Nanhai God Temple
The Oldest and Best-Preserved Sea God Temple in China
- City
- Guangzhou
- Address
- Huangpu District, Guangzhou
Guangzhou·Nanhai God Temple
### A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Honoring the Sea
Nanhai God Temple, also known as Boluo Temple, was first built in the year 594 during the Sui Dynasty. It is the only surviving and most complete ancient sea god temple in China, once used by the imperial court to perform official sea sacrifices.
The temple is often called the “Southern Stele Forest” due to its collection of rare stone inscriptions, including:
- The famous “Nanhai God Guangli King Temple Stele” by the Tang scholar Han Yu
- An imperial inscription “Wàn Lǐ Bō Chéng” by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty
Located at the historical Fushu Ancient Port, the temple was the starting point of the Guangzhou Maritime Silk Road during the Tang dynasty. The scenic spot “Fushu Bathing in the Sun” was ranked first among the “Eight Views of Yangcheng” during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and the great poet Su Dongpo wrote a famous piece titled “Yuri Pavilion” here.
In 2012, the Nanhai God Temple and the Ancient Wharf Site were included in the Tentative List of China’s World Cultural Heritage.
### The Boluo Festival: Lingnan’s Grand Temple Fair
Every year on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month, the temple hosts Nanhai God’s Birthday, also known as Boluo Dan. This traditional festival has been celebrated for over a thousand years. Locals gather to offer prayers, seek blessings, and perform rituals to honor the sea and wish for peace and prosperity.
### Visitor Information
Getting There (Recommended):
- Take Metro Line 13 to Nanhai God Temple Station (Exit C2)
- Walk about 800 meters (approx. 12 minutes) to reach the site
Admission:
- ¥10 per person (half-price for students)
- Free entry on the 15th of each month
Opening Hours:
- 9:00–16:30 (Park closes at 17:00)
Highlights:
- Hai Bu Yang Bo Archway
- Emperor Kangxi’s Imperial Stele
- Ming Dynasty Stone Archway
- Adjacent Guangzhou Maritime Museum (Free admission with reservation)
### Nearby Attractions
- Whampoa Military Academy Site (8 km, 15 mins by taxi)
- Longtoushan Forest Park (5 km, great for hiking)
- Combine with Huangpu Ancient Port for a full-day experience exploring Guangzhou’s Maritime Silk Road heritage
### Travel Tips
- During the Boluo Festival (around March), crowds are large — consider off-peak visits
- In summer, bring insec
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Content and photos courtesy of Southern Media Group (南方传媒 SPM)