Exploring Island Scenery in Zhoushan, Zhejiang: Mount Putuo Pilgrimage Guide

Guanyin Bodhisattva's realm, forgetting worries and disturbances of the world

Putuo Mountain, located on the sea, is one of the small islands among the 1,390 islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago, stretching about 7 kilometers and resembling a dragon lying in the sea. It is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom of the Sea and Sky" and the "Holy Land of the South China Sea." The island's temples, large and small, all worship Guanyin, earning it the title of "Hometown of Guanyin." Putuo Mountain is situated in the eastern part of Zhoushan Island, covering an area of 12.5 square kilometers, and is inaccessible by road; visitors can only reach it by boat.

The main attractions on the island include:

• Landmark: Nanhai Guanyin Statue
• Three Temples: Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, Huiji Temple
• Three Treasures: Duobao Pagoda, Yangzhi Guanyin Stele, Jiulong Cauldrons
• Three Stones: Pantao Stone, Heart Character Stone, Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone
• Three Caves: Chaoyang Cave, Chaoyin Cave, Fanyin Cave
• Twelve Scenic Spots: Lianyang Afternoon Crossing, Short Aunt's Sacred Site, Meiwan Spring Dawn, Pantao Sunset, Lianchi Night Moon, Fahua Spiritual Cave, Ancient Cave Tidal Sound, Chaoyang Rising Sun, Qianbu Golden Sands, Guangxi Snow Clearing, Chashan Morning Mist, Tianmen Clear Brahma.

The landmark Nanhai Guanyin is divided into three regional areas for sightseeing

Putuo Mountain features a seamless blend of sea and sky, with attractions mainly distributed across three areas, with distances between them ranging from 2 to 10 kilometers. When traveling, it’s best to plan the itinerary either independently or with the help of an experienced local guide.

The first area centers around Puji Temple, surrounded by attractions like the Western Heaven Scenic Area located on the island's west side. Puji Temple, situated at the southern foot of Lingjiu Peak, was established during the Later Liang period, facing south. It is the main temple of Guanyin and the oldest temple on the island, known as the "Buddhist Kingdom of the Sea and Sky" and "The Most Serene Place on Earth." Major Buddhist activities and receptions are held here, and beside Puji Temple stands the Duobao Pagoda, one of the three treasures of Putuo Mountain. The Western Heaven Scenic Area includes numerous attractions such as Pantao Stone, Heart Character Stone, and Meifu Zen Temple.

The second region includes attractions such as Nanhai Guanyin, Purple Bamboo Forest, Bu Ken Qu Guanyin Temple, and Nantian Gate located in the southern part. Nanhai Guanyin, situated on the southern tip of Longwan Hill, features a three-tiered pedestal, standing at 33 meters tall. The pedestal is 13 meters high, the Buddha statue is 18 meters high, the lotus seat is 2 meters high, weighing over 70 tons. It is renowned as the most famous landmark of Mount Putuo, the largest outdoor Guanyin statue in Asia, a sacred pilgrimage site for tourists and believers visiting Mount Putuo. Bu Ken Qu Guanyin Temple holds one of the most legendary tales of Mount Putuo and is not to be missed.

Take the cable car to Buddha's Peak and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach to watch the sunrise 

The third area focuses on Buddha's Peak in the north, next to Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple, where the other two treasures of Putuo Mountain, Jiulong Cauldrons and Yangzhi Guanyin Stele, can be found—one in Fayu Temple and the other in Yangzhi Zen Temple nearby. Buddha's Peak is the main mountain of Putuo Mountain, with an elevation of about 300 meters. Visitors can take a cable car to Buddha's Peak, enjoying the panoramic views of Putuo Mountain along the way.

If time allows, visitors can also head to the two pristine beaches in the east - Qianbu Beach and Baibu Beach. Qianbu Beach is adjacent to Fayu Temple, stretching for over a kilometer from the northern foothills of Jibao Ridge to the lower Wanghai Pavilion, hence its name 'Qianbu' meaning 'Thousand Steps.' Many tourists or believers choose to visit this beach after exploring the mountains and paying respects at the temples. They walk barefoot on the sandy beach, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves. Baibu Beach, on the other hand, is located near the Purple Bamboo Forest. It is over 600 meters long from north to south, corresponding to Qianbu Beach, hence named 'Baibu' meaning 'Hundred Steps,' also known as Taqian Beach. It is the best spot for surfing and watching the sunrise, as well as the ideal location to view the reclining Buddha statue on Mount Luojia at sea.

Mount Putuo

Transportation:

The only way to reach Mount Putuo is by ferry or speedboat to the Mount Putuo Pier and then onto the island. There are boats from Shenjiamen Banshengdong Pier, Zhujiajian Wuzhizhi Pier in Zhoushan, as well as from Shanghai, Fujian, and other places to Mount Putuo. The most common way is to travel by car or plane to Shenjiamen or Zhujiajian Pier in Zhoushan from various locations, and then take a boat to Mount Putuo, with a journey of approximately 15 minutes.

Tickets:

General ticket prices: Off-season (December-January) 140 RMB; Peak season (February-November) 160 RMB; during Chinese New Year, May Day, and National Day holidays, 200 RMB; Some small scenic spots on the island charge separate incense tickets or tickets ranging from 2-6 RMB. It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket (entrance ticket + round-trip boat ticket + scenic area insurance) valid for seven days. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance.