The Xitian Scenic Area is located in the southwest of Putuo Mountain Island. Walking about 20 minutes to the left along the coast from the passenger terminal, you can enter the range of the Xitian Scenic Area. There are no large-scale temples here. It is a place where mountain stone landscapes gather. The Heart-Shaped Stone, Pantaoshi Rock, and Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone are all here.
These strange stones each have their own peculiarities and are regarded as the landmark landscapes of Putuo Mountain by many tourists. On the not-so-high mountain, there are many small scenic spots. Climbing the mountain and viewing the scenery is the main way to play here. Looking at the sea where the sun is setting in the west on the mountain is very magnificent. The three stone landscapes are popular photo spots for tourists. The Heart-Shaped Stone is very spectacular. A huge ‘heart’ character is engraved on an inclined surface. According to legend, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva once preached the ‘Heart Sutra’ on this stone. Pantaoshi Rock is said to be the place where Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva preached. The Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone are two very realistic stone turtles. One is listening and the other is struggling to climb up. The tourist trail in the scenic area is about 1.5 kilometers long. One side is close to the passenger terminal and the other side is close to the Puji Temple. To the west is Jieping Nunnery. Start walking up the mountain. Passing the Ancient Guanyin Cave and continuing up is the Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone. Turning left from here is the Xitian Cave. Turning right and walking a short distance is the preaching platform and Pantaoshi Rock on the top of the mountain. Walking along the trail towards the Puji Temple, passing Meifu Nunnery and Yuantong Nunnery along the way, you will come to the Xitian Gate. The Xitian Gate is similar to the Nantian Gate. It is a stone gate formed by three huge stones and only allows one person to pass through by bending over. There are four characters ‘Xitian Dharma Realm’ inscribed on the horizontal stone above. The Heart-Shaped Stone and the thousand-year-old camphor tree are not far ahead. The ancient camphor tree has luxuriant branches and leaves and requires several people to encircle it. It is covered with red ribbons for blessing.The opening hours are all year round and open all day. The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.
Supplemental note on preferential policies: [Free description] The scenic area is free of charge. Some scenic spots in the scenic area need to be purchased for admission.
