Mount Putuoshan Travel Guide

Top Sights & Must-Do Experiences

Visiting Mount Putuo is a journey of pilgrimage, scenery, and inner peace. Attractions are spread across several areas, so you can plan your route based on time and physical comfort.

1. Three Core Temples

Puji Temple
The main and most important temple on the island, always filled with incense and worshippers. The Grand Hall of Great Compassion is known as the "Living Hall," with a lotus pond and an ancient Yuan-dynasty pagoda in front.

Fayu Temple
The second-largest temple, famous for the beautifully decorated Nine-Dragon Hall. A quiet maple-lined path behind the temple is especially lovely in autumn.

Huiji Temple
Located on the summit of Mount Foding, the highest point on Putuo. Easily reached by cable car and one of the best spots for sea clouds. Behind the temple stands the world's only remaining Putuo hornbeam tree.

2. Iconic Statues & Sacred Sites

Nanhai Guanyin Statue
A 33-meter bronze statue and the spiritual symbol of Mount Putuo. Sunset is the most breathtaking time to visit.

Purple Bamboo Grove & "Unwilling-to-Leave Guanyin" Temple
The legendary origin site of Guanyin worship on Putuo. Facing the open sea, it is filled with the constant sound of waves.

3. Nature & Walking Areas

Western Heaven Scenic Area
Known for dramatic rock formations such as Pantuo Stone and Heart-Shaped Stone. Some uphill walking is required.

Thousand-Step Beach & Hundred-Step Beach
The island’s two main beaches. Thousand-Step Beach is ideal for long seaside walks, while Hundred-Step Beach is popular for sunrise views.

Fanyin Cave
A sea cave carved into cliffs. When waves rush in, the sound resembles Buddhist chanting, creating a powerful atmosphere.

4. Special Experiences

Temple Vegetarian Meals
Enjoy a simple vegetarian meal at temple dining halls (such as Puji or Fayu) to experience Buddhist food culture.

Pilgrimage to Luojia Mountain
A traditional saying goes, "A Putuo pilgrimage is incomplete without Luojia." Ferries depart from Putuo Pier on a fixed schedule (usually three times daily), so plan ahead.

Easy Add-On Destinations

Zhoushan & Zhujiajian Island
Known for the Impression Putuo outdoor show, Mount Daqing National Park, beaches, and sand-sculpture attractions - great for a relaxed seaside stay.

Ningbo
A historic port city. Visit the Old Bund, Tianyi Pavilion (one of China's  oldest private libraries), or enjoy lakeside scenery at Dongqian Lake.

Hangzhou
World-famous for West Lake, ideal for experiencing classical Chinese gardens, temples, and modern city life.

Recommended Itineraries

2 Days / 1 Night – Mount Putuo Highlights
Day 1: Arrive, visit Puji Temple, Nanhai Guanyin, Purple Bamboo Grove, sunset at the beach.
Day 2: Cable car to Huiji Temple, walk down to Fayu Temple, depart.

4 Days / 3 Nights – Eastern Zhejiang Culture & Buddhism
Ningbo city sights → Fenghua Xikou → Zhujiajian → full day at Mount Putuo → optional Luojia Mountain.

5–6 Days – Classic Jiangnan Route
Extend the above with Hangzhou, visiting West Lake and Lingyin Temple for a complete Jiangnan experience.

Getting to & Leaving Mount Putuo

Reaching Mount Putuo involves a land/air transfer plus a short ferry ride. Ferries depart from Zhoushan on the mainland.

Step 1: Reach Zhoushan Ferry Terminals

Main hub: Zhujiajian Wugongshi Ferry Terminal

By Air:
Fly to Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport. The terminal is just 5–10 minutes by car from Wugongshi Ferry Terminal.

By Long-Distance Bus:
     Direct buses run frequently from major cities:

• From Shanghai: ~4–6 hours, fares from RMB 120

• From Hangzhou: ~2–3 hours, fares from RMB 110

• From Ningbo: ~2–3 hours, fares from RMB 54


By Private Transfer:

Travel directly to Zhujiajian Wugongshi Ferry Terminal, then transfer by ferry.

Step 2: Ferry to Mount Putuo

• Ferries depart from Zhujiajian Wugongshi or Shenjiamen Banshengdong terminals.

• Crossing time: about 15–20 minutes.

• Ferry tickets and Mount Putuo entrance tickets can be purchased together online as a combined pass.

• Use your passport/ID to enter - no paper ticket needed.

Getting Around on the Island

• Shuttle buses connect all major temples and scenic areas. One-day or two-day passes are recommended.

• Many areas, especially around Puji Temple, require walking. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Best Time to Visit & Food Highlights

Best Time:

• Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn  (Sep–Nov) offer the best weather.

• Late autumn (late Oct–Nov) is especially pleasant with fewer crowds and seasonal views like red leaves and sea clouds.

• Summer is hot and humid; avoid major Chinese holidays due to heavy crowds.

Food to Try:

• Temple vegetarian meals at Puji or Fayu Temple - simple, authentic, and meaningful.

• Guanyin cakes, a popular local pastry and souvenir.

• Seafood is abundant, but for better value and variety, many travelers prefer Shenjiamen Fishing Port on      Zhoushan Island.

Where to Stay

Accommodation around Mount Putuo falls into two main areas, each with its own advantages:

On Mount Putuo Island

Pros: A fully immersive experience, easy access to temples, and the chance to enjoy the island's peaceful mornings and evenings.
Cons: Higher prices, especially on holidays; facilities may be simpler.

• Lotus Moonlight Lodge (near Puji Temple)
   A newly opened (2025) boutique guesthouse with a clean, modern design, convenient location, and warm service.

Zhujiajian (near the ferry terminal)

Pros: More hotel choices, better value, newer facilities, and easy access to Zhujiajian attractions such as Impression Putuo and beaches.
Cons: Requires a ferry ride to the island each day, limited by ferry schedules.

• Encounter Isle · Mountain View Designer Villa
  Opened in 2025, this stylish villa offers a quiet setting, strong design aesthetic, free ferry-terminal transfers, and a location close to both the airport and pier.