Introducing Mount Putuo
Mount Putuo, nestled in the vast Lotus Ocean east of Hangzhou Bay, is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains of China, along with Mount Wutai in Shanxi, Mount Emei in Sichuan, and Mount Jiuhua in Anhui. It is the place where Guanyin Bodhisattva teaches and enlightens sentient beings. Surrounded by the sea, it offers enchanting scenery and a unique, enchanting atmosphere, earning it the reputation of "the first pure land on earth."
Putuo Mountain is not only filled with Buddhist traces, but also boasts the most distinctive features of a coastal city: beaches and seafood. The island boasts two beaches, Qianbusha and Baibusha, lined with hotels and seafood restaurants, creating a unique Buddhist coastal experience. As the saying goes, "A fairy mountain lies on the sea, tucked away in the ethereal void." Putuo Mountain, with its magical, sacred, and mysterious charm, has become a renowned tourist destination both in China and abroad.
Climate and best time to travel
Mount Putuo is a tourist destination all year round. It has a marine climate with the coldest temperature in winter being around -5°C and the average temperature in summer being 26.9°C with plenty of sunshine.
In the summer, you can enjoy the sea and the beach in July, August and September, and October is suitable for eating seafood.
Pilgrims and believers can visit the island on the 19th day of the second lunar month, the birthday of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, the day of Bodhisattva's enlightenment, and the 19th day of the ninth lunar month, the day of Bodhisattva's nirvana.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: about 1 day
Tickets
Off-season ticket (December-January): 140 yuan/person
Peak season ticket (February-November): 160 yuan/person
Ticket prices will increase slightly during the May Day and National Day holidays
Attraction opening hours
8:00-17:00
Most Popular FAQs for Mount Putuo
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Mount Putuo, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Its religious significance dates back to the Tang Dynasty (9th century), when monks began worshipping Guanyin here. Over time, it became a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists across Asia. The island combines natural beauty with sacred temples, symbolizing compassion and enlightenment.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Putuo District, Zhoushan Archipelago, Zhejiang Province, China.
- From Hangzhou or Ningbo: Take a train or bus to Zhoushan, then a ferry from Zhujiajian’s Banshengdong Wharf to Mount Putuo Island.
- From Shanghai: Take a bus or car to Shenjiamen Wharf (about 4–5 hours), then transfer by ferry (15–20 minutes).
- Walking is the main way to explore once on the island, with shuttle buses and cable cars available.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: Generally 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM for temple areas.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for comfortable weather and clear skies.
- Avoid major Chinese holidays when pilgrim crowds are largest.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Island admission ticket: Around 160 RMB (includes main scenic areas).
- Additional small fees for certain temples or cable cars.
- Tickets can be bought online through Trip.com, Alipay, or WeChat, or offline at ferry terminals and island entrances.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is not required for ordinary days but recommended during national holidays or pilgrimage festivals, as ferries and accommodations can sell out quickly.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- 1 day: Visit major temples (Puji, Fayu, Huiji) and the Guanyin statue.
- 2 days: Add beaches, mountain hikes, and Buddhist ceremonies for a complete experience.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Puji Temple — main worship site of Guanyin.
- Fayu Temple — ancient temple with rich Buddhist art.
- Huiji Temple — located on Foding Mountain summit.
- South Sea Guanyin Statue — iconic 33-meter coastal landmark.
- Hundred-Step Beach and Thousand-Step Beach — scenic coastal spots.
- Purple Bamboo Forest — associated with Guanyin legends.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Chinese-language guides are available at major temples.
- Some English-speaking guides can be arranged via travel agencies or hotels.
- Audio guide apps (Chinese/English) are accessible through QR codes onsite.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Top of Foding Mountain — for sunrise and full island view.
- South Sea Guanyin Plaza — for ocean and statue photography.
- Thousand-Step Beach — for sunset views.
- Pilgrims’ Path — for temple and forest scenery shots.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Morning: Visit Puji Temple → South Sea Guanyin → Purple Bamboo Forest.
- Afternoon: Fayu Temple → Cable car to Huiji Temple → enjoy Foding Mountain views.
- Evening: Walk along the coastline or rest at the beach.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Temples close by early evening, but you can enjoy quiet night walks by the beach. During major Buddhist festivals, candlelight ceremonies and chanting sessions are sometimes open to the public.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Most crowded: During Chinese New Year, May Day, and Mid-Autumn festivals.
- Least crowded: Weekdays in spring and autumn, especially early mornings.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public restrooms near temples and beaches.
- Vegetarian restaurants and snack shops near Puji Temple and the ferry port.
- Rest areas, drinking water stations, and small convenience stores throughout the island.
- Souvenir and incense shops near main entrances.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Yes. Shuttle buses and cable cars make it accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. Many paths are paved, and wheelchairs can be rented near ferry terminals.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash (RMB) is useful for small vendors and temple donations. International credit cards are rarely used.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Puji Temple Vegetarian Restaurant — traditional Buddhist meals.
- Fayu Temple dining hall — simple vegetarian buffets for visitors.
- Local seafood restaurants near Banshengdong Wharf and Zhujiajian.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Yes, vegetarian food is standard inside temples and nearby restaurants.
- Halal options are limited but can be found in Zhoushan city area before taking the ferry.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Putuo Hotel — located near Puji Temple, popular with pilgrims.
- Zhoushan Putuo Kaiyuan Hotel — comfortable stay with modern facilities.
- Temple guesthouses — simple and affordable lodging for pilgrims.
- Hotels at Zhujiajian Wharf for easy ferry access.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Zhujiajian Island — beaches and seafood restaurants.
- Shenjiamen Fishing Port — evening seafood market.
- Dongji Islands — scenic boat trip from Zhoushan.
- Taohua Island — literary and scenic getaway nearby.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Buddhist prayer beads and incense.
- Guanyin statues and charms.
- Local dried seafood and seaweed.
- Temple-blessed talismans and handmade crafts.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Take the ferry back to Zhujiajian, then bus or taxi to Zhoushan city.
- From Zhoushan, buses or high-speed connections lead to Ningbo, Hangzhou, or Shanghai.
- Private car or tour services can connect to nearby coastal attractions.
