Putuoshan Scenic Area - Fayu Temple

I like this temple the most.

There's a vegetarian meal here! It starts at 10:30 and is only 5 yuan per person! Cheap!

The meal was mainly stewed vegetables, including black fungus, Chinese cabbage, tofu and rice. Vegetarian food is my favorite and tastes especially delicious. My husband and I ate several bowls in a row.

You'll drool just by looking at the photos~ Don't miss such a delicious vegetarian meal when you come to Putuo Mountain!

Many people throw coins here.

2010.10.5 The most incredible visit to Putuo Mountain. Tourists were throwing coins here, but I was hit on the head by a Euro coin. I donated this coin to Maitreya Buddha.

Fayu Temple, also known as the Back Temple, is located at the foot of Foding Mountain in the central part of Putuo Mountain. Built on a six-tiered platform, it follows the mountain's slopes. The entrance gate ascends in a series of steps. The entire temple is grand and lofty, with an extraordinary aura. It is one of the three major temples in Putuo. The most spectacular feature is the Nine Dragon Hall, featuring a beautiful nine-dragon caisson ceiling relocated from the Ming Palace in Nanjing. It is a must-see.

Located in the central Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, Fayu Temple, known as the "Back Temple," is second only to the "Front Temple" Puji Temple in size and is one of Putuo's three major temples. Entering through the mountain gate archway, you'll reach the Haihui Bridge over the release pond. Looking up, you'll see the four large characters "Tianhua Fayu" (Heavenly Flower Dharma Rain) on the red wall. Schools of red carp in the release ponds on either side are another unforgettable sight. The temple is built into the mountainside, situated on a six-tiered platform. The Heavenly King Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, Nine-Dragon Guanyin Hall, Imperial Stele Hall, Main Hall, and Abbot's Hall rise one after another. Hidden within a shady camphor forest, Fayu Temple exudes both splendor and serenity.

With the Nine Dragon Wall and Nine Dragon Caisson Ceiling, the palace truly exudes a majestic and imperial atmosphere! It's no less impressive than the Yonghe Palace, the former residence of Prince Yongzheng, within the imperial city! The three-story hall, each punctuated by two ancient trees, showcases the beauty of symmetry. The ancients were truly meticulous! And it's truly beautiful!

It's just a very impressive temple... It's just one of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain

One of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain, it is crowded with people and has a strong incense.

Having visited Putuo Mountain last year, I wanted to make a special trip back this year. The weather was very helpful; it rained for three consecutive days, but it didn't rain during our three days. Although it rained on the second night, it had no impact on our trip. Getting there from Shanghai is quite convenient, though the one-way trip is a bit long. There are so many temples on the island that it's impossible to see them all in three days, excluding the round trip, but most of them are still within walking distance. I found the scenic bus tickets a bit expensive.

I think it is the most beautiful of the three major temples, with towering ancient trees, lush greenery, and a very quiet atmosphere.

One of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain, it is a place of natural treasures and the rain of Dharma from heaven.

The most beautiful of the three major temples in Putuo (Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, Huiji Temple), it has deep and quiet winding paths and towering ancient trees that echo the temple. With every step you take, you will see a different view. Opposite the Nine Dragon Echo Wall, as you climb the stairs, you will see the towering temple, halls, ancient trees, and incense burners, which are neither too far nor too close to protect each other, but also at different heights. The beauty of the space with distance makes people feel open-minded and comfortable.

The memorial archway of Fayu Temple has three doors and four pillars, with "Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky" engraved on it.

After passing the archway is Nichiren Pond, where red carp swim around.

It's a long road from Nichiren Pond to the mountain gate, with yellow walls on both sides. Yellow is the most common color on Putuo Mountain.

As soon as I entered Fayu Temple, I felt the grandeur of the temple. The 1,500-year-old Jiming Temple immediately felt insignificant.

The royal temple architectural style is magnificent and solemn, and everything is peaceful.

The "Nine Dragons Caisson" at the entrance of the temple is exquisitely crafted and lifelike.

The blue and red temple colors are very artistic.

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After walking down the footpath at the foot of Foding Mountain, you will basically reach Fayu Temple, the second largest temple in Putuo Mountain.

I didn't go in, but my husband did. He said it was relatively small in comparison. It was nice to have a direct car access, and it was convenient to stay in the nearby accommodation, very close to Qianbusha.

Fayu Temple is my favorite temple in Putuo.



It was amazing! The weather was quite gloomy in the morning, and there was a small rain before we arrived at Fayu Temple. But after we arrived at the temple, the sky cleared up and the sun was shining brightly. Thank you, Guanyin Bodhisattva!



Fayu Temple, a royal temple, has the Nine Dragons caisson in the Nine Dragons Hall, one of the Three Treasures of Putuo. The Nine Dragons Hall is the only surviving building from the Ming Palace.



Fayu Temple was rebuilt in the 38th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and the temple's name was bestowed by him. In March of that year, during his southern tour to Hangzhou, Emperor Kangxi issued a decree to the entire nation, declaring Putuo Mountain a place of worship for the imperial court. He personally led the donation of a golden tripod for the construction of Putuo Mountain Temple and called on his subjects to cultivate a blessed land, donate money and materials, and work together to complete all unfinished projects on Putuo Mountain.



At that time, the abbot of Fayu Temple, Bie'an Xingtong, was received by the emperor, who issued an imperial decree to demolish the old palace in Nanjing and transport the dismantled Ming Dynasty Palace to Putuo Mountain. The glazed tiles, dragon-carved pillars, and nine-dragon caisson ceiling in the Nine Dragon Hall were all removed from the Ming Dynasty Palace.



Let me tell you, Putuo Mountain is actually very simple. The most important things are the Nanhai Guanyin and the three major temples. This is the route usually taken for a one-day tour.



If we want to play carefully, we can divide it into several large blocks.

1. On the mountain: Foding Mountain, Huiji Temple, Baotuojiang Temple

2. Halfway up the mountain: Fayu Temple and Yangzhi Zen Temple

3. Foot of the Mountain: Puji Temple, Duobao Pagoda, Nanhai Guanyin, Purple Bamboo Forest, Baibusha

4. Others: Xitian Scenic Area requires climbing, but this section is a place with excellent scenery and air in Putuo. There are many good and interesting small temples and stones. It is highly recommended.



Note:

1. The three major temples in Putuo: Huiji Temple, Fayu Temple (the royal temple), and Puji Temple (the largest temple in Putuo Mountain)

2. The Three Treasures of Putuo: Nine-Dragon Caisson (Fayu Temple), Yan Liben's Guanyin Rubbing (Yangzhi Monastery), and Duobao Pagoda (near Puji Temple)

(If you are interested in the Nine Dragons caisson, you can watch CCTV's Putuo Ancient Charm - Thousand Miles to the Nine Dragons Temple)

3. Three Putuo Stones: Pantuo Stone, Heart Stone, and Two Tortoises Listening to the Dharma Stone (Xitian Scenic Area)

3. The world's only naturally growing hornbeam: On a mountain near Huiji Temple



stay:

Never go to Putuo Mountain on holidays, never go on weekends, and never go during the three annual Guanyin Incense Festivals (i.e., February 19th, June 19th, and September 19th). Weekend accommodation prices are double the normal rate, holidays: triple the normal rate, and during the Guanyin Incense Festival: 10 times the normal rate—I'm serious.



People usually choose to stay in Xishan District 1 and Xishan District 2. Living in Xishan District 1 is close to the pier, which is also close to the transportation bus station, suitable for sightseeing by car; living in Xishan District 2 is not convenient for transportation, but it is very close to the Xitian Scenic Area and Puji Temple, and can be reached on foot.



Price: Xishan District 1 is more expensive than Xishan District 2. We live in a prime location in Xishan District 1, very close to the pier. The standard room is 200 yuan, which is a special offer. Usually, the price is more than 200 yuan. In Xishan District 2, it is more than 100 yuan.

The building is exquisite and magnificent, royal and aesthetically pleasing

The main hall was built in 1699, the 38th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, and was given a plaque with the words "Tianhua Fayu", hence its current name. The Nine Dragons Guanyin Hall is the most magnificent. The "Nine Dragons Coiling Arch" and other buildings in the hall were moved here from the Nine Elders Hall of the Ming Palace in Jinling (Nanjing) during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and are very precious.

Fayu Temple, also known as the Back Temple, is located to the left of Baihua Peak on Putuo Mountain and is one of the three major temples on Putuo Mountain. Founded in 1580 AD, the temple's main hall was renovated in 1699 (the 8th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty). The temple was given a plaque inscribed with the inscription "Tianhua Fayu," hence its current name. The temple boasts 294 existing halls, covering 8,800 square meters. The temple is arranged on a six-tiered platform, with entrances ascending in ascending order. On the central axis, the Heavenly King Hall stands in front, followed by the Jade Buddha Hall in the back, with the Bell and Drum Tower between them. Further back are the Guanyin Hall, the Jade Tablet Hall, the Main Hall, the Sutra Library, and the Abbot's Hall. The Guanyin Hall, also known as the Nine Dragon Hall, features exquisite and vivid carvings of nine dragons.

The temple is famous and is one of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain that is worth visiting.

Fayu Temple is located halfway up the Putuo Mountain. There are shuttle buses from the pier and Puji Temple to Fayu Temple. The scenery is amazing and it is worth a visit.

Our first stop was naturally Fayu Temple, which captivated me the most. Its main hall is said to have been relocated from a former Ming Palace in Nanjing during the Qing Dynasty. The most breathtaking feature is the golden dragon caisson ceiling. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the hall, as it's heavily guarded. But having invested so much time and effort in this particular visit, how could I not take some photos? With my wife's help, I managed to capture the golden dragon caisson ceiling and the coiled dragon column bases. It was August, after all, so the crowds were overwhelming. There was nothing I could do.

Fayu Temple is located halfway up the mountain. It is not as crowded as the top of the mountain, but the scenery is very good.

I don't believe in Buddhism, so I just took a look. There are really many people worshipping Buddha.

Suitable for leisure travel, fresh air, beautiful environment, I will go there again in the future! Recommended~~~

One of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain, it is very popular and has a long history.

Fayu Temple, also built into the mountainside and still under renovation, has its upper and lower halls connected by stairs, rather than on the same level. We arrived at Fayu Temple near 5 PM, and it was much less crowded than when we first arrived at Puji Temple. The temple's layered, rising levels are also magnificent, reflecting a considerable degree of architectural aesthetics.

Fayu Temple, one of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain, is very popular!

One of the three Putuo Temples, it is located in the middle and very close to Qianbusha.

Fayu Temple, one of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain! It is my favorite temple! The visit time is about 1.5 hours!

In the quiet mountains and forests, there is a unique royal atmosphere, where people worship, pay homage to and respect Buddha.

This was my third time to Fayu Temple and my first time to eat vegetarian food. Although the ingredients were very ordinary, it tasted inexplicably delicious. In fact, we didn’t have to wash the dishes ourselves. The temple staff would take over when they saw us washing the dishes, so we didn’t have to worry about hygiene issues. It was an all-you-can-eat meal for five yuan, and I liked it very much.

It's one of the three major temples. Unfortunately, I was pressed for time and was in a hurry to climb Foding Mountain, so I didn't get to savor it thoroughly. I personally feel it's not as big as Puji Temple, but to be one of the three major temples, it must have its own unique features! Time is limited, so I have to go and savor it carefully next time.

We rushed from the Wanfo Pagoda to Fayu Temple. We had originally planned to take the cable car, but unfortunately, it was a few minutes late and it was no longer running. Fortunately, we caught the last scenic area minibus, which was really fast and arrived in about 10 minutes. If I had run on my own... Hehe.

Walking along the road to Fayu Temple is the most peaceful, with lush trees and the chirping of birds. It is very leisurely and comfortable!

Burning incense and worshiping Buddha is a beautiful scene with a long history.

My favorite temple. Besides the beautiful environment on the island, the architecture is also very elegant. There are also many young monks who speak Tibetan as pilgrims. I really like the photo of two young monks arm in arm. It has been the background for several years. It is really a Buddhist holy place. As a Buddhist, I feel more sacred on the island than other tourists. It would be better if there were fewer people.

When I went there, it was under construction and renovation, so there weren't many people. It's not very big, so few people come here. It's a good place for Buddhists to come and worship, and it's quite quiet! There are many scriptures carved on the walls and walkways, as well as some Buddhist teachings, to help you calm your mind. They also provide free vegetarian meals. I was too full when I went there, so I just walked around and left. Thank you!

This temple is also quite large and a little less popular than Puji Temple. But it is also a must-see place. The temple architecture and gardens are very grand and have a sense of relics of the times.

My favorite temple in Putuo Mountain is very otherworldly. I like this feeling very much. The ginkgo leaves fluttering down beside the yellow outer wall are very touching.

The second largest temple on Putuo Mountain, it is built on the mountainside. Its Nine Dragons caisson is unique, and its Thousand Steps Sand is also particularly beautiful...

It's a very quiet temple, but there are a lot of people coming on New Year's Day.

It is the rear temple of Putuo Mountain and the second largest temple on the mountain, a royal temple.

Opening hours: 6:00-17:30.

Morning worship: 4:30 am, about 2 hours

Meals: 1. There are vegetarian meals in the temple: breakfast is 3 yuan per person, lunch and dinner are 5 yuan per person (tickets are sold at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm) 2. There are also rows of restaurants next to the bus stop, which are slightly more expensive

Transportation: There is a stop in front of Fayu Temple

Brief overview: In front of Fayu Temple, there is a newly built stone archway, followed by Haihui Bridge. There are n small fish under the bridge, and the stone lions on the bridge have been damaged. Then walk to the other side of the yellow wall and you will see the mountain gate of Fayu Temple. Although the red wall is towering, it looks more quiet under the seclusion of the ancient camphor trees. You need to buy a ticket to enter, and then you will see the Nine Dragon Wall imitating the Forbidden City and a particularly tall tripod. Tourists, especially children, like to throw coins into it. In the Heavenly King Hall, you can see the big four characters "Fayu Zen Temple". Then there are the Jade Buddha Hall, the Nine Dragon Guanyin Hall, the Imperial Stele Hall, the Main Hall, the Abbot Hall, the Master Yin Guang Memorial Hall, etc.

The most notable attraction is the Nine Dragon Hall, currently the highest-architectural Buddhist hall in China and the main hall of Fayu Temple. This hall is the only surviving piece of the Ming Dynasty Palace. The Ming Dynasty Palace's glazed tiles and the nine-dragon caisson ceiling from the previous hall were removed and relocated to the hall. Inside, a dragon perches atop the statue of Vairocana, while eight dragons dangle from eight vertical columns, seemingly vying for a glazed lantern suspended in the center. These nine dragons, playing with a pearl, are the renowned Nine Dragon caisson ceiling (a decorative ceiling on palaces and halls in Chinese architecture). The eight golden pillars are intricately carved dragon bricks. The hall also boasts 48 dragon-carved column steps, also relocated from the Ming Dynasty Palace. The hall's imposing presence rivals that of the Golden Throne Hall.

I originally planned to go to Fayu Temple to eat vegetarian food, but when I arrived at 11:50, I asked and they were sold out.

So remember to eat vegetarian food at 10:30, and it will be over at 11:30~

Fayu Temple is not very big, and it takes about half an hour to walk around and worship. Then you can go directly to Foding Mountain from the side door.

I'm not going to take the cable car this time, I'll just walk up~

The picture is near Fayu Temple. I didn’t take any photos after entering the temple.

The weather is really good, the sky is blue and the grass is green.

It is not as popular as Puji Temple, but it is located on the roadside and transportation is very convenient.

When you come to Putuo Mountain to worship, it is one of the must-see attractions.

I visited it once many years ago, it was a very nice temple!

One of the three major temples in Putuo Mountain, it is very popular. I wonder if it is really effective.

Coming and going in a hurry, the purpose is to burn incense and pray for blessings...safe and healthy

Fayu Temple is also crowded with pilgrims, and from Fayu Temple you can see the scenery of Qianbusha, a unique world that other temples do not have.

Personally, I prefer Fayu Temple. Fayu Zen Temple was built in Ming Dynasty. The towering ancient trees around it further set off the quiet Zen charm of Fayu Temple.

The tour guide said that Fayu Temple used to be a royal temple! No wonder it is so beautiful and majestic.

The Nine Dragons Caisson in the main hall is of royal scale and was transplanted from the Ming Palace in Nanjing. It is very rare. (But you are not allowed to take pictures)

The fish in the release pond at Fayu Temple are so plentiful and fat. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Fish food is 50 yuan a bag at the entrance.

Fayu Temple is much smaller than Puji Temple. But the ancient trees inside are towering, which makes it a unique place.

Fayu Temple, as the second largest temple, was equally popular. There were so many people that it was impossible to take photos. So we still went through the incense burning and kowtowed devoutly.

The Yuantong Hall of Fayu Temple was moved as a whole from the Nine Dragon Hall of Zhu Yuanzhang in the Forbidden City of Ming Dynasty. It is well worth a visit as it houses the third treasure of Putuo: the Nine Dragon Caisson.

Fayu Temple boasts a Nine Dragon Wall in front of its gate, but its materials and quality are incomparable to the Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing. The same gate is used for both entrance and exit. Inside the Yuantong Hall, you'll find the Nine Dragon Caisson, one of the Three Treasures of Mount Putuo, dating back to the Ming Dynasty palace in Nanjing. You can visit it unless there's a special day.

Fayu Temple does not have as many believers as Puji Temple, but the incense is also quite strong. Taking photos is not allowed in the main hall of the temple, so I can’t keep it as a souvenir, so I’ll just keep it in my heart.

Fayu Temple is my favorite place on my trip to Putuo Mountain. What I love is not only the scenery, but more importantly, the air is so good that I don’t want to come out after entering and I wish I could bring back a bucket of air.

I like Fayu Temple the most. I like the woods there in spring, the warm colors, it is like a picture, the air is extremely fresh and spotless. When I go there, I just want to stay and don’t want to leave, let my eyes and nose breathe fully, and I really hope to take some air away.

Fayu Temple is in a very good location. There is a transfer center for tourist buses right outside the temple, and you can take buses to various directions.

The way down the mountain is very long and basically involves going down stairs. Those with less physical strength are advised to take the cable car back and then take a tourist bus to Fayu Temple. This can save energy and time. We missed the lunch at Fayu Temple because we spent time going down the mountain.

Perhaps it was because it was afternoon and the tour groups had all left, leaving us free and unrestrained. Quietly appreciating the temple's culture is the true meaning of travel. I recommend visiting when it's less crowded.

There are so many goldfish in the release pond here, and they look like a sea of red from a distance. It’s so kind.

Our first vegetarian meal was at Fayu Temple. The general process was as follows: first, we lined up at one place to buy tickets, then went to another to line up for the cafeteria, handed in our tickets, got our bowls and chopsticks, and then lined up again to get our food. The dish was simple: black fungus, cabbage, and dried tofu mixed together, much like a hot pot in Northeast China, minus the pork and vermicelli. It was delicious, though, and we could get more until we were full.

There is a wooden statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Childbirth, in Fayu Temple, which is rarely noticed. It is located in a small hall on the left side of the main hall of Fayu Temple. There is a wooden statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Childbirth, holding a lotus in her arms. If you look closely, you will find that there is a child wrapped in the lotus.

It is on the same line as Huiji Temple, so you can visit them together.

There are many devout believers, some of whom are sincere Buddhist masters and believers who prostrate themselves every three steps as they go up and down the stairs. It is really admirable.

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I particularly like the environment here, the towering ancient trees, the tall courtyard gate, it is very quiet.

I love the two big trees at the entrance of Fayu Temple. Bathed in the Buddha's light, they faithfully guard the gate of the temple, giving me a sense of being away from the world. There is also a dragon wall inside the gate, which is exquisitely carved and stunning.

A great place to burn incense - sincerity is the key to success

It's a great place for Buddhists to worship. Great! Worship more!

Fayu Temple is a royal temple, as can be seen from the Nine Dragon Wall in front of the main hall...

At Fayu Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the archway that reads "Sea and Sky Buddha Kingdom." This, along with the Nanhai Guanyin, is probably one of Putuo Mountain's iconic landmarks. You also need to buy incense and flower coupons to enter. One day, I encountered four people asking for incense and flower coupons, three at 5 yuan each and one at 6 yuan, adding another 42 yuan to my bill. The pond outside the temple is enormous, and the architecture inside is magnificent, including the Nine Dragon Wall.

You also need to buy an incense and flower ticket to enter Fayu Temple. 5 yuan.

After burning incense, we had a vegetarian meal at Fayu Temple. It was 5 yuan per person. The vegetarian meal at Fayu Temple is the cheapest. As for how the food was, I won't go into detail... After all, it was only 5 yuan.

Fayu Temple is enormous. I'm told that Emperor Qianlong once visited and had a successor, so the entire temple exudes the grandeur of an imperial temple. The Nine Dragon Wall and the dragon reliefs on the stone steps in front of the main hall are a testament to this. We spent over an hour there, exploring all the Buddhist halls, kowtowed, burned incense, and made wishes. We left Fayu Temple at 1:10 PM and took a bus from the parking lot to the pier. The journey from Fayu Temple to the pier took only 10 minutes, but the bus ticket was 10 yuan per person.