Located on the Nanshan Mountain to the south of Putuo Mountain, facing the Duangu Daotou, Nantianmen is isolated and juts into the sea. It is located at the southernmost tip of Putuo Mountain, separated from the main island by a river. There is a stone bridge built on it, which looks like a dragon and is named Huanlong Bridge.
This area is home to a forest of giant rocks and towering cliffs, with two stone gates in the middle, hence the name Nantianmen. The gate has a raised eaves and corners, with the Chinese characters "Nantianmen" inscribed in the center. Nearby is the Longyan Putuoshan Nantianmen Well, a stone drum on the cliff, and a lion stone to the upper left of the Putuoshan Nantianmen que.
Inside the Nantianmen Gate, there are towering rocks, in front of the gate, vast blue waves, and numerous cliff carvings. On the side of the gate, there are four characters "Grand View of Mountains and Seas" written by Lan Li, a military general during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. They are vigorous and powerful and attract sb.'s attention.
Inside the gate lies a Buddhist temple and a palace. Next to the temple stands a massive rock, accessible by steps. The rock's summit is flat, dotted with two small pools of clear, shimmering water, commonly known as "Lion's Eyes." Carved into the rock are inscriptions such as "Longhua Assembly," "Pillar of the South Sky," and "A Lonely Place on the Coast." Legend has it that this is where the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, and that Master Zhenxie, the founder of the Putuo Mountain Zen sect, once built a hut there.
Attractions Location: Southern part of Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0580-3191919
Transportation:
Traffic conditions in Putuo Mountain
There are two special bus lines for tourist buses, connecting many scenic spots in Putuo Mountain.
Route 1: Puji Temple East (Baibusha) - Baibu Pavilion - Zizhulin (Nanhai Guanyin Open-air Buddha) - Samadhi (Nantianmen) - Ferry Terminal - Haifang New Village (Xishan New Village District 1) - Seafood Garden (Xishan New Village District 2) - Baotuo Hotel - Puji Temple West (Xishan Scenic Area Entrance)
Route 2: Ferry Terminal - Entering Samadhi (Nantianmen) - Purple Bamboo Forest (Nanhai Guanyin Open-air Buddha) - Baibu Pavilion - East of Puji Temple (Baibusha) - Xianrenjing (Chaoyang Cave) - Dacheng Temple - Fayu Temple (Qianbusha) - Feisha'ao - Xianghui Temple - Fanyin Cave - Baoyue Temple - Ancient Buddha Cave - Cableway Station
In addition to the two special tourist buses, point-to-point tourist buses are also available between the major scenic spots of Putuo Mountain. Special personnel use walkie-talkies to dispatch vehicles according to passenger flow.
How to Get to Nanshan Gate
Take Bus Line 1 or 2 of the Putuoshan Scenic Area and get off at "Ru Sanmadi"
Time reference: 1-3 hours
This one-day itinerary focuses on visiting Nantianmen, the iconic gateway of Putuoshan Island, offering breathtaking views and a spiritual start to your journey.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Putuoshan town hotels or guesthouses. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local restaurant, dinner at hotel or seafood restaurant.
Souvenirs: Temple charms, postcards, incense, local snacks.
This two-day itinerary combines Nantianmen with Fayu Temple, allowing for a deeper spiritual and cultural experience on Putuoshan Island.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic area restaurant, dinner at seafood restaurant.
Souvenirs: Buddhist charms, incense, calligraphy scrolls, postcards.
This three-day itinerary provides a full exploration of Nantianmen, the main Putuoshan temples, and scenic coastal trails for a balance of culture and nature.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic restaurants, dinner at seafood restaurants.
Souvenirs: Buddhist handicrafts, incense, coastal-themed souvenirs, postcards.
This four-day itinerary allows visitors to explore Nantianmen, main temples, coastal trails, and the cultural highlights of Putuoshan Island.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic area restaurants, dinner at seafood restaurants.
Souvenirs: Buddhist charms, incense, calligraphy scrolls, postcards, local teas.
This five-day itinerary provides a complete experience of Nantianmen, Putuoshan temples, coastal scenery, and nearby islands for nature lovers.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan or Zhujiajian Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots, dinner at seafood restaurants.
Souvenirs: Temple charms, incense, coastal-themed handicrafts, postcards, local teas.
This six-day itinerary combines Nantianmen, Putuoshan temples, coastal trails, island exploration, and leisure activities such as tea house visits and photography.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan Island or Zhujiajian Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots, dinner at seafood restaurants.
Souvenirs: Buddhist charms, incense, temple handicrafts, coastal souvenirs, postcards, local teas.
This seven-day itinerary is designed for visitors seeking a complete experience of Nantianmen, Putuoshan temples, coastal scenery, islands, and local culture.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels on Putuoshan Island or Zhujiajian Island. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots, dinner at city or seafood restaurants.
Souvenirs: Buddhist charms, incense, temple handicrafts, coastal-themed souvenirs, postcards, local teas.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area of Putuo Mountain, nestled on the southeast coast, is renowned for its blend of unusual rocks, seascapes, and Zen. Two natural boulders, the "Dragon Gate" and the "Toad Rock," face each other across the sea, and the waves traverse them with a majestic aura. The cliff carvings of "Grand View of Mountains and Seas" complement the glazed Nantianmen Archway with its flying eaves. From the archway, visitors can gaze upon the remarkable Reclining Buddha of Mount Luojia and the cross-sea bridge. This area is not only a major Buddhist pilgrimage route, but also an ideal spot for watching the sunrise and listening to the sound of the tide. We recommend visiting early in the morning to experience the tranquil Zen of this "Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky" before tourists arrive. The stone steps are steep, so please be mindful of your safety.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area is the first attraction visitors encounter upon arriving on the island. It features scenic spots such as the coastal archway, the Duangu Sacred Site, and the Nantianmen Gate. However, these days, it's a rare sight, and tour groups are even rarer. Compared to the bustling crowds of other areas, Nantianmen is remarkably quiet. For those on a relaxed schedule, this is a great place to relax and enjoy the sea.
Nantianmen is made of huge rocks and is one of the best places to view the mountains and sea in Putuo Mountain.
There is a South Gate of Heaven everywhere, but the one here is not on the mountain and the altitude is not high.
Walk back along the seaside from Nanhai Guanyin Garden to the southernmost tip of Putuo Mountain, enjoy the sea breeze and see the scenery
You can see Zhoushan across the sea. From here, you can see tall buildings everywhere in Zhoushan, and it seems to be developing very well.
Facing the sea, the waves are rough, but you can calm down!
Located on the Nanshan Mountain to the south of Putuo Mountain, facing the Duangu Daotou, Nantianmen is isolated and juts into the sea. It is located at the southernmost tip of Putuo Mountain, separated from the main island by a river. There is a stone bridge built on it, which looks like a dragon and is named Huanlong Bridge.
This area is home to a forest of giant rocks and towering cliffs, with two stone gates in the middle, hence the name Nantianmen. The gate has a raised eaves and corners, with the Chinese characters "Nantianmen" inscribed in the center. Nearby is the Longyan Putuoshan Nantianmen Well, a stone drum on the cliff, and a lion stone to the upper left of the Putuoshan Nantianmen que.
Inside the Nantianmen Gate, there are towering rocks, in front of the gate, vast blue waves, and numerous cliff carvings. On the side of the gate, there are four characters "Grand View of Mountains and Seas" written by Lan Li, a military general during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. They are vigorous and powerful and attract sb.'s attention.
Inside the gate lies a Buddhist temple and a palace. Next to the temple stands a massive rock, accessible by steps. The rock's summit is flat, dotted with two small pools of clear, shimmering water, commonly known as "Lion's Eyes." Carved into the rock are inscriptions such as "Longhua Assembly," "Pillar of the South Sky," and "A Lonely Place on the Coast." Legend has it that this is where the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, and that Master Zhenxie, the founder of the Putuo Mountain Zen sect, once built a hut there.
Take a photo at the legendary Nantianmen, and you will be the legendary Four Heavenly Kings.
😂 It is another place full of fairy spirit. It happened to be under renovation when I came. It seems to be the same place as the Coast Archway, so the photos are the same.
Beautiful, the environment is so beautiful. It feels like you are in a watercolor painting. Walking slowly, you feel so relaxed.
The two stone walls stand opposite each other, like a natural stone gate. Because it is located at the southernmost tip of Putuo Mountain, it is called Nantianmen.
I went to Putuo Mountain Nantianmen three times and it was only on the third time that I found it! The vast sea and sky are composed of two islands. The wind is very strong and very quiet. It is worth a visit!
These are must-sees when you come to Putuo. Nantianmen Scenic Area is worth a visit.
I passed by and it was okay. I took some photos while passing by.
This is the main scenic area. There are a lot of people here and it is not easy to take photos. It would be best if you can stay here. Come early.
It's nice to feel the sea breeze on the rocks by the sea
This place is closest to Putuoshan Pier and can be used as the first stop for Putuoshan tourism.
Located in the south of Putuo, it is isolated in the sea and is a holy place with island customs and cultural landscapes.
The numerous cliff carvings are the characteristic of this place, located in the southeast corner of Putuo Mountain.
Anyone who has watched the TV series "Journey to the West" knows that the "door" that is kicked to the South Heaven Gate is this one.
This was my favorite spot on our trip to Putuo Mountain. I spent two days there, meditating on that large rock for an hour each day. Gazing out across the sea at the bronze statue of Guanyin of the South China Sea standing peacefully, I always felt relaxed and refreshed. On one occasion, I even shed tears of repentance and enlightenment.
Going from the pier towards Nanhai Guanyin, you will pass Nantianmen. Nantianmen is not a big attraction on Putuo Island, but it is still very beautiful.
The stone carvings are very rich, and along the coastline, there is a feeling of winding paths leading to secluded places.
Going from the pier towards Nanhai Guanyin, you will pass Nantianmen. Nantianmen is not a big attraction on Putuo Island, but it is still very beautiful.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area is definitely worth a visit! You can overlook the Nanhai Guanyin from afar! There are also many related historical allusions.
The Nantianmen in my imagination is the misty place outside the Lingxiao Palace in Journey to the West. I really didn’t know that there are three big stones here, hahaha.
Nantianmen in the rain is just a seaside archway. Fortunately,
Heading from the pier towards the Nanhai Guanyin, you'll pass the Nantianmen Gate. While not a major attraction on Putuo Island, it's still quite beautiful, especially on a clear day.
The Nantianmen Gate is not particularly big, just three stones. There is a big stone with the word "Buddha" next to it, which is the best place to take pictures^^
The scenery is nice, you can climb to the Longyan Spring and see the Nanhai Guanyin statue from afar!
On the Nanshan Mountain south of Putuo Mountain, facing Duangu Daotou.
It's near the pier, about a ten-minute walk away. No tickets are required. It's a free attraction. Worth a visit.
After resting in the pavilion outside the Baibusha exit, it was already past noon and I was feeling a bit hungry. Looking at the sky, it started to drizzle, and the fog was getting thicker. I was a little worried about my flight being canceled that afternoon, so I decided to turn back. Following the signposts back to the pier, there was another one pointing to Nantianmen. This is the southernmost point of Putuo Mountain, but it seems much less crowded than other places, perhaps because most people come to Putuo Mountain to burn incense and worship Buddha. Nantianmen is a quiet place with only a small temple. Here, you can watch the sea and listen to the tide, and the winding paths lead to a quiet place where you can calm your mind.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area consists of the Foguo Mountain Gate, Ciyun Zen Temple, Coastal Archway, Duangu Holy Site, Nantianmen, Nantian Garden and other scenic spots. The Nantianmen Scenic Area is not big and the tour time is about 1 hour. The main attraction is some cliff carvings.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area, located 20 kilometers north of Kangbao City at an altitude of 1,600 meters, seamlessly integrates the Min'an Beach, Abugei Temple Forest Area, and the Beishacheng Sand Fixation Forest. It is a unique scenic spot with alternating forest networks and a vibrant interplay of unique peaks and ridges. Nantianmen is formed by two distinct rocky peaks, one craggy in the east and the other draped in the west. The canyon stretches three to four kilometers, with a natural mountain pass and a clear stream flowing through the valley. Records indicate that in the 11th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1672), the Mongolians built the Puci Temple here, where monks resided permanently. At its peak, the temple attracted over 3,000 lamas and Mongolians studying Buddhist scriptures. It is a highly valued summer resort.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area, located 20 kilometers north of Kangbao City at an altitude of 1,600 meters, seamlessly integrates the Min'an Beach, Abugei Temple Forest Area, and the Beishacheng Sand Fixation Forest. It is a unique scenic spot with alternating forest networks and a vibrant interplay of unique peaks and ridges. Nantianmen is formed by two distinct rocky peaks, one craggy in the east and the other draped in the west. The canyon stretches three to four kilometers, with a natural mountain pass and a clear stream flowing through the valley. Records indicate that in the 11th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1672), the Mongolians built the Puci Temple here, where monks resided permanently. At its peak, the temple attracted over 3,000 lamas and Mongolians studying Buddhist scriptures. It is a highly valued summer resort.
The view of the mountains is breathtaking, and the scenery is breathtaking. It is worth a visit.
I like Putuo Mountain very much, the sea here, the mountains here, and the temples here.
When I came here and saw these words, I thought I had reached heaven.
It's a good place to visit, not too fun, but not too unfun either.
It's so-so. It's so-so. It's so-so.
When you get out of the scenic area on Putuo Mountain, the Nantianmen Scenic Area is on your right.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area is located southeast of Putuo Mountain, near the entrance to the dock. While Nantianmen is typically the entrance to a scenic spot, Putuo Mountain's Nantianmen is an arched gate formed from several stacked stones. On the left is a dragon character formed in one stroke, and on the right is a record of the reconstruction of the Putuo Mountain Grand View Pavilion. Nantianmen is close to the sea and is the closest sea-viewing spot to the harbor on Putuo Mountain. However, since Nantianmen is a bit far from the main road, you must read the road signs and take a side road to reach it. Near Nantianmen, you can enjoy both the sea view and the scenery of Putuo Mountain, making it one of the best viewing spots in Putuo Mountain. Not only is the scenery at Nantianmen beautiful, but the cliff-carved calligraphy on it is also a cultural heritage.
After entering the Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, walk a little further into the area and you will see the Nantianmen Scenic Area, which has many stone carvings by famous artists. Friends who like timepieces should not miss this place.
The scenery is beautiful, and it feels like strolling in the garden. It is recommended to take a walk when visiting Putuo Mountain.
Just passing by, went there once when I was a kid, and twice in the past two years
We went to Nantianmen early in the morning and it was a great experience. There were very few people there at 6 o'clock, which was very special! When we came out again after breakfast at the hotel, it was crowded and we had no interest in visiting anymore!
Although the place is very different, my heart naturally calms down when I come here. It is very comfortable to sit on the rocks and look into the distance.
It can only be admired as a masterpiece of nature, what a wonder!
There seems to be a somewhat abandoned temple over there. It's said that it used to be quite popular. Now it seems... not so good anymore. It feels like it's been forgotten. Because the South Gate of Heaven faces the sea, it's very windy.
Nantianmen is at the southernmost part of Putuo Mountain. There are obviously fewer tourists here, but the scenery is very good and it is recommended to visit.
The essence of the Nantianmen Scenic Area is mainly on the small island, which consists of Nantianmen and Daguanpeng (a Zen temple). The scenic area is small in scale, but it is relatively concise and has its own characteristics. Nantianmen Scenic Area is also an excellent place to view the Guanyin of the South China Sea from afar. So I want to advertise Nantianmen Scenic Area. Visitors to Putuo Mountain are advised to visit Nantianmen if they have time.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area is not big and is relatively quiet. The view of the sea here is very good. Sitting on the rocks and listening to the waves and the sound of the tide, you will feel suddenly enlightened.
This is a place most pilgrims overlook because it seems insignificant compared to the three major temples of Putuo Mountain. More precisely, it's just a reef connected to the coast by a small arch bridge. It seems abandoned by Putuo, yet lacks the self-contained character of Luojia. But I love its winding paths, and the inscriptions on the large rocks at the entrance are quite meaningful and worth appreciating.
Nantianmen is located at the southernmost tip of Putuo Mountain. It is actually another island hanging out in the sea, separated from the main island by a river, but because of the stone bridge, it feels connected to the main island.
There is a small temple at Nantianmen called Daguanpeng, which houses a white jade statue of Guanyin. The huge rock next to the temple is very interesting, and you can climb to the top of the rock by following the stone steps.
Facing the East China Sea, it's a great place to watch the sunrise in the morning! Turn right as you exit the pier and walk about one kilometer to reach it!
Entering the Putuo Mountain Gate and walking along the coast toward the Duangu Sacred Site, you'll reach the Nantianmen (Southern Heaven Gate) area. This gate, constructed of three large stones, is quite unique and intriguing. The three characters "Nantianmen" (Southern Heaven Gate) shimmer in gold, creating a sense of entering another world.
There is a big rock, which is nice for viewing and playing, and it is worth a visit.
The Nantianmen Scenic Area is relatively close to the pier for Luojia Mountain, and the entrance is very hidden. I walked to the end of the small path where I queued for the pier for Luojia Mountain before I saw the scenic area. Perhaps for this reason, there are not many tourists in the scenic area.
Nantianmen, a solitary island, juts out into the sea, separated from the main island by a river. A stone bridge shaped like a dragon, known as Huanlong Bridge, stretches parallel to Duangudaotou. The area is characterized by numerous large rocks and towering cliffs, with two gate-like stones in the middle, hence the name.
It's actually quite hard to find. I've been there three times, and I only found it on my third visit when I came back from Luojia Mountain and accidentally walked along a trail. The scenic spot is nice, and the key is to take pictures under the stone, haha!
Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva! This is the southernmost part of Putuo Mountain, with stunning scenery. It's one of the eight scenic areas and a must-see. Please do more good deeds. For details, please refer to my super travel guide.
It is a place worth visiting. It is best to follow a guide, so you can see the scenery and learn more.
On the north side of Putuo Mountain, opposite is the Nanhai Guanyin~
The legendary Nantianmen, facing the sea, is full of excitement.
Putuo Mountain is a good place to watch the sunrise. There are not many people and the location is good. After watching the sunrise, you can also appreciate the cliff carvings, which are vigorous and powerful, with extraordinary artistic conception.
Nantianmen is located at the southernmost tip of Putuoshan Island. Two huge rocks serve as door frame pillars, and a huge rock is placed horizontally on top to form the shape of the door. I don't have a deep impression of it.
I dare not say too much about this pure land of Buddhism. I went there on New Year's Day. There were many people. I just hope that my sincerity will be effective.
Nantianmen's unique location makes it the only scenic spot on the island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset. Although the view is partially obstructed, it is better than nothing. It is one of the few places on the island where you can watch the sunset without having to climb high.
Nantianmen is a place worth visiting in Putuo Mountain. The mountains and waters there make people feel relaxed and happy.
Nantianmen is rarely visited. It offers beautiful sea views and a pleasant environment. Inside, the gate is a collection of towering rocks, while the waters of the surroundings stretch out majestically. Numerous cliff carvings are found, including the striking, powerful inscription of the four characters "山海大观" (mountain and sea grand view) by Lan Lisuo, a military commander during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It's a short walk from the pier, so a visit is highly recommended for independent travelers.
There are many stone carvings and it is not far from the pier, so it is worth a visit. You can also see the Nanhai Guanyin from a distance...
Nantianmen is a stone gate, and the Duangu Holy Relics are a few stones and a pier. But it is right next to the pier, so you will definitely pass by and take a look.
Nantianmen, located at the southernmost tip of Mount Putuo, is actually an isolated island dangling from the sea, separated from the main island by a river. Now, a stone bridge connects it to the main island. The scenery here is exceptional, with a wide view. Nantianmen's unique location makes it the only spot on the island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset. While the view is partially obstructed, it's better than nothing. It's one of the few places on the island where you can watch the sunset without having to climb high.
Nantianmen is located on Nanshan Mountain, opposite the Duangu Holy Site. Nanshan Mountain was originally an isolated island in the sea, separated from the main island of Putuo Mountain by a waterway. Later, a stone bridge was built. Because the bridge resembles a dragon, it was called Huanlong Bridge, also known as Daguan Bridge. From then on, the two mountains were connected.
Xinluo Reef, a reef between Zhujiajian and Putuo Mountain, is commonly known by local fishermen as "Gangpian Reef" (in Zhoushan dialect, seagulls are called "Gangpian"). Xinluo Reef is very small and can only be seen by passing boats and being pointed out. The reef is only 100 meters long and only 9.4 meters above sea level.
Koreans were once known as Silla and Goryeo. During the Tang Dynasty, Silla fleets came to China for trade. When entering Mingzhou Port (Ningbo), they had to pass through the waters off Putuo Mountain. Due to the limited navigation technology at the time, many Silla ships suffered accidents on this reef, and over time, the reef became known as "Silla Reef."