Mount Putuoshan locates in the east islands (Zhoushan Archipelago) of Zhejiang Province, which is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China with Mount Emei in Sichuan, Mount Jiuhua in Anhui and Mount Wutai in Shanxi. Mount Putuoshan fully shows the beauty of both mountain and sea, and it is recognized as a National AAAAA Scenic Area. It also honored as the Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea and the Sacred Land of the South China Sea.
The original religious activity of Mount Puotuo is traced back to Qin Dynasty (BC 221 - 201) when the Taoist immortals practiced alchemy here, and the relic sites can be still found today. In 847 (Tang Dynasty), one foreign monk visited Chaoyin Cave and felt the avatars of Avalokitesvara. During Song and Yuan Dynasties, Putuoshan Mountain developed soon and became prosperous. In its heyday, it was known as the No. 1 Buddhist Kingdom in China and enjoyed four grand temples, 106 small temples, 139 huts as well as 4,654 monks.
Mount Putuoshan has many temples and monasteries. Today, there are more than 30 major temples including the Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple. Puji Temple is the main temple of Putuoshan Mountain. Hence all important Buddhist activities are held here. With an area of 37,019 square meters, the Grand Yuantong Palace is the main hall which houses an 8-meter-high statue of Guanyin surrounded by 32 Bodhisattva with different costumes in a variety of poses on east and west walls. Fayu Temple was built along the uphill with grand building groups and extraordinary manners. It got such a name in that you could see amazing relives of nine dragons are fighting for pearl on the screen wall before the gate of Halls of Heavenly Kings. Huiji Temple is perched in Foding Mountain, the highest peak of Putuoshan Mountain. Hidden in a luxury forest, Huiji Temple features in peaceful environment.
Opening Hours: 06:30 - 21:00
Type: Nature & Religious Sites
Best Seasons: June - October
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 - 2 days
Tickets: 160 RMB/person on season; 140 RMB/person off season
Extra Admission Fees: 5 RMB for Puji Temple, 5 RMB for Fayu Temple, 5 RMB for Huiji Temple, 5 RMB for Purple Bamboo Forest, 2 RMB for Guanyin Jamp.
Address: In the southeast part of Zhoushan Archipelago, Zhejiang Province, China