Nanshan Temple is a time-honored Buddhist shrine and a famous temple in Lingnan. It is situated in the Lion Mountain Cave within Nanshan Park, on the bank of the Yujiang River, about 3 kilometres southeast of downtown Guigang, among the area’s 24 peaks.

Standing 70 metres above sea level, Nanshan Mountain is the highest of the 24 peaks along the Yujiang River. Boasting steep cliffs and scattered trees, it enjoys an elegant scenery. Legend has it that an immortal pine once grew here, and an inscription of "Immortal Pine" can still be seen on the mountainside. There are 11 caves across the mountain, decorated with numerous inscriptions dating back to the Song Dynasty. The Cave of Guanyin houses statues of eighteen arhats in varied postures. Standing on the mountain top, you can overlook the entire city.

First built in the Song Dynasty, Nanshan Temple received imperial calligraphy from Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty, and a horizontal board inscribed with "Jingyou Buddhist Temple" by Emperor Renzong. Before ascending the throne, Emperor Wenzong of the Yuan Dynasty lived here twice and named the temple "Nanshan Temple". Regarded as the authentic lineage of the Southern Chan School, it is an important Buddhist temple along the Xijiang River. As an old poem goes: Bright hills and clear waters have always been here;

Amid clouds and ripples stand four graceful peaks.