Mount Putuo

Mount Putuo is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains in China. Located in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, it is the Bodhimanda of Guanyin Bodhisattva and is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea." It not only has a profound Buddhist culture, but also beautiful island scenery. The following is a detailed Mount Putuo travel guide to help you plan your trip easily. 1️⃣Best Time to Visit - Spring and Autumn (April–June, September–November): The climate is pleasant, suitable for pilgrimage and sightseeing. There are many pilgrims. - Summer (July–August): The island scenery is beautiful, but the weather is hot and there are many tourists. - Winter (December–February): There are fewer people and it is quiet, suitable for quiet prayer, but the sea breeze is strong. 2️⃣Transportation Guide 1. How to get to Mount Putuo? - Plane: Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (Zhujiajian), then take a taxi to Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf (about 10 minutes) and take a boat to Mount Putuo. - Ferry: - Shenjiamen Banshengdong Wharf: There are speedboats and regular boats, and the journey takes about 20–30 minutes. - Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf: There are frequent flights, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. - Self-driving: Navigate to Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf, park and take a boat (parking fee is about CNY 50/day). 2. Island Transportation - Walking: The core scenic area is suitable for walking. - Scenic bus: The fare is CNY 5–10, connecting the main attractions (Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, Mount Foding, etc.). - Cable car: The Mount Foding cable car is CNY 40 for a one-way trip and CNY 70 for a round trip (overlooking the beautiful mountain and sea scenery). Three Must-Visit Attractions 1. Three Major Temples (Core of Mount Putuo) - Puji Temple: The main temple of Mount Putuo, the largest in scale and the most popular, you must visit the "Yuantong Hall." - Fayu Temple: The royal temple, with exquisite architecture, the Nine Dragon Ceiling must not be missed. - Huiji Temple: Located on Mount Foding, you need to take the cable car or walk 1,088 steps, the environment is quiet. 2. Nanhai Guanyin Statue - The 33-meter-high bronze Guanyin statue, a landmark of Mount Putuo, faces the sea, solemn and sacred. 3. Purple Bamboo Forest and Bukenqu Guanyin Temple - According to legend, the place where Guanyin Bodhisattva first appeared, the Chaoyin Cave offers spectacular views of the sea. 4. Mount Luojia - You need to take a boat separately (about 20 minutes), known as the "Reclining Buddha on the Sea," a must-go for pilgrimage. 5. Qianbu Beach/Baibu Beach - Qianbu Beach is the largest beach in Mount Putuo, suitable for walking and listening to the waves; Baibu Beach is more suitable for playing in the water in summer. 4️⃣Classic Route Planning 1-Day Tour (Compact) Wharf → Nanhai Guanyin Statue → Purple Bamboo Forest → Puji Temple (lunch) → Fayu Temple → Mount Foding (Huiji Temple) → Return trip. 2-Day Tour (In-depth Tour) - Day 1: Nanhai Guanyin → Bukenqu Guanyin Temple → Puji Temple → Xitian Scenic Area (Pantuo Stone, Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone). - Day 2: Mount Foding (Huiji Temple) → Fayu Temple → Fanyin Cave → Qianbu Beach. 5️⃣Accommodation Recommendations - Accommodation on the island: Convenient for morning and evening pilgrimages, the price is higher (CNY 300–1,000/night). - Economy: Longwan Village, Xishan Xin Village Homestay. - High-end: Radisson Manor, Kaiyuan Guantang. - Accommodation outside the island: Zhujiajian or Shenjiamen are cheaper, but you need to take a boat to get in and out. 6️⃣Food Recommendations - Vegetarian food: Puji Temple and Fayu Temple offer vegetarian food (CNY 10–30/person), you need to queue up in advance. - Seafood: Shenjiamen food stalls (optional after leaving the island), recommended yellow croaker and swimming crab. - Local snacks: Guanyin cake, Mount Putuo Buddhist tea, seafood noodles. 7️⃣Precautions 1. Etiquette: Do not make loud noises in the temple, do not wear short skirts/shorts, and it is advisable to burn incense with 3 sticks. 2. Cash: Some temples only accept cash (incense and flower tickets are CNY 5–6). 3. Anti-fraud: Avoid buying high-priced incense and candles at the pier, you can get incense for free in the temple. 4. Weather: Check the typhoon warning in advance and prepare a windproof jacket in winter. 8️⃣Budget Reference (per person) - Tickets: CNY 160 in peak season, CNY 120 in off season (including scenic area entrance tickets). - Ferry ticket: CNY 60 for a round trip (regular boat), CNY 100 for a one-way speedboat. - Accommodation: Homestay on the island is about CNY 200–500/night. - Catering: Vegetarian food is CNY 30, seafood meal is CNY 80–150 per person. Mount Putuo is not only a Buddhist holy place, but also a scenic spot where nature and culture blend. Whether you are praying sincerely or enjoying the scenery quietly, here you can stay away from the hustle and bustle and feel the unique charm of the "pure land on earth." Plan your trip in advance and wish you a smooth journey and all your wishes come true! 🙏