Atlas of China

Nanhai God Temple (Temple of the South Sea God) 南海神庙Nánhǎi Shén Miào

4A scenic area · National heritage site · Guangzhou, Guangdong

Nanhai God Temple (Temple of the South Sea God) (南海神庙)
Photo: Zhangzhugang, CC BY-SA 4.0
Time needed
1–2 hours
Days to budget
Half a day
City
Guangzhou
Region
Guangdong
Type
Heritage
Listed as
4A scenic area, National heritage site

About Nanhai God Temple (Temple of the South Sea God)

Founded in 594 under the Sui dynasty, this is the only one of China's four imperial temples to the gods of the seas to survive, and officials came here to sacrifice for safe voyages, making it a landmark of Guangzhou's maritime trade. Its five courtyards hold many inscribed steles, including one with a text by Han Yu of 820 and imperial steles of the Ming founder and the Kangxi emperor, though the main hall was rebuilt in 1989 after being destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. On a hillock beside it stands the Yuri Pavilion, a classic spot for watching the sunrise over the river.

How to get to Nanhai God Temple (Temple of the South Sea God)

In Miaotou, Huangpu District, about 20 km east of central Guangzhou, beside Nanhaishenmiao station on Metro Line 13. Closed on Mondays except public holidays.

Nearby

Also within 20 km: Whampoa Military Academy Site 黄埔军校旧址 (under 10 km), Huayang Lake Wetland Park 华阳湖湿地公园 (under 10 km), Lingnan Impression Park 岭南印象园 (10 km), Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan) 莲花山 (10 km), Southern Han Mausoleums Museum 南汉二陵 (10 km), Yuyin Shanfang (Yuyin Garden) 余荫山房 (10 km).

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