2025 Putuo Mountain Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

In the sacred and spiritually rich realm of Mount Putuo in Zhejiang, if you could only choose one temple to visit, the top choice would undoubtedly be "Puji Temple." This temple was built during the reign of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (approximately 860 to 874 AD). According to legend, a Japanese monk named Hui'e traveled across the seas to China in search of Buddhist teachings. During his pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, he encountered a revered statue of Guanyin and felt deep admiration. He decided to bring the statue back to Japan for worship. However, on his return journey, he repeatedly encountered obstacles in the form of iron lotus flowers blocking his way in the waters near Mount Putuo. Unable to take the statue away, Hui'e realized that Guanyin did not wish to leave. Thus, he built a shrine on Mount Putuo to enshrine the statue, marking the origin of the Guanyin sanctuary. Today, Puji Temple has become the largest ancient monastery on Mount Putuo and the central site of Guanyin worship in China, as well as a hub for Buddhist activities. Located on the southern side of Mount Putuo's main peak, Foding Mountain, at the foot of Lingjiu Peak, Puji Temple occupies relatively flat and open terrain. Its layout, facing the sea and backed by mountains, is considered a model of Chinese Buddhist temple architecture, blending the official architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Arriving at Mount Putuo's oldest main monastery near dusk, the sunlight cast a golden glow on the weathered walls of Puji Temple, immersing the entire temple in a rhythm of another time and space. Stepping into this Guanyin sanctuary, the serene and spiritually charged environment felt like entering a sacred misty realm among twilight mountains. White clouds gently encircled the area, light and shadow intertwined, and the mind mirrored the ripples in the Haiyin Pool, expanding inward in quiet circles. It seemed tranquil yet held infinite awareness. Our group of five wandered through various sites such as Xilai Zen Courtyard, Xilin Hall, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Pumen Hall, and the Great Hall of Perfect Enlightenment. We sensed that this architectural complex was not only a physical manifestation of an ancient monastery but also a long-lost echo of the soul. It felt like a spiritual symbol where Zen aesthetics and architectural beauty merged seamlessly. In this sacred mountain sanctuary, our body, mind, and spirit intertwined with the holy atmosphere. Being here meant truly being present; no concern for worldly matters, no use of phones, no checking messages, no responding to noise—just a moment of silence for oneself, enjoying the tranquil Zen ambiance and the harmony of nature.

A must-visit spiritual route in Zhoushan! Departing from Banshengdong Pier, this journey through Putuo Mountain's Zen ambiance and stunning scenery is truly healing~ 🚶‍♀️Itinerary: DAY1: 📍Banshengdong Pier: Take a 15-minute ferry to Putuo Mountain (book tickets online in advance) 📍Puji Temple: The oldest temple on Putuo Mountain with thriving incense culture. Free incense sticks provided. Hiring a guide is recommended to appreciate this millennium-old temple's history. 📍Nanhai Guanyin: The 33-meter-tall Guanyin statue is awe-inspiring. Prepare cash for incense offerings. 📍Bukenqu Guanyin Temple: Legendary "Guanyin Who Refused to Leave" site 🍜Food Recommendations: ✅Shenjiamen Seafood Street: Near Banshengdong Pier, try scallion oil swimming crab and steamed hairtail ✅Putuo Vegetarian Cuisine: Fine dining at Ruyige Zhupan Zhai or Shishanju near Puji Temple ✅Guanyin Cake: Local specialty snack ⚠️Tips: 1. Free incense at Puji Temple, but prepare small change for offerings 2. Bring snacks as mountain prices are higher 3. Book accommodation 2 weeks in advance during peak season 4. Sunhat and sunscreen recommended in summer 5. Shenjiamen ferry schedule: 6:30-17:00

Our group of five walked slowly, starting from the Haiyin Pond where five-color lotus flowers bloom in summer, passing Yongshou Bridge, Duobao Pagoda, Stone Archway, Imperial Stele Hall to Tianwang Hall, and immersed in this ancient temple full of ancient charm and Zen tranquility. When we walked into the Dayuantong Hall, this important Buddhist place known as the "Living Hall", a long-lost spiritual clarity and emotion quietly surged in our hearts. This hall has a double-eaved hip-and-gable structure, which is not only spacious, but also one of the most representative buildings in Putuo Mountain. We realized that the main statue of Vairocana Guanyin in the center of the "Living Hall" is solemn and shining, and is 8.8 meters high. The statue wears a Vairocana crown, has a round and smooth face, and exudes compassion and wisdom in solemnity. With his hands in the meditation mudra, he sits cross-legged on the lotus throne. On both sides of the "Living Hall", we also stopped to notice the 32 incarnations of Avalokitesvara, each with a wonderful appearance and a dignified face. Each statue seems to symbolize a way of salvation. According to the nature and suffering of sentient beings, the most suitable body appears in the world, echoing the belief of Puji Temple "to save all sentient beings and let them cross the sea of fire". This gentle but firm belief symbolizes that Avalokitesvara steers the Dharma ship, leading sentient beings to ride on the route of compassion and wisdom, cross the deep sea of suffering, and finally reach a stable and fearless spiritual realm. Therefore, it is said that Avalokitesvara seeks out the suffering, manifests himself in all gates, makes great wishes and gives alms in different rhythms of time and space, and is free and at ease with fate. The reason why the "Living Hall" is so fascinating is not only that it carries the profound Guanyin belief, but also that it creates an audio-visual feast through the interweaving of Buddhist art and multimedia, creating a rare spiritual healing space to guide visitors on a quiet and profound spiritual journey. The energy of compassion is like the resonance of light frequency, connecting with the seven chakras of the human body, soothing the body and mind, harmonizing the aura, and subtly improving emotional intelligence and happiness index. No matter where you come from or what cultural background you have, the kindness of Guanyin Bodhisattva is like a spring breeze, crossing the barriers of language and faith, responding to every praying heart, and guarding in every tear. #Putuoshan Puji Temple #Dayuantong Hall #Yuantong Hall #Virgo Guanyin #Buddhist Art #Spiritual Healing Attraction

#100 ways to travel to Putuoshan with a 10-day self-guided tour in China. Book a hotel through TRIP.

When it comes to vegetarian food, people may think of bitterness and blandness, but in Puji Temple in Putuo Mountain, the vegetarian food here has a special flavor. My trip to Putuo Mountain this time was specifically to taste this unique vegetarian food. As soon as I entered Puji Temple, the solemn temple and the endless stream of pilgrims came into view. Following the curling incense, I found a place dedicated to vegetarian food. The supply of vegetarian food has a specific time, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner all have fixed time periods. If you miss it, you can only wait for the next meal with an empty stomach, which increases my expectations and tension. 10 yuan per person, the price is really affordable. I received the meal ticket and waited in line excitedly. Although the line was long, it was orderly and everyone was waiting quietly. This scene made me feel the unique tranquility and solemnity of the temple. When it was my turn to get the meal, I held up the simple bowl, which was filled with rice and Luohan vegetarian food. Luohanzhai is made of various vegetables. Although it is not as delicious as meat dishes, it has a fragrance of vegetable roots in its lightness, which makes people linger. The way I hold the bowl was corrected by an uncle next to me - you have to hold it well, and you can't hold the edge of the bowl with your fingers. It turns out that there are so many things to pay attention to when eating. After the meal, everyone needs to wash their own dishes and chopsticks. Although it is a bit unexpected, it is also in line with the spirit of self-reliance in Buddhism. The water in the dishwashing place is full of foam and seems a little unclear, but I think this is probably part of the experience. Although the whole dining process is simple, it is extremely fulfilling. It is not only because of the food itself, but more because of the spiritual nourishment. The taste of vegetarian food will not dissipate in my memory for a long time. This is not just a simple meal, but more like a spiritual purification. The vegetarian meal at Puji Temple is not just as simple as filling your stomach. It makes me realize the meaning behind the food and a state of mind of practice that is different from daily life. This trip to Putuo Mountain, vegetarian food has become one of my most unforgettable memories. #pilgrimage #Putuoshan

It is a very beautiful and attractive place to visit. The atmosphere around the island and the restaurants are very convenient for traveling.

Let's shift our focus to Zhejiang Province and discover the spiritual sanctuary of Putuo Mountain. 🏞️ Located off the coast of eastern China, Putuo Mountain is revered as one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. 🙏 This picturesque island is steeped in Buddhist tradition and boasts a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. 🌊🌸 Putuo Mountain is home to a cluster of ancient temples, including the iconic Puji Temple and Fayu Temple, where visitors can witness monks practicing rituals and chanting sutras. 🏯📿 The island's tranquil forests and winding pathways offer opportunities for contemplation and reflection amidst nature's splendor. 🌳 A highlight of any visit to Putuo Mountain is ascending to the summit of Foding Mountain, where the majestic Foding Pagoda overlooks the island and offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline. 🏰⛰️ Immerse yourself in the timeless serenity of Putuo Mountain as you explore its sacred sites, hike its scenic trails, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven. 🕊️🌿 Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Putuo Mountain offers a sanctuary for the soul. 🌅 #PutuoMountain #Zhejiang #BuddhistSanctuary #SpiritualJourney #TravelChina 🇨🇳