Provincial Historical and Cultural Heritage Protection Unit

Nanhai Temple, with a history of over 1, 000 years, was built in 594 A.D. in the Sui Dynasty. The temple was located in Miaotou Town, Nangang, Huangpu, the ancient Fuxu Town in Tang and Qing Dynasty. It is the starting point of "Marine Silk Road", a shrine the Chinese and foreign merchants and travelers pray to the southern sea god for protection and for "calm sea and convenient transportation".

Inside of the east double corridor of the temple stands the statue of Water Official Da Xi, raising his left hand over his eyes and looking into the sea. Legend has it that he arrived in Guangzhou from Poluo Country (Poluo Men) by ship, bringing with him the pineapple to plant in front of the temple, which turned into a god later. Therefore, the temple was nicknamed Poluo Temple. Officials on behalf of the Emperors of each dynasty came to worship Nanhai God every year. According to traditional customs, the sea-going merchant ships and fishing boats should pay respects to the Nanhai God before departure.

Local people offer "sacrificed roosters" to Nanhai God on his birthday (Pineapple Birthday), i.e., the 13th day of the second lunar month of the year. They use paper-made or clay sculptured roosters as a symbol of sacrifice. These roosters thus got their name of "Pineapple Rooster". The Pineapple Birthday is the most exciting day every year for the Poluo Temple when it is crowded with numerous visitors.

※ Address: Miaotoucun Village, Nangang Town, Huangpu

※ Admission Fee: 10 Yuan

※ Transportation:
· Bus: take bus 210, B1, B28, B29, B30, B31