Things to do in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area

Zhoushan · 18.7km from downtown

Putuoshan Foding Mountain Cableway

5.6

3.8/5

320 reviews

Foding Mountain Scenic Area, also known as Baihua Ding and Bodhisattva Ding, is the main mountain of Putuo Mountain. The branches of the mountain extend to the south, north and east respectively. The main peak is 291.3 meters above sea level. From a distance, the peaks are like arches, and the tops are like cups and scoops, covering the water.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area

Puji Temple

5.4

Zhoushan · 17.3km from downtown

699 reviews

Puji Zen Temple, also known as the "front temple", is the main temple dedicated to Guanyin in the whole mountain. It has a quiet artistic conception and is a good place to worship and pray. Puji Zen Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple are known as the three major temples. It is also a temple with relatively strong incense on Putuo Mountain. During holidays, it is often crowded with tourists and pilgrims. Entering the temple, you will pass a stone archway. Next to it is a stele engraved with "Civil and military officials, soldiers, civilians, etc., dismount here". When you arrive here, you will start your tour of Puji Zen Temple. After passing the stone archway is the Imperial Stele Pavilion, and then go forward to Haiyin Pond. It is the release pond of the Zen temple. There are many red carps in the pond. In summer, the lotus flowers in the pond are very beautiful. There are three bridges on the pond, and there are stone benches on the bridges. It feels great to sit on the bridges and enjoy the scenery. To the east of the pond, the Yongshou Arch Bridge and its reflection between the white clouds and ancient trees have always been a murderous scene. There is a screen wall in front of the bridge, on which are written the five characters "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva", and many tourists take pictures here. In front of Haiyin Pond is the main building of Puji Zen Temple. Along the central line, there are Yuantong Hall, Sutra Library, Abbot Hall and other halls. There are bell towers, drum towers, side halls, guest rooms and other buildings on both sides of the main hall. The layout has some Qing Dynasty palace style. Among them, Yuantong Hall is the main hall of Puji Zen Temple. "Yuantong" is another name for Guanyin Bodhisattva. It is Guanyin Bodhisattva enshrined here, which is equivalent to the main hall of a general temple. In addition to the large space and exquisite architecture, the unique feature of Yuantong Hall is the male Guanyin inside, as well as the thirty-two response bodies of Guanyin Bodhisattva, which is the appearance of the Bodhisattva when he appears in the legend. You can ask for some incense in the temple, and many people pray here every day. The Duobao Pagoda on the southeast side of the temple is built with Taihu stones, which can be seen from a distance in Haiyin Pond. The Xitian Attraction on the west side is a good place to watch the sunset, while the Baibusha Beach, more than 100 meters to the east, is a good place for swimming in summer.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area

Nanhai Guanyin

5.3

4.5/5

426 reviews

The 33-meter-high Nanhai Guanyin Statue is the most notable landmark of Mount Putuo. It is located at the southern end of Shuangfeng Peak. There are two stories at the base of the statue. The first floor displays 20 portraits on its copper pillars related to the legend of Guanyin, as well as four woodcut murals that are worth visiting. The second floor holds 500 copper statues of Guanyin, and each one of them has a unique pose; it is worth visiting to compare and contrast the various statues.

Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove

4.1

4.6/5

341 reviews

Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove is located at the southeastern end of Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, facing Mount Luojia across the sea. What people often refer to as "Purple Bamboo Forest" is not a patch of purple bamboo, but rather a collection of attractions includingPurple Bamboo Forest, Bukenqu Guanyin Yard, and Chaoyin Cave. This area was an early site of Guanyin worship onPutuo Mountain, and many visitors come here drawn by the legend of "Bukenqu Guanyin." Entering the scenic area from the parking lot, go straight at the intersection to reach Nanhai Guanyin and Guanyintiao Scenic Spot, or turn left and walk to the end to findPurple Bamboo Forest. The gate ofPurple Bamboo Forestis combined withHeavenly King Hallin a unique architectural design. Above the central door ofHeavenly King Hallrises a gate tower that serves as the entrance archway, with the inscription "Bu Tan Purple Bamboo Forest" written by Kang Youwei. The temple is modest in size, with the main building beingYuantong Hall, which houses a seated statue of Guanyin with purple bamboo, where visitors can offer prayers. Additionally, the temple features many calligraphic plaques and couplets by famous artists, rich in Zen spirit, worth a careful look. ExitingPurple Bamboo Forest, follow the path opposite toward the sea to reach Bukenqu Guanyin Yard and Chaoyin Cave. Along the way, you can seeSea-Viewing Pavilionin front of Bukenqu Guanyin Yard from a distance. The temple is small; the original ancient nunnery has long disappeared, and the current buildings are newly constructed. However, this is one of the earliest temple sites onPutuo Mountain, marking the beginning of Buddha worship, making it a must-visit spot in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area. Opposite Bukenqu Guanyin Yard is Chaoyin Cave, half-submerged in the sea, where the tides surge in and out day and night with a thunderous roar. Enjoying the sea view here, you can see Mount Luojia in the distance, resembling a giant Buddha lying on the sea—a beautiful sight. Legend has it that this was a place where Guanyin manifested, so devout believers often interpret the sound of the tides as the Buddha's teachings, adding a mystical aura to Chaoyin Cave. Nearby stands a stele inscribed with "Prohibition of Self-Sacrifice and Finger Burning," a reminder that in the past, many devotees would jump into the cave to sacrifice themselves or burn their fingers in front of Bukenqu Guanyin Yard, believing this would lead to enlightenment. The local governor erected this stele to stop such practices. Today, no one engages in such acts, and this history has become a favorite story for tour guides, while the stele serves as a photo spot for visitors. After touring Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove, you can walk further south to pay homage to the 33-meter-tall Nanhai Guanyin. Additionally, the area is close to the pier; walking back to the pier, you can also visitSouth Heaven Gateand other nearby attractions along the way.

Fayu Temple

4.8

1.1k reviews

Fayu Temple, also known as Hou Temple, is located in the middle of Putuo Mountain Scenic Area. Its size is second only to the “Former Temple” Puji Temple, one of the three major temples of Putuo. Fayu Temple is based on the mountain and is divided into six floors. Into the mountain gates are upgraded in order, there is the Tianwang Hall on the central axis, the Jade Buddha Hall on the back, the Bell and Drum Tower between the two temples, and the Guanyin Temple, the Imperial Monument Hall, the Daxiong Hall, the Tibetan Classics, and the Abbot Hall. There are so many pilgrims who come here every day, and it is one of the temples that visitors to Mount Putuo can't miss.

Putuo Mountain Scenic Area - Qianbusha Beach

3.9

Zhoushan · 18.2km from downtown

302 reviews

Qianbu Beach in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City, is one of the larger beaches in the Putuoshan Scenic Area. Located on the eastern coast of the scenic area, it's not far from Fayu Temple in the north. Stretching nearly 2 kilometers from Jibao Ridge in the south to Wanghaiting in the northeast, Qianbu Beach is more expansive and has finer sand than Baibu Beach in Putuoshan Scenic Area to its south, making it a great place for strolling and enjoying the sea view. Many tourists choose to come here after their mountain and temple visits, walking barefoot on the beach, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the tide. A leisurely stroll on the sand washes away the day's fatigue. At the northern end of the beach, there is a large rock that is exposed at low tide, inscribed with the words "Listening to the Tide." Stone steps lead up to Wanghaiting, offering a panoramic view of the boundless sea.In addition, you can also see the reclining Buddha of Luojia Mountain in the sea from Qianbu Dasha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City. If you want to watch the sunrise over the sea, it is recommended to stay in a hotel near Qianbu Dasha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City. Check the sunrise time and get up early to walk to the beach to watch the sunrise. Chaoyang Cave, where Putuoshan Scenic Area-Baibusha and Putuoshan Scenic Area-Qianbu Dasha meet, is a good place to watch the sunrise in Putuoshan Scenic Area. Taking a walk in the evening at Qianbu Dasha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City, and watching the moon and the night view of Putuoshan Scenic Area is also a very poetic experience. The beach of Qianbu Dasha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City is flat and wide, and the sand is very soft and clean. Although the swimming facilities are not as complete as those at Baibusha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, many tourists still swim here in the summer. If you want to swim, staying at a hotel near Qianbu Dasha in Putuoshan Scenic Area, Zhoushan City is a good choice. You can wear flip-flops and walk to the beach to play in the water, then shower and change clothes back at the hotel. Also, there are many small crabs on the beach at night, attracting many tourists to catch them with flashlights, which is quite fun.

Foding Mountain

4

Zhoushan · 17.8km from downtown

218 reviews

The Putuoshan Scenic Area - Fodingshan in Zhoushan City is located on the north side of Putuoshan Island and is the highest peak on Putuoshan. Huiji Temple on the mountain is one of the three major temples of Putuoshan and is very popular, so there are always many tourists visiting the Putuoshan Scenic Area - Fodingshan in Zhoushan City for worship. Along Xiangyun Road on Mount Putuo, you can often see pilgrims prostrating themselves every three steps, and you'll also pass by the stone inscription "Sea and Sky Buddhist Kingdom". Visitors can walk up Mount Putuo along Xiangyun Road next to Fayu Temple, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. For a less strenuous option, you can take the cable car up and walk a short distance to reach Huiji Temple at the summit. Taking the cable car up and then walking down is a more suitable choice. Huiji Temple is the main attraction for most tourists visiting the Putuoshan Scenic Area - Fodingshan in Zhoushan City. The temple is quite large, and it is said that the temple's goddess of childbirth helps people fulfill their wishes for fertility, attracting many people to worship and pray for blessings. Due to its high elevation, the platform in front of the temple is a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Bukenqu Guanyin Yard

4

265 reviews

Bukenqu Guanyin Yard is located within the Purple Bamboo Forest. It is one of the earliest temple sites on Putuo Mountain, and combined with the legend of "Bukenqu Guanyin" (Guanyin who refused to leave), it has become a famous temple outside the "Three Major Temples of Putuo." Pilgrims come to worship in an endless stream every day, and because the temple is built by the sea, it is also an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. Walking from the Purple Bamboo Forest Temple toward the sea, you will soon reach Bukenqu Guanyin Yard. This temple is small in size, but it is recognized as the origin of Putuo Mountain's "Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky." Almost every pilgrim or visitor who comes here can tell a few lines of the "Bukenqu Guanyin" legend. It is said that when the Japanese monk Huie was bringing a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva back to his country from Wutai Mountain, the sea suddenly became rough as the ship passed through the Lotus Ocean of the Zhoushan Archipelago. The monk believed that the Bodhisattva did not wish to go east, so he went ashore and left the statue behind. Later, a farmer on the island vacated his own house to enshrine the Guanyin who refused to leave. This led to the first "Bukenqu Guanyin Yard" on the island, as well as the various large and small Buddhist temples on Putuo Mountain. The original temple building is long gone, and the temple seen today was rebuilt in the 1980s. Perhaps because of this legend, unlike traditional Chinese Buddhist temples with yellow walls, it looks more like a Japanese building. Although there are not many ancient relics left in the temple, the legendary stories about this place are widely known, so it is very popular with pilgrims every day. In addition to the Tang-style Eleven-Faced Guanyin statue enshrined in the main hall, there is a "33 Guanyin Sacred Sites" corridor on the west side of the temple, which houses 33 Guanyin statues that the devout can worship one by one. The Sea-Viewing Pavilion opposite Bukenqu Guanyin Yard is a great place to view the sea, and you can take a short break here when there are not many tourists. The nearby Chaoyin Cave, tucked away in a corner, is also suitable for enjoying the sea view and listening to the bustling sound of the tides. Many tourists also take photos in front of the "Prohibition of Self-Sacrifice and Finger Burning" stele.

Zhoushan · 17.9km from downtown

Huiji Temple

4.1

4.8/5

567 reviews

Huiji Temple is located on Mount Foding Mountain in Putuo Mountain, also known as Fodingshan Temple and one of the three major temples of Putuo Mountain. The Huiji Temple has a unique architecture. The temple is built close to the mountains. The interior is spacious and magnificent. The temple is deeply hidden in the forest and is known for its quietness. In addition, due to its location on the mountain, a platform in front of the temple is a good place to watch the sunrise and sunset.