Zhoushan Putuo Mountain Scenic Area Travel Guide: A Deep Dive into the Buddhist Paradise by the Sea

Putuo Mountain, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and the bodhimanda of Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), blends religious culture with island scenery, making it an ideal destination for spiritual pilgrimage and nature exploration. This guide will help you plan a perfect trip to Putuo Mountain.

⏺️Opening Hours & Tickets
Open year-round from 06:30 to 21:50 (subject to last ferry departure). Peak season (May-Oct) entry ticket: ¥160/person; off-season (Nov-Apr): ¥140/person. Recommended combo ticket (entry + round-trip ferry): ¥220/person, bookable via "Zhoushan Haixing Ferry" WeChat account. Luojia Mountain ticket + ferry: ¥70/person. Free entry for eligible groups with valid ID.

🚍Transport Guide
Ferry is the main access: Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier (15-min fast ferry, ¥55 including insurance, departs every 15 mins); Shenjiamen Banshengdong Pier (20-min ferry, same fare). Self-drivers can park at Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier parking lot. Island shuttle buses charge by distance. Walking is possible but wear comfortable sneakers.

🌟Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣Puji Temple: The main temple features the authentic Guanyin statue in Yuantong Hall. At dawn, watch pigeons circle the liberation pond outside. Fayu Temple's Nine-Dragon Hall boasts a Ming-dynasty caisson ceiling - sunlight creates a "golden dragon breathing light" phenomenon. Take the cable car to Huiji Temple; cloud seas are most likely before 9am. Its Grand Hall's rare "Three-Buddha Parallel" layout is unique in China.
2️⃣Spiritual Spots: Arrive at Shancai Cave before 7am - rub the cave wall clockwise three times for wealth blessings. Descend 108 steps at Fanyin Cave's Buddha Viewing Platform for spectacular tides; lucky visitors might see "Guanyin's reflection in waves".
3️⃣Nanhai Guanyin Statue
At 10am, the gilded parts shine brightest. The right viewing platform offers perfect panorama shots. Purple Bamboo Forest's low-angle shots (purple rocks, green bamboo & statue) exude Zen charm on cloudy days. At 6am on Thousand-Step Sand Beach, observe monks' morning practice at this "world's purest sanctuary".

✔️Itinerary Suggestions
3-day immersive experience:
Day 1: Pilgrimage core - Pier → Puji Temple → Hundred-Step Sand → Fayu Temple → Huiji Temple → Foding Mountain sunset.
Day 2: Spiritual & coastal - Shancai Cave → Fanyin Cave → Nanhai Guanyin → Purple Bamboo Forest → Luojia Mountain → Thousand-Step Sand.
Day 3: Culture & nature - Putuo Museum → West Heaven Scenic Area → Wushi Pebble Beach → souvenir shopping before departure.

💫Dining & Lodging Tips
Try Puji Temple's vegetarian noodles and Purple Bamboo Forest's Guanyin tofu. Zhujiajian seafood stalls offer fresh catches. Stay at Longsha community B&Bs on-island or budget-friendly Zhujiajian hotels.

⚠️Important Notes
Dress modestly at temples (aprons rentable at entrances). Pack sun hats, foldable umbrellas, and small cash. Avoid soliciting guides at piers. Temple incense (¥3/bundle) suffices.
Putuo Mountain offers both soul-cleansing temple chimes and breathtaking sea-mountain vistas. With this guide, embark on your healing journey!