow into the sea in Boao, Qionghai, stands a millennium-old ancient temple hidden between sea and sky—Boao Temple. Here, the morning bells and evening drums resonate, incense smoke curls upward, and its unique location backed by green mountains and facing the sea gives it both the serene solemnity of a Buddhist sanctuary and the majestic grandeur of nature’s vast mountains and seas, making it a spiritual home that heals the soul amidst the worldly dust. 🏯 Ancient Temple Chants, a Thousand Years of Zen Entering the Heart Stepping into Boao Temple, the blue-gray bricks, vermilion pillars, and golden eaves create a harmonious and solemn atmosphere. Inside the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the four Heavenly Kings stand in golden majesty, guarding the peace of the place; the Grand Buddha Hall is imposing and magnificent, with a compassionate statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking all beings. The scent of sandalwood lingers inside as devotees kneel in reverence, softly chanting sutras. The ethereal Buddhist chants echo through the hall, instantly calming restless hearts. Walking along the winding corridors, the vivid Buddhist murals on the walls tell the past and present lives of the Buddha, making every step feel like a dialogue with a thousand years of Zen. 🌊 Mountain and Sea Wonders, a Stunning Scroll of the Sea-Sky Buddha Kingdom The most breathtaking aspect of Boao Temple is its unique harmony with nature. Standing in the temple’s front plaza and gazing afar, the Wanquan River, Longgun River, and Jiuqu River converge here, rushing into the sea to form the magnificent spectacle of the "Three Rivers Entering the Sea." The seawater and river water meet here, with the turbulent South China Sea on one side and the calm, mirror-like inland rivers on the other, distinct yet harmoniously coexisting. On clear days, the azure sky and vast sea merge into one, and the temple’s golden roof shines brilliantly under the sunlight, blending with the sea and sky like a grand ink painting; after rain, mist swirls around the mountains, and Boao Temple appears faint and mysterious, adding a spiritual aura as if one is in the legendary "Sea-Sky Buddha Kingdom." 🕊️ A Sacred Place for Blessings, Sending Wishes to the Mountains and Sea As a famous blessing site in Hainan, Boao Temple carries countless hopes and wishes. In front of the Guanyin Pavilion stands a towering three-faced Guanyin statue, holding a purification vase, lotus flower, and prayer beads, with a kind and compassionate expression overlooking all beings. Visitors and devotees burn incense and pray here, tying red ribbons filled with wishes onto the blessing tree, letting the sea breeze and Buddhist chants carry blessings for family and hopes for the future. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, or during major Buddhist festivals, Boao Temple holds grand ceremonies where monks chant sutras in unison, the bell tolls melodiously, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere that inspires awe and peace. 🍃 Enjoying Quiet Moments, Savoring Zen and Everyday Life At Boao Temple, slow down and feel the tranquility and leisure of Buddhism. Enter the temple’s vegetarian dining hall to enjoy a carefully prepared vegetarian meal; the light and refreshing dishes allow you to taste the Zen of "pure heart through vegetarian food" on your palate. Or find a quiet corner to sit and meditate, listen to the waves gently lapping the shore, watch doves fly past the eaves, empty your mind, and have a dialogue with your inner self. In the afternoon, brew a pot of tea at the temple’s tea house nearby, letting the aroma mingle with the mountain and sea scenery and the temple’s Zen spirit, drinking it all into your heart. Boao Temple is the most poetic place for spiritual practice in Qionghai. Here, the grandeur of mountains and seas perfectly blends with the tranquility of Buddhism, calming restless souls and healing weary bodies. Come here for a soul-cleansing Zen journey!