Discover the serene beauty of Ganlu Temple in Xiamen, where ancient architecture meets breathtaking nature. Nestled in the mountains, this thousand-year-old temple offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. The morning chanting of monks creates a truly spiritual atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to try their vegetarian meals – simple yet deeply flavorful!

Nestled in a serene paradise in Xiamen’s Xiang’an District, this hotel blends rustic charm with folk culture, offering a unique stay. The rooms reflect a quaint countryside style, surrounded by aesthetic spaces, traditional crafts, and stunning rural landscapes. Perfect for families with its petting zoo and kids’ playground, or for friends to enjoy BBQs, camping, and basketball. Don’t miss the mountain-inspired Chinese cuisine! With warm, attentive service, it’s an ideal getaway to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Everything you need to know about Ganlu Temple
Shangri-La Xiamen is a top choice located just 1.5 km from Ganlu Temple, offering seamless access to this historic site. The hotel blends traditional Minnan architecture with modern luxury, featuring rooms with panoramic views of Gulangyu Island. Guests can enjoy curated temple visits and authentic Zen meditation sessions as part of their stay. The on-site "Ting Tao Xuan" tea lounge serves local Tieguanyin, allowing travelers to savor the serene harmony between Buddhist culture and nature.
Ganlu Temple is conveniently located near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and the Gulangyu Ferry Terminal. Take Metro Line 1 to "Zhenhai Road Station," a 10-minute walk away, or board bus lines 86 and 123 directly to the Gulangyu ferry pier. Bike-sharing stations are also nearby—ride to Zengcuo'an in just 20 minutes, enjoying scenic coastal views along the way. Use the "Xiamen Tourism Pass" app for real-time transit updates and optimized routing.
Beyond temple visits, the Ganlu Temple Buddhist Lecture Hall hosts free monthly sessions on Mahayana Buddhism, including teachings on the "Heart Sutra" and Chan philosophy. The temple features a hand-copying sutra workshop, where visitors can personally transcribe sacred texts, fostering inner peace. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, morning bell and evening drum ceremonies are held, offering immersive participation in traditional rituals. Behind the temple, the Tea-Chan Pavilion provides meditative tea ceremonies that blend mindfulness and tea art—a must-try for cultural immersion.
Marriott Xiamen is ideal for families, located just 2 km from Ganlu Temple, with a kids’ playroom, indoor pool, and themed family rooms. Complimentary shuttles run to the temple and Gulangyu ferry terminal, and the hotel offers curated family tours featuring temple history storytelling and interactive blessing activities. The restaurant includes a dedicated children’s menu with healthy, light dishes. Weekend workshops such as paper umbrella crafting and Chinese paper-cutting allow kids to learn Minnan culture through hands-on fun.
Yes, Ganlu Temple is just 1.2 km from Metro Line 1's Zhenhai Road Station, a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, take bus lines 86 or 123 to "Zhongshan Road Station" and transfer to a short shuttle service. Metro operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM with trains every 5–8 minutes. Use the "Xiamen Metro" app to scan and enter, enabling seamless payments and real-time train tracking. For accessibility, the station features ramps, elevators, and barrier-free pathways for all travelers.
When visiting Ganlu Temple, observe these guidelines: wear modest clothing—no shoulder-baring or short skirts; remove shoes before entering the main hall and remain quiet, avoiding loud talk or photography. Do not touch Buddha statues or offerings. When incense burning, use exactly three sticks and place them in the incense burner respectfully. During ceremonies or meditation sessions, follow staff instructions and avoid moving freely. Lockers are available for storing large bags, ensuring a respectful and clean environment. Respecting religious practices is essential for all visitors.
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