Putuo Mountain is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China and the only Buddhist sacred site located on an island.
Basic Overview
Putuo Mountain is located in Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. It is a small island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, known as the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea" and "Holy Land of the South China Sea".
The name "Putuo" comes from the Sanskrit "Potalaka", meaning "Beautiful White Flower".
The island covers an area of about 12.5 square kilometers, with its highest peak Foding Mountain at 291.3 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the sea, it combines solemn Buddhist culture and beautiful coastal scenery. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national key scenic area.
Buddhist Origin & History
According to legend, in 863 CE, the Japanese monk Hui'e brought a Guanyin statue from Wutai Mountain back to Japan. When he encountered a storm in the Lotus Ocean near Putuo, he believed Guanyin did not wish to leave, so he built a hut here to enshrine the statue. This became the earliest Unwilling-to-Go Guanyin Temple, the origin of Buddhism on Putuo Mountain.
In the Southern Song Dynasty, Putuo Mountain was officially designated as the dharma realm of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it reached its peak, known as "the first Buddhist kingdom in China".
Main Temples & Attractions
Puji Temple
The largest and most famous temple on the island. The main hall enshrines the Vairocana Guanyin.
Fayu Temple
Famous for its imperial architectural style and the magnificent Nine-Dragon Hall, which was built with materials from the Ming Palace in Nanjing.
Huiji Temple
Located on the top of Foding Mountain, it is known for its quiet environment and stone-carved Guanyin statues.
South China Sea Guanyin Statue
The landmark of Putuo Mountain. The statue stands 33 meters high, cast in bronze, solemn and kind, facing the vast East China Sea.
Zizhu Forest & Unwilling-to-Go Guanyin Temple
The birthplace of Putuo Buddhism, with Tide-Sound Cave and Brahma-Sound Cave nearby.
Luojia Mountain
A small island opposite Putuo Mountain. There is a saying: "One who has not been to Luojia Mountain has not completed the pilgrimage to Putuo."
Culture & Festivals
The three major Guanyin festivals (lunar February 19, June 19, September 19) attract countless pilgrims from home and abroad every year.
Transportation Tips
Take a ferry to Putuo Mountain from Zhujiajian or Shenjiamen Wharf in Zhoushan.
There are no taxis on the island; transportation relies on tourist buses and cable cars.