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Located atop Guanyintiao Hill at the southern tip of Shuangfeng Mountain on Putuoshan Island in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, the Nanhai Guanyin statue is Asia's largest open-air statue and a symbol of the Buddhist kingdom of sea and sky. Nearby are numerous exquisite reliefs. Lush forests surround this area, where the flow of qi flows freely and the waves ripple. Zhujiajian, on the other side of the Lotus Ocean, stands guard across the sea; at the foot of Shuangfeng Mountain, the sound of the tide echoes through the purple bamboo forest.
The three-tiered pedestal stands 33 meters tall, comprising an 18-meter-tall Buddha statue, a 2-meter-tall lotus platform, and a 13-meter-tall base, totaling 5,500 square meters. The Buddha's crown features Amitābha, with his left hand supporting the Dharma wheel and his right hand in the Abhaya Mudra. The statue's graceful and benevolent form embodies Avalokitesvara's wisdom in perceiving all living beings and his profound Dharmakāya, a body of vows as deep as the ocean.
Guanyin Bodhisattva, whose "answers are everywhere prayers are made, and who always serves as a boat to ferry people across the sea of suffering," is the core of Buddhist faith worldwide. "The compassion of Guanyin of the South Sea reaches the universe, and the new scenery of Putuo shines for eternity."
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Suggested playing time: about half an hour
Nanhai Guanyin Buddha Ticket (Incense and Flower Coupon): 6.00 yuan
6:00-17:30
The Guanyin of the South China Sea is a symbol of compassion and mercy. The statue stands at 108 meters tall, making it one of the largest statues in the world, and it is located at the end of the Guanyin Temple complex, built to honor the Buddhist deity Guanyin. The statue faces the sea, representing protection and blessings to the people of Zhoushan and beyond.
The Guanyin of the South China Sea is located in the city of Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. You can reach it by taking a taxi or a bus from Zhoushan City. It is about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥150 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the site entrance or online through the official website of the attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak seasons (such as Chinese New Year or national holidays) to avoid long wait times. You can book tickets online a few days in advance.
To fully explore the Guanyin Statue and its surrounding attractions, plan for about 2 to 3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English.
Start by visiting the Guanyin Statue for a close-up view, then walk around the gardens. Afterward, visit the temple complex and finish with a stop at the observation deck for breathtaking views.
There are no specific night tours, but the statue is beautifully illuminated at night, making it an excellent time for photography.
The site can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are typically on weekdays, especially in the mornings.
The site is generally accessible, with ramps and pathways for easy access for elderly and disabled visitors. However, be prepared for some walking as the area is large.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted. Cards are also typically accepted at most major establishments.
Some vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, but halal food options are limited in this area.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance, selling items like Buddhist statues, traditional Chinese handicrafts, and local snacks.
You can take a taxi or a local bus to continue your journey around Zhoushan or head to nearby cities such as Ningbo or Shanghai by train or bus.
