Yongqing Temple in Chengmai County, Hainan

After exploring Hainan's lively coconut groves, beaches, and rolling waves, take some time to slow down and discover a peaceful place where mountains, the sea, and Buddhist culture come together. Yongqing Temple (永庆寺), located on the Yingbin Peninsula (盈滨半岛) in Chengmai, is one of the largest historic Buddhist temples in northern Hainan and a tranquil National 3A Tourist Attraction.

With its long Buddhist heritage, traditional architecture, and beautiful coastal setting, Yongqing Temple offers a very different side of Hainan. The temple is surrounded by the sea and filled with a quiet, timeless atmosphere, combining centuries of religious and cultural tradition with blue skies and ocean views. It is often praised with the saying, “Nanshan in the south, Yongqing in the north,” and has become a rewarding destination for short trips, quiet reflection, traditional culture, photography, and peaceful sightseeing.

Song Dynasty-Inspired Buddhist Architecture by the Sea

Yongqing Temple was originally founded during the Tang Dynasty and has a history stretching back more than a thousand years. It was once included among the historic “Eight Scenic Views of Chengmai (澄迈八景)”. Over the centuries, prominent scholars and literary figures, including Su Dongpo (苏东坡) and Li Gang (李纲), are said to have visited the area and left behind poems and writings, adding to the temple's rich cultural heritage.

The temple stands on the Yingbin Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is one of the relatively rare Buddhist temples in Hainan where visitors can experience a traditional temple complex while looking out toward the ocean.

Covering approximately 80 mu, or around 5.3 hectares, Yongqing Temple was built with reference to the traditional “Seven-Hall Garam” (伽蓝七堂) layout associated with Song Dynasty Buddhist architecture. Its orderly and spacious design gives the temple a grand yet harmonious appearance.

Inside the complex, upturned eaves, intricately decorated beams, red columns, yellow roof tiles, and quiet courtyards create a refined atmosphere of traditional Chinese architecture. Bodhi trees, frangipani, crinum lilies, and other plants associated with Buddhist culture grow throughout the grounds, keeping the temple green and fragrant throughout much of the year.

Away from the noise of busy cities and tourist beaches, the temple feels peaceful and photogenic. Every courtyard and architectural corner offers a different scene, making Yongqing Temple an appealing destination for travelers interested in traditional Chinese architecture and atmospheric photography.

A Thousand Years of Buddhist Heritage and the Remarkable White Jade Buddhas

As an important Buddhist site in northern Hainan, Yongqing Temple is particularly known for its collection of 42 Buddhist statues carved from single pieces of white jade from Myanmar.

The statues are smooth, solemn, and finely crafted, reflecting impressive artistic skill. Among them, the 17-ton White Jade Amitabha Buddha is especially striking and is one of the temple's most memorable sights. Several aspects of the temple's Buddhist statue craftsmanship have also received recognition through Guinness World Records, adding to their artistic and cultural appeal.

The temple remains a place where local residents and visitors come to pray, make wishes, seek blessings, and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection. Its long-lasting Buddhist atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place to step away from the faster pace of travel.

Unlike many ancient temples hidden deep in the mountains, Yongqing Temple has a distinctive “temple in front, sea behind” landscape. Walking through its corridors, visitors can explore centuries of Buddhist culture while also looking out across the open blue sea.

Feel the ocean breeze, breathe in the fragrance of trees and flowers, and enjoy the meeting of spiritual culture and coastal scenery. The combination creates a particularly relaxing atmosphere and makes it easy to leave behind some of the noise and restlessness of the journey.

Explore the Coastal Lifestyle Around Yingbin Peninsula

Yongqing Temple is located in the heart of the Yingbin Peninsula (盈滨半岛), where several coastal attractions and leisure areas can be explored nearby.

Just outside the temple, visitors can reach the peninsula's long coastline, including relatively quiet stretches of beach that are suitable for walking by the sea, enjoying the ocean views, and waiting for sunset.

Nearby destinations include the Yingbin Peninsula Tourist Area (盈滨半岛旅游区) and the commercial streets of Laocheng (老城). After visiting the temple and exploring the coast, travelers can continue their journey by sampling local Chengmai specialties and experiencing the slower pace of life along Hainan's western coast.

The area is well suited to a relaxed one-day trip, combining Buddhist culture, traditional architecture, coastal scenery, local food, and unhurried island life.

Travel Tips for Visiting Yongqing Temple

Location

Yongqing Temple (永庆寺)
No. 10 Yongqing Avenue, Laocheng Town, Chengmai County, Hainan
Located within the Yingbin Peninsula (盈滨半岛) area.

Opening Hours

The temple is generally open from 08:30 to 17:00 throughout the year.

Admission and Dining

Admission is free, and visitors generally do not need to make an advance reservation before entering the temple.

Visitors may also have the opportunity to enjoy reasonably priced vegetarian meals within the temple grounds, offering another way to experience traditional Buddhist culture.

Recommended Visiting Time

Allow approximately 1–2 hours for your visit. Morning is particularly recommended, when the temple is generally quieter and the softer light creates a more peaceful atmosphere for sightseeing and photography.

It is a good time to explore the architecture, enjoy the ocean views, experience the temple's tranquil surroundings, and take photographs without rushing.

What to Wear and Temple Etiquette

Simple and elegant clothing is particularly suitable for the peaceful setting and traditional architecture of Yongqing Temple. More understated outfits also work well for photographs with a classic Chinese atmosphere.

As an active Buddhist site, visitors should respect the religious environment. Avoid touching Buddhist statues without permission, keep noise to a minimum, and follow local rules while exploring the temple grounds.

Find Peace Between the Temple and the Sea

Yongqing Temple offers a side of Hainan that many beach-focused itineraries overlook.

Here, the sound of the sea replaces the noise of the city, traditional temple roofs rise above peaceful courtyards, and centuries of Buddhist heritage meet the open horizon of the South China Sea. The temple's distinctive seaside setting creates an experience that is both culturally rewarding and deeply relaxing.

If Hainan's tropical beaches are full of energy and color, Yongqing Temple offers a quieter rhythm. Take a walk beneath the traditional eaves, admire the remarkable white jade Buddhas, pause in a peaceful courtyard, and look out toward the sea.

For travelers exploring Chengmai or looking for a meaningful short trip from Haikou, Yongqing Temple is a hidden cultural retreat where history, Buddhist culture, traditional architecture, and Hainan's coastal scenery come together in one serene destination.