Nantian Gate is located on the southern Nanshan Mountain of Putuo Mountain, near the Duangu Passenger Dock, a serene area close to the dock and the tourist center. If you are looking for a tranquil spot to watch the sea and listen to the tide, Nantian Gate is an excellent choice.
Upon entering the gate of Putuo Mountain and following the coast towards the Duangu Sacred Traces, you will arrive at the territory of Nantian Gate. After passing the coastal archway, take the path along the sea dike to the right, walk along a section of the sea wall, and then climb up to reach Nantian Gate. The temple itself is not large, but what makes it special are the three large rocks in front of the temple that form a gate-like shape, hence the name Nantian Gate. On these rocks, there are many cliff inscriptions, with the most eye-catching one being the inscription ‘Grand View of Mountains and Seas’ from the Kangxi era.
Since most tourist groups do not include Nantian Gate in their itinerary, the area remains quiet. The view of the sea here is excellent; sitting on the rocks and listening to the waves and the sound of the tide gives a feeling of sudden enlightenment. From Nantian Gate, heading east along Jinsha Road leads to the Purple Bamboo Forest, where the Reluctant Guanyin Temple and the 33-meter-high South China Sea Guanyin are located.
