Putuo Shan (Putuo Mountain)

Introduction
Nestled on Zhoushan Island in Zhejiang Province, Mount Putuo is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a serene escape for travelers seeking spirituality and natural beauty. As you wander through its lush trails and explore its historic temples, you’ll feel a deep sense of peace and calm that has drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries. From majestic halls dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, to panoramic views of the East China Sea, Mount Putuo offers a unique combination of cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and a tranquil island atmosphere that makes it a must-visit destination in eastern China.

History and Cultural Significance
Mount Putuo has been a center of Buddhist worship for over a thousand years, renowned as the sacred abode of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Pilgrims from across China and beyond have traveled to this island to pay their respects, seek blessings, and experience its spiritual atmosphere. The mountain’s temples, such as Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Cihang Temple, were built during different dynasties and each reflects unique architectural styles and historical artistry. Over centuries, Mount Putuo has also inspired poets, artists, and scholars, who have celebrated its serene landscapes and profound spiritual energy in their works. Today, it continues to blend cultural heritage with natural beauty, offering visitors both a journey through history and a place for peaceful reflection.

Key Attractions on Mount Putuo
Puji Temple – Puji Temple is the largest and most important temple on Mount Putuo, known for its serene atmosphere and historic significance. The grand main hall houses magnificent Guanyin statues, while the courtyards feature ancient trees, intricate stone carvings, and traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Elevated points within the temple offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the East China Sea, combining spiritual significance with breathtaking scenery.

Fayu Temple – Fayu Temple, nestled on the slopes of Mount Putuo, is renowned for its tranquil setting and elegant architecture. The temple features beautifully preserved halls and courtyards, with intricate carvings and statues that reflect centuries of Buddhist artistry. Surrounded by lush greenery, Fayu Temple offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can admire the harmony of nature and spiritual culture, while enjoying scenic views of the mountain and the distant East China Sea.

Cihang Temple – Cihang Temple, also known as the South Sea Guanyin Temple, is perched near the coast of Mount Putuo and offers a serene blend of spiritual and natural beauty. The temple features traditional Buddhist architecture, peaceful courtyards, and sacred Guanyin statues. Its location by the sea provides visitors with sweeping views of the East China Sea, making it a perfect spot to reflect, meditate, and appreciate both cultural heritage and the island’s stunning coastal scenery.

Guanyin Statue (33-meter bronze statue) – The Guanyin Statue on Mount Putuo is a towering 33-meter bronze figure, symbolizing compassion and mercy. Positioned prominently near the South Sea, the statue overlooks the ocean, creating a striking contrast between its serene presence and the vast sea backdrop. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the sculpture, take photos from nearby viewpoints, and experience a sense of peace and reverence while connecting with the spiritual essence of Mount Putuo.

Zizhulin (Purple Bamboo Forest) – Zizhulin, or the Purple Bamboo Forest, is a tranquil woodland area on Mount Putuo, celebrated for its dense bamboo groves and serene atmosphere. Winding paths lead visitors through shaded trails, where small Buddhist statues and meditation spots are tucked among the greenery. The gentle rustling of bamboo leaves and the soft light filtering through the canopy create a peaceful setting, perfect for reflection, photography, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the mountain.

Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate) – Nantianmen, or the South Heaven Gate, is a prominent gateway and high point on Mount Putuo, offering panoramic views of the island and the East China Sea. The site combines impressive traditional architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the trails leading to the gate while taking in the breathtaking vistas and the serene atmosphere of the sacred mountain.

Sea and Sand Attractions – The Sea and Sand Attractions on Mount Putuo include Baibu Sand Beach, scenic coastal walkways, and cliffside paths that offer stunning ocean views. Baibu Sand Beach features soft sand and a peaceful shoreline, perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet reflection. Along the coastal walkways and cliff paths, visitors can enjoy the dramatic contrast of rugged cliffs against the calm, sparkling waters of the East China Sea, capturing both the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the island.

Temples
Among the temples in Putuo Mountain, Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Huiji Temple are the three largest. Puji Temple was first built in Song Dynasty with an area of 26,000 square meters. According to records, its predecessor is Unwilling-to-go Kwan-yin Temple . Fayu Temple was built in Ming Dynasty. It was 2.8 kilometers away from Puji Temple. Fayu Temple is famous for its ancient architecture, delicate wood carvings and inscribed calligraphy by ancient emperors. Huiji Temple is located on the peak of Foding Mountain. Here, you can command a excellent view of the rising sun in the morning. Also this is the only temple that enshrines Buddha but not Kwan-yin Statue in the Main Hall.

The famous twelve sceneries in Putuo Mountain are Lian Yang Wu Du, Duan Gu Sheng Ji, Mei Wan Chun Xiao, Pan Tuo Xi Zhao, Lian Chi Ye Yue, Fa Hua Ling Cave, Ancient Cave and the Tide, Zhao Yang Yong Ri, Thousand Pace Golden Beach, Guang Xi Xue Ji, Cha Shan Su Wu and Tian Men Qing Fan.

Activities for Visitors
At Mount Putuo, you can immerse yourself in a variety of activities that combine spirituality, nature, and culture. Explore historic temples like Puji, Fayu, and Cihang, and admire the intricate Buddhist architecture and sacred Guanyin statues. Take peaceful walks along trails such as Zizhulin (Purple Bamboo Forest) and Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate) to enjoy panoramic views and serene surroundings. Capture stunning photos of the coastal scenery, forested paths, and temple courtyards. If you’re looking for reflection or meditation, you’ll find quiet corners throughout the mountain that offer the perfect setting to connect with nature and the spiritual essence of Mount Putuo.

Practical Tips for Travelers
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Mount Putuo has many trails, stairs, and uneven paths, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Bring Essentials: Carry water, sun protection, and light snacks, especially if you plan to hike or explore for several hours.

Arrive Early: Popular temples and the Guanyin Statue can get crowded, so arriving early helps you enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Respect Local Customs: Keep quiet in temple areas and dress modestly to honor the spiritual atmosphere.

Photography: Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking coastal views, bamboo forests, and historic temple architecture.

What to Buy
Near Puji Temple there is a night market that sells a variety of souvenirs, statues and raw seafood, a number of convenience stores, and a few restaurants offering inexpensive meals.

What to Eat
1. Temple food. Inexpensive vegetarian fare is available at many of the temples. Note: Eating times are from 11.30-12.00 for lunch and 16.00-17.00 for dinner.

2. Vegetarian. As a Buddhist island, most of the island's restaurants offer a good selection of vegetarian dishes.

3. Chinese dishes. The hotels near Puji Temple have restaurants that are open to non-residents.

4  Seafood. The new village, south of the ferry terminal, boasts many seafood restaurants with an excellent fresh selection. Prices are 20-25% dearer than the mainland, but the quality of shellfish and fish is first rate. The non-Chinese speaker will have to point to the display and hope for the best.

Note: There are mostly no English Menues available and the staff does not speak any English, also in the bigger Hotel-Restaurants. If so, you are lucky! Don`t forget your English-Chinese dictionary, especially for food with Chinese Characters. And there is no restaurant on the island serving Western food. If you are lucky you get some toast for breakfast in the hotels.

Information
Transportation:
Many of the Zhoushan Islands are now linked by bridges. This means that Putuoshan can easily be reached by bus from Shanghai and Hangzhou. The bus terminates at Shenjiamen Bus Station. From the Banshengdong Wharf on the Shenjiamen waterfront it is a 10 minute ride by fast ferry (22rmb) to Putuoshan.

From Shanghai to Putuo Mountain:
1)By Boat: The best way to get there is take the overnight ferry departing from the Shanghai Wusong Port every evening (at 19:20/20:00 – arriving the next day at 07:00/07:30). Tickets are available at the ferryboat agency (No. 59 East Jinling Road; Tel: 021-63283120; business hours 07:00 – 17:30) two days prior to departure. Passengers should note that boarding is at the Wusong Passenger Transportation Center (Tel: 021 – 56575500), not Wusong Port itself.

2) By Bus: In Shanghai, the Nanpu Bridge Bus Station, Shanghai Stadium Sightseeing Bus Center and Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station have several departures daily to Shenjiamen (4-5 hours, 138rmb).

From Hangzhou to Putuo Mountain:
1, Depart at Hangzhou East Bus Station to Shenjiamen Bus Station every day(From06:55-17:45, evevry 1 hour per bus). Ticket price:77RMB Per Ticket. Arrive in shenjiamen Bus Station, take Public Bus No.7 or No.7 and get off at Banshendong Wharf. (Take taxi is about 8RMB/car)

2, Depart at Huanglong Sport Center to the Banshendong Wharf. Four buses everyday, namely:
7:30/ 9:30/ 14:00/ 16:00

3, Depart at Wushan Square to the Banshendong Wharf. Four buses everyday, namely:
8:00 / 9:00 / 14:30 / 16:30

Address: No. 115 Meiling Road, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province.
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission fee: 
CNY 140 (Dec.1-Jan.31)
CNY 160 (Feb.1-Nov.30)
CNY 200 during the legal holidays;
Excluding:
CNY 5 for the Puji Temple
CNY 5 for the Fayu Temple
CNY 5 for the Huiji Temple
CNY 5 for the Violet Bamboo Grove Buddhist Temple (Zizhu Lin)
CNY 6 for the Standing Kwan-yin Statue of Mt. Putuoshan
CNY 49 for the Luojia Hill
CNY 40 for the round-trip cable car or CNY 25 for the one-way cable car

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