Perched on Hainan's coastline, Foguang Temple has become a beacon for spiritual seekers and cultural travelers alike, anchored by its majestic 16-meter-tall golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The serene figure gazes seaward from Wenchang City, its radiant surface glinting in the tropical sun—a sight that has drawn over 200,000 visitors this year alone, according to local tourism authorities.
Beyond the iconic statue, the temple safeguards a rare blood-copied manuscript of the Heart Sutra, created through a traditional devotional practice where scribes mix ink with their own blood. This cultural treasure, displayed in a climate-controlled chamber, offers visitors insight into ancient Buddhist traditions.
Established in 1993 and inspired by Thailand's hilltop temples, Foguang Temple exemplifies Hainan's growing role as a hub for spiritual tourism. Recent infrastructure upgrades along the island's eastern coast have made the site more accessible to international travelers, with direct flights now connecting Wenchang to major Asian cities including Seoul and Bangkok.
