Nan Tien Temple¹ (南天寺) is the Oceanic headquarters of the Fo Guang Shan international monastic order founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927-2023). “Nan Tien” meaning “Paradise of the South,” reflects Australia’s location in the Southern Hemisphere and its association with an ideal land of peace and harmony. Completed in 1995, the temple was then the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2024, it was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register for its architectural and cultural significance, and for its role as a sanctuary for community connection, intercultural learning, mindfulness, and wellbeing.² Rooted in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, the temple promotes Humanistic Buddhism, which emphasises the application of Buddhist teachings in everyday life to cultivate peace and happiness. 

Designed in the style of Tang dynasty imperial architecture, the temple is surrounded by landscaped gardens, two lotus ponds, and rolling green hills. The complex includes a Guan Yin Bodhisattva Shrine (or Front Shrine), Main Shrine enshrining the Five Buddhas, eight-storey Pagoda, meditation hall, dining hall, Water Drop Teahouse, exhibition spaces, auditorium, conference facilities, Pilgrims Lodge, and the Nan Tien Bridge (built in 2018) linking the temple with Nan Tien Institute. 

The temple’s origin dates to 1989, when Vietnamese Chinese expatriate Cun, Shi-jiao invited Fo Guang Shan to establish a temple in Australia. Wollongong Council later donated 26 acres of land overlooking Mount Keira and Mount Kembla. Following Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of contributing to the local community, the temple was designed and built by Australians. Two inauguration ceremonies were held on 8^th and 9^th October 1995 to accommodate 60,000 visitors who came to witness its opening.³ 

Nan Tien Temple has served as a hub for Buddhist services, meditation, education, cultural exchange, and community events promoting harmony, wellbeing, and sustainable living. Its annual events include the Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival, Nan Tien Cultural Festival, Wellness Day and Clean Up Australia Day.⁴ 

By: Sioh Yang Tan and Juewei Shi

References: 

¹ “Home,” Nan Tien Temple, accessed July 3, 2026, https://www.nantien.org.au/en/. 

² Heritage NSW, “Nan Tien Temple,” State Heritage Inventory, accessed July 21, 2026, https://www.hms.heritage.nsw.gov.au/App/Item/ViewItem?itemId=5062657. 

³ Nan Tien Temple Editorial Team, ed. Fo guang zu ji Dayang Zhou 28 = Buddha footprints in Oceania: 28 years of Buddhist Dharma propagation by Fo Guang Shan Australia, New Zealand (Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, 2017). 

⁴ Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, “Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple: Honoring 30 years of light and compassion,” posted November 19, 2025, YouTube, 10:37, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJkveYySuZY.