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Fanyin Cave has always been an important scenic spot in Putuo Mountain. Located in the north and south of Chaoyin Cave, Fanyin Cave and Chaoyin Cave each have their own unique sound, and together they are known as the "Two Caves Tide Sounds."
From Fayu Temple, passing Feisha'ao and Xianghui Temple, you will reach Qinggulei Mountain, the easternmost part of Putuo. Qinggulei juts into the Putuo Ocean, and it is probably because of the frequent crashing waves that shake the cliffs and the roar of the tides, which rumbles day and night like a drum, that this place is also called "Jinggulei".
At the southeastern tip of Qinggulei Mountain lies a large cave, hewn from the rock, about 60 meters high and 50 meters deep. Its steep cliffs, flanked by two cliffs, form a single entrance. Commonly known as Fanyin Cave, it is one of the many caves on Putuo Mountain that have long been admired for their magical beauty. Fanyin Cave's grandeur and sheer cliffs stand out from the rest.
The island is suitable for worship in all seasons. You 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 playing time: about 1 hour
free
8:00-17:00 (included in the Putuoshan Scenic Area ticket)
Fanyin Cave is a famous Buddhist site in Zhejiang province, known for its historical significance and religious importance. The cave contains various carvings and Buddhist statues that have been preserved for centuries, making it a key pilgrimage destination for Buddhists in China. Its natural beauty and serene environment also attract many nature lovers.
Fanyin Cave is located in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. It can be accessed by taxi from the city center of Zhoushan, or by bus to the nearest station followed by a short walk. There are no metro services directly to the cave due to its rural location.
Fanyin Cave is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the surrounding nature is at its most beautiful.
The entrance fee to Fanyin Cave is approximately 30-50 CNY. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance, and in some cases, online reservations may be available through local tourism platforms.
It is generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially during off-peak seasons. However, booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or for special events.
It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the cave and surrounding areas. If you plan to hike and explore nearby attractions, you may need around half a day.
Guided tours are available at Fanyin Cave, with guides typically offering services in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it's best to confirm in advance.
Start with a visit to the cave's entrance and main hall to see the Buddhist statues and carvings. Then, explore the inner chambers and take time to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape before hiking around the nearby trails.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered at Fanyin Cave. However, special tours and events may be available during specific Buddhist festivals or local celebrations.
The cave can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during off-peak seasons (fall or winter).
There are basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas near the cave. Local vendors may offer snacks and drinks. There are no large shops or restaurants inside the cave area, so it’s best to bring your own water and snacks.
While the main cave is accessible for visitors, the terrain around the site can be rocky and uneven, which may pose challenges for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can easily visit with proper supervision.
Cash is commonly used at the entrance and for small purchases inside the site. However, mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted in many areas, including Zhoushan city.
There are small local restaurants and tea houses near Fanyin Cave serving traditional Chinese and Zhejiang cuisine. For more dining options, visitors can head to Zhoushan city, which is a short drive away.
Vegetarian food is commonly available in local restaurants, particularly in the form of tofu dishes and vegetable stir-fries. Halal food options are limited in this area.
There are a few guesthouses and budget hotels in the nearby Zhoushan area. For more luxury accommodations, consider staying in Zhoushan city or nearby coastal resorts.
Souvenir shops in the area offer local handicrafts, religious items such as prayer beads, and tea-related products. Traditional Zhejiang souvenirs like silk scarves and embroidery are also available.
