Pu Tuo Mountain is revered as the sacred site of Guanyin Bodhisattva and is acclaimed as the ‘Buddhist Kingdom by the Sea’. The three major temples, Putuo, Fayu, and Hui Ji, along with the 33-meter-high statue of Guanyin of the South Sea, are sights that no visitor or pilgrim wishes to miss. The pleasant scenery of mountains and seas is another charming aspect of Pu Tuo Mountain. Strolling along the Qianbu Sand beach and gazing at the reclining Buddha on the sea is a very enjoyable experience.
Located on the eastern side of Zhoushan Island, Pu Tuo Mountain Island is not connected to the mainland by road and can only be accessed by boat to Pu Tuo Mountain Pier. The island is elongated, approximately 7 kilometers in length, with distances between attractions ranging from 2 to 10 kilometers. Attractions that are closer can be visited on foot, while those that are further away can be reached by taking the tourist bus from the passenger station next to the pier. Additionally, the Foding Mountain on the island can be toured via a cable car, and the small island of Luo Jia, about 5 kilometers east of Pu Tuo Mountain, can be visited by boat (this island can only be accessed from Pu Tuo Mountain Island and is part of the Pu Tuo Mountain Scenic Area).
The attractions within the Pu Tuo Mountain Scenic Area are mainly distributed across three regions. Each region’s attractions can be visited together, and it takes about half a day to explore each region. Visitors can plan their itinerary based on their accommodation and the time they arrive on the island. The first region: centered around Putuo Temple, it includes attractions such as the Western Paradise Scenic Area located on the west side of the island. Putuo Temple is the main temple on the island and the primary place of worship for Guanyin. Next to Putuo Temple is the multi-treasure pagoda, one of the three treasures of Pu Tuo Mountain. The Western Paradise Scenic Area includes numerous attractions such as Pan Tuo Stone, Heart-Character Stone, and Mei Fu Zen Temple.
The second region: attractions in the south include the South Sea Guanyin, Purple Bamboo Grove, Reluctant to Depart Guanyin Hall, and the South Heavenly Gate. The South Sea Guanyin is the iconic structure of the island, and the Reluctant to Depart Guanyin Hall possesses a legendary tale of Pu Tuo Mountain that should not be missed.
The third region: centered around Foding Mountain, it is accompanied by Fayu Temple and Hui Ji Zen Temple. The other two treasures of Pu Tuo Mountain, the Nine-Dragon Cauldron and the Willow Branch Guanyin Stele, are located in Fayu Temple and the Yang Zhi Zen Temple next to Fayu Temple, respectively. Additionally, if time permits, visitors can take a boat to Luo Jia Mountain, which takes about half a day. It is said that the Guanyin on Luo Jia Mountain is very effective and can be visited for worship.
There are various accommodation options on the island, including hotels, inns, and farmhouses of different standards. However, prices are generally higher than outside and increase on weekends and holidays. Advance booking is necessary, so be prepared. The scenic area is open all year round from 06:30 to 21:50, with the times disclosed above referring to the Putuo Mountain ferry schedule. The actual time may vary based on the last ferry of the day. The opening status of the major temples on Putuo Mountain is subject to the actual situation on site.
Favorable policies for children: Free entry to the scenic area for those under 1.2 meters in height (inclusive) or under 6 years old (inclusive); free ferry tickets for those under 1.2 meters (not inclusive) in height or under 6 years old (not inclusive). Discounted rates for minors between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters in height or between 6 and 18 years old. Elderly benefits: Free entry for those 70 years old and above nationwide with valid ID; discounted rates for those between 60 and 69 years old with valid ID. Student benefits: Discounted rates for full-time students of ordinary schools (excluding night schools, radio and TV universities, online education, distance education, adult education, continuing education, and off-campus education) with valid ID. Disabled benefits: Free entry with valid ID. Military benefits: Free entry for active-duty military personnel, including armed police and disabled veterans, with valid ID. Journalist benefits: Free entry with a press card issued by the Press and Publication Bureau. Educational staff benefits: Free entry only on Teacher’s Day with valid ID. Tour guide benefits: Free entry with a national tour guide certificate. Monks and nuns benefits: Free entry with valid ID. National labor model benefits: Free entry with valid ID. National moral model benefits: Free entry with valid ID. Retired cadre benefits: Free entry with valid ID. Martyr’s family benefits: Free entry with valid ID. Zhejiang Province blood donors who have received the National Voluntary Blood Donation Award: Free entry with valid ID. Zhoushan veterans benefits: Free entry with valid ID, excluding major entrance tickets. Zhoushan City Talent Code (Category E and above): Free entry with valid ID, excluding major entrance tickets on specific dates. Additional notes: 1. Eligible individuals for discounts or free entry must present their valid ID at the ticket check for verification before entering the mountain. 2. The Putuo Mountain scenic area ticket does not include temple admission fees or tickets for Luojia Mountain attractions. Service facilities: Parking lot – [Cihang Square Parking Lot], reference price: ¥10/hour; address: at the entrance of Cihang Square; capacity: 5000; charges vary by season, ranging from ¥4/hour to ¥10/hour. Luggage storage: reference price: ¥20/day for large items, ¥10/day for small items, until 21:00; address: within the Zhoushan City Tourism Distribution Service Center. Transportation within the park: reference price: ¥30/person; address: at Shengmen Half-Rise Cave Dock and Zhujiajian Centipede Dock; all visitors who have purchased ferry tickets can ride. Wheelchair rental: reference price: deposit required; address: Putuo Mountain Main Entrance Visitor Service Center. Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms located in the ticket hall, behind the boat hall, and throughout the island, all marked with clear signs.Nursing Rooms: Located in the Starfish Waiting Hall and at the main entrance of Putuo Mountain, these facilities are designed to cater to the needs of mothers and infants. Dining: There are multiple restaurants on Putuo Mountain Island, each marked with prominent signs for easy identification. Souvenir Shops: A variety of souvenir shops are available on Putuo Mountain Island, also clearly indicated by noticeable signs.
