Chengmai Jinshan Temple

Chengmai Jinshan Temple

Chengmai Jinshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Chengmai Jinshan Temple, located in Jinjiang Garden on the outskirts of Jinjiang Town, the county seat of Chengmai, about 56 kilometers southwest of Haikou City, Hainan Province, is built against a mountain and offers a panoramic view of the entire town. The temple complex features majestic architecture, resplendent with gold and splendor, with winding corridors and a magnificent atmosphere.

The temple was originally built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, destroyed in the chaos of war on the eve of liberation, and rebuilt in 1993. With its grand scale, it is currently one of the larger Buddhist structures in Hainan Province.

Chengmai Jinshan Temple “rests its head” on Dipo Mountain and “faces” the Changsheng Lotus Pond. As you ascend the steps, you climb ever higher. Upon reaching the temple gate, you first see the “Jinshan Temple” plaque, followed by the Hall of Heavenly Kings, with the Mahavira Hall (Hall of the Great Buddha) at the very top. The vast temple complex has a bronze bell and Jinlan Pavilion on the left, and a drum tower and Merit Archway on the right, with glazed green tiles covering the grounds and whitewashed walls all around. The entire golden temple is nestled against the mountain and beside the water, situated high above with the Nandu River as its jade belt and Nanshe Ridge as its rosary beads. From here, you can watch the sunrise over Haikou and gaze at the Five Finger Mountains through the clouds. Climbing to this temple, you’ll be greeted by thousands of acres of fertile land and emerald riverbanks—a truly uplifting and serene experience.

Covering an area of 3,600 square meters, Jinshan Temple faces south and is composed of three levels, three main halls, and three wing sections. The mountain gate welcomes visitors with a popular couplet: “Behold freely, and behold the self that is free; see the Tathagata, and see the Tathagata as seen.” The second-level Hall of Heavenly Kings houses the great Maitreya Buddha, with a couplet on its gate: “The evening drum and morning bell awaken the fame-seeking crowd; the scriptures and Buddha’s name call back those lost in the sea of suffering.” The third-level hall displays a plaque inscribed with “Mahavira Hall” by Zhao Puchu, and its gate features another couplet: “Infinite search brings blessed rain; the vast world sees auspicious clouds emerge from this blessed land.”

If it’s said that Hainan’s Jinshan Temple deeply attracts visitors with its enchanting beauty, it’s even more true that the temple’s diverse and striking statues captivate enchanted guests. Just inside the temple gate, you’re greeted by two towering door gods with fierce eyes, wielding weapons and standing guard vividly on either side. Ascending the steps, you reach the Hall of Heavenly Kings, where the big-bellied Maitreya Buddha laughs heartily, while six towering deity generals—over ten feet tall—stand to the side, some grimacing, some glaring, some raising their hands, some waving their arms, some with red faces, some with dark—startling the faint of heart upon first encounter. Climbing to the top, you’ll find the even more magnificent and resplendent Hall of the Great Buddha. There sits the golden, majestic figure of the Tathagata, glowing brilliantly, cross-legged on a high throne, with a kind smile. Observing his serene expression and gentle smile, one can’t help but feel that the Buddha is once again silently “showering his radiant light, saving all sentient beings.”

Address:

Jianling, Jinjiang Town, Chengmai County, Haikou City

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket:

Free admission.

Jinjiang Town: Located in the central part of Chengmai County, Jinjiang Town was formed in July 2002 through the merger of the former Jinjiang Town, Changan Town, Taiping Township, Meiting Township, and Shankou Township. The town is divided into six administrative zones and governs 55 village (residential) committees (44 village committees and 11 residential committees), encompassing 223 natural villages, with a total population of 170,980 (including residents from county-level institutions and enterprises). It serves as the political, cultural, transportation, commercial, and logistics hub of Chengmai County. The town enjoys a tropical climate with spring-like weather year-round, abundant rainfall, and ample sunshine. The average annual temperature is 23.7°C, and the annual sunshine duration is 2,060.5... More details about Jinjiang Town++