[2025 Xiamen Attraction] Travel Guide for Meishan Temple (Updated Jul)

Xiamen's Hidden Gem | Meishan Temple. Few visitors, stunning scenery, and a photographer's paradise. When it comes to Tong'an, Xiamen, most people's first thoughts are probably of attractions like Fantawild and Tong'an Film City. However, Meishan Temple, a millennium-old temple that was established during the Sui Dynasty and is one of the three ancient temples of Tong'an along with Huangfo Temple and Lushan Brahma Temple, is less known. Now that we've stepped into this sacred land, let's delve into the stories of Meishan Temple! Meishan Temple, established during the Sui Dynasty, houses a white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the largest Burmese white jade Buddha statue in China. The statue weighs 65 tons, stands 9 meters tall, and is carved from translucent Burmese jade over two years at a cost of over 4.7 million yuan. The white jade is warm and smooth, outlined in pure gold and adorned with gemstones, creating a stunning spectacle. The Buddha sits on a lotus pedestal, his benevolent gaze overlooking all beings, exuding a solemn and precious aura. Due to the warm and delicate texture of Burmese jade, the jade Buddha statue feels more warm and approachable than those made of gold. The origin of the jade Buddha statue at Meishan Temple is said to have a story. It is said that the abbot of Meishan Temple, Master Ciming, became a monk at the age of 13. During his practice in Qinghai, he often dreamed of running up a mountain with a jade Buddha on his back. In 1990, Master Ciming came to Meishan Temple and found that the mountainous terrain of the temple was very similar to the mountain in his dream. So, he settled down here and made a vow to enshrine a large jade Buddha in the temple. In 2004, Master Ciming went to Burma in search of a jade Buddha. By a stroke of fate, he unearthed a piece of jade under an old tree root. The jade, hidden deep under the old tree root, weighed over 300 tons. After careful polishing, over 200 tons of jade took shape. This massive piece of jade was cut into four pieces and transported back to Xiamen after more than half a year of bumpy travel. More than 40 skilled craftsmen spent two years carving it into the largest white jade Buddha in the country. (The above text is excerpted from "The Amazing Meishan Temple, Home to Two of the Country's Largest - Stone Gate and Burmese White Jade Buddha Statue") Here, not only is there a long history, but every corner is also perfect for photography. Whether you're here to hear stories or take photos, it's worth a visit.

Located slightly away from the bustling center of Xiamen, Meishan Temple is a tranquil Buddhist sanctuary. Its harmonious blend of red pavilions and lush greenery creates a picturesque setting, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April), when the temple is enveloped in pink blooms, making it a popular spot for photography. [Highlights] - Daxiong Baodian Hall: A serene space housing majestic Buddhist statues that bring peace to the soul. - Meishan Observatory: Offers breathtaking views of Xiamen’s cityscape and the sea. - Cherry Blossom Tunnel: In spring, the fully bloomed cherry blossoms captivate visitors. [Access & Recommendations] Approximately 30 minutes by bus or taxi. Starting from the entrance at Meishan Park, you can enjoy a nature walk as you ascend. The temple grounds are peaceful, so be sure to respect the atmosphere. Nearby cafes provide a perfect spot to relax with tea. If you’re seeking tranquility and beauty, Meishan Temple is the ideal destination!

The weather is so nice, of course I have to go out! This week I went to Tong'an outside the island for a half-day trip. Overall, it was a good experience and not very physically demanding. I mainly visited Meishan Temple and Fantian Temple. 🌟 Meishan Temple 🕰️ History: Meishan Temple was built in the Sui Dynasty. It is one of the three ancient temples in Tong'an, along with Fantian Temple and Lingxia Huangfo Temple. 🏯 Highlights: The largest white jade Buddha statue in China: The statue of Sakyamuni is 9 meters high and consists of three parts: the lotus seat, the statue, and the halo. It cost more than 4.7 million yuan and is the largest Burmese white jade Buddha statue in China. Song Dynasty cliff inscriptions: On the southern slope of the rock wall behind the temple, there are cliff inscriptions of the two characters "Tongshan" written by Zhu Xi in the Song Dynasty. The handwriting is vigorous and elegant. Stone mountain gate: The mountain gate of Meishan Temple is entirely carved from granite, with a total stone volume of more than 680 cubic meters, making it the largest stone mountain gate in China. ⭐ Fantian Temple 🕰️ History: Fantian Temple was built in the first year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty (581 AD) and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Fujian. After many vicissitudes, Fantian Temple was rebuilt by the monk Wuwei in the 13th year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1380 AD), forming the grand scale it has today. 🏯 Highlights: Ancient architectural complex: The main buildings of Fantian Temple are distributed along the central axis, including the mountain gate, the Hall of the Diamond, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Sutra Pavilion, etc., with a magnificent momentum. Zhu Xi's relics: Behind the temple, there are Ming Dynasty buildings commemorating Zhu Xi, such as the Wengong Academy and the Yangzhi Pavilion, with an elegant environment. Brahmin Pagoda: The Brahmin Pagoda built in the Song Dynasty is a physical material for studying the history of ancient religions and stone carving art. 🚗 Transportation: Bus or self-driving (with parking lot)