Hainan Island, China: Wugong Temple in Haikou

Wugong Temple (Five Officials Temple): This temple ranks with Hairui Tomb as a must-see in Haikou, capital of Hainan. During the Tang Dynasty these five officials were banished to Hainan for criticising the emperor.

Typical Chinese architectural styles in the two pictures above.

A unique Chinese bridge over a pond.

A pond filled with lilies is part of the landscaping.

A pavillion: rest your aching legs here, and perhaps compose a poem in the tranquil setting.

Wugong Temple consists of several buildings which can easily take up to an hour to explore. After exploring every nook and corner of the temple, I rewarded myself with a well-deserved lunch at the cosy restaurant near the temple's entrance.

One of the springs attributed to the miraculous intervention of one of the five officials.

Wugong Temple is easily reached by a 15-minute bus ride from central Haikou.

Hainan Holiday: Tomb of Hairui and Wugong Temple in Haikou

I've always wondered why my parents gave me the Chinese name "Rui", which is a rare name for Chinese, until I went to Hainan, then I understood.

Apparently I was named after Hairui who was a high-ranking official during the Ming Dynasty. For his outspokenness he was banished to Hainan. Today, The Tomb of Hairui, is a must-see for most tourists.

                              Hairui

                              Hairui, famous for his incorruptibility.

Aside from Hairui Tomb, the other well-known historical site is Wugong Temple (5 Officials Temple).

Both are in Haikou, the capital of Hainan, and easy for a DIY trip. I took a 1 yuan bus to these two places. Hairu Tomb is bit further away on the outskirts (about 30 mins bus ride) but Wugong is a mere 15 minutes away from central Haikou.