For anyone who travels to China to appreciate Buddhist heritage, Putuoshan should be a can’t-miss. It is located on an island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, praised as one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. This revered site is dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.
While visiting the island is certainly a spiritual pilgrimage, along your way, you’ll always be accompanied by stunning natural scenery. No matter if you are a devout pilgrim or just a traveler looking for leisurely time, you will create lasting memories in Putuoshan. And this guide is designed to help you plan your Putuoshan trip efficiently. Please read on to find major attractions and information about transportation, accommodation, dining, and practical sightseeing tips.
Content Preview
- Why Visit Putuoshan? Top Highlights
- Essential Travel Information
- Major Attractions on Mount Putuoshan
- How to Get to and Travel around Putuoshan: with Visiting Routes
- Recommended Food on Putuoshan Mountain
- Where to Stay During a Trip to Mount Putuoshan
- 10 Practical Tips for Visiting Putuoshan
- Plan a Putuoshan Tour with China Xian Tour
Why Visit Putuoshan? Top Highlights
- Rich Buddhist Heritage– The mountain is home to many temples including Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Huiji Temple. As a result, the whole mountain is deeply rooted in Chinese Buddhist traditions.
- Island Scenery & Ocean Views– The site is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering unparalleled costal views. Thus for visitors who are keen on relaxation and natural sightseeing, Putuoshan is also an ideal option.
- Historic Sites & Architecture – There are many details in halls and pagodas tellingcenturies of religious and cultural history.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage – This mountain isdedicated to Guanyin, a highly revereda bodhisattvas in Chinese Buddhism. And the statue has attracted devotees for prayer, rituals, and meditation.
Essential Travel Information
- Location: Putuoshan Island, Zhoushan Archipelago
- Entrance Fees: ¥160 per person for the island only; CNY 220 for the island entrance and round-trip ferry.
- Separate Temple Fees: Most temples are free.Some attractions may cost you a little for incense or offerings.
- Additional Costs: Cable car to Huiji Temple: ¥40 one-way, ¥70 round-trip.Island shuttle buses: ¥5–10 per ride. Ferry tickets: ¥40-60 per ride.
- Opening hours: 6:30-21:50 (certain temples may close earlier at around 18:00).
- Recommended Duration: 2–3 days
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn.
- Major Buddhist Statues & Historical Sites: Guanyin Statue (Nanhai Guanyin); Puji Temple (Main temple); Fayu Temple (tranquil setting); Huiji Temple (Highest temple on the island); Shancai Cave (Buddhist grotto); Baizi Hall (small historic temple)
Major Attractions on Mount Putuoshan
Putuoshan is one of the best places to explore Buddhist heritage in China. For a thorough experience, your bucket list should include historic temples, monasteries, grottoes, and scenic hiking paths. Three of the must-visit major temples are—Puji, Fayu, and Huiji. They are the cultural and spiritual core of the whole area.
Along the way to these spots, smartly allocate your time for smaller temples and hermitages. All of them together complete a “Sea and Sky Buddhist Kingdom” landscape dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond the major temples, consider seeing Nanhai Guanyin statue, Shancai Cave, Purple Bamboo Grove, Luojia Mountain and Baotu Lecture Hall.
1. Nanhai Guanyin 南海观音
If you search Putuoshan online, pictures of the 33-meter-tall Nanhai Guanyin statue are always the most frequent to see. This marvelous statue stands on Putuoshan’s south coast, with her merciful eyes looking towards the sea. It’s one of Putuoshan’s most iconic features and it’s accessible via a short shuttle bus from Puji Temple or a moderate walk. Many pilgrims come here to offer incense and prayers. You may also want to take photos here with surrounding gardens and ocean views serving as the background.
2. Unwilling-to-Go Guanyin Monastery (Bukengqu Guanyin Yard) 不肯去观音院
- Opening hours: 06:00-17:30
This is a quieter coastal temple designed for meditation and reflection. Compared to other temples, it’s perfect for visitors seeking a peaceful environment, since there are normally fewer crowds here. You can wander through traditional halls, small incense areas, and stone steps.
3. Puji Temple 普济寺
- Opening hours: 6:00-21:00
Puji Temple is the largest temple on the island, and it’s near the main pier. Here, there will be more activities for you to try, for example, you can watch rituals, buy incense, or enjoy vegetarian meals. And it’s not standing alone in this area, there are smaller temples and souvenir shops around it. Most visitors make it the starting point for exploring the Three Major Temples and nearby attractions.
4. Fayu Temple 法雨寺
- Opening hours: 6:00-18:00
Fayu Temple is quieter than Puji and it’s nestled among lush greenery. When coming here, visitors will encounter multiple halls and long stone stairways. It’s an ideal place for a reflective visit or photography. We strongly suggest you combine it with a hike or shuttle to Shancai Cave or Huiji Temple.
5. Huiji Temple 慧济寺
- Opening hours: 6:00-18:00
Huiji Temple sits at Putuoshan’s highest point. There are two ways for you to access the temple: one is to climb the 1088 steps from Fayu Temple and the second is to travel via cable car. If choosing the former way, be prepared for a physically demanding climb. In terms of the temple’s size, expect it to be smaller and more intimate. After offering prayers, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of the island and nearby seas from the top site. Pilgrims often include it in a full temple circuit.
6. Baotu Lecture Hall 宝陀讲寺
- Opening hours: 6:30-21:50
It’s a historic teaching hall near Puji Temple. Different from other temples, Baotuo Lecture Hall is more about providing insight into Putuoshan’s Buddhist educational traditions. It is quieter than the main temples, so consider coming here to have reflection and short breaks. It’s widely included in walking circuits linking Puji and Fayu.
7. Zizhulin Purple Bamboo Grove 紫竹林
- Opening hours: 6:00-17:30
This serene bamboo forest is arranged near Nanhai Guanyin and Puji Temple. It has cool paths, pavilions, and shaded trails. Having a calm stroll here allows you to feel the Buddhist vibe in a natural setting.
8. Luojia Mountain 洛迦山
Luojia Mountain is actually not on the Putuo Mountain, but a small island about 5.3 kilometers southeast of Putuoshan’s main scenic area. This island is the sacred site where Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) first attained enlightenment and practiced asceticism. So many people said that a pilgrimage to Putuoshan is not complete without visiting Luojia Mountain.
It is a peaceful hiking area with smaller temples and forest trails. For anyone who wants to see or take pictures of panoramic views of Putuoshan, make a stop here. It’s a great place for light trekking, and escaping the busier temple circuits.
- Opening hours: 8:00-13:30
- Ticket: Visit can visit Luojia Mountain with the ticket of Putuoshan Scenic Area.
- How to get to: After disembark on Putuoshan Island, you can see the pier to Luojia on the right-hand side. Ferries operate twice daily: at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM. The price is CNY 70 for a round trip.
How to Get to and Travel around Putuoshan: with Visiting Routes
How to Get to – A Ferry is Necessary
Putuoshan Scenic Area is located on an offshore island, separated from the mainland by sea. As a result, you must take a ferry to reach Putuoshan Island. The two main wharfs are Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf and Shenjiamen Banshengdong Wharf. Most people choose Zhujiajian as it offers more departures and longer operating time.
Ferries from Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf (朱家尖蜈蚣峙码头):
Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf is the more used one. It offers better facilities, more departures, and night ferry services. Also, this wharf is closer to Putuoshan Airport. Both regular boats and speedboats are available here.
- Location: No. 4, Pudu Road, Zhujiajian Subdistrict, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
- Price: CNY 30 per person for a single trip
- Frequency: every 10 to 15 minutes
- Travel time: around 15-20 for a single trip
- Operating time: 6:20-17:35 in the day; night ferries set off at 18:30/19:30/20:30/21:50
Ferries from Shenjiamen Banshengdong Wharf (沈家门半升洞码头):
Shenjiamen Banshengdong Wharf offers less boats, with only speedboats available. The travel time from this wharf is longer, usually around 30 minutes for a single trip. Consider choosing this wharf if you travel during the peak season, as it sees shorter queues than Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf. No night service is available here.
- Location: On the west side of Shenjiamen Fishing Port, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
- Price: CNY 30 per person
- Frequency: every 30 minutes
- Travel time: around 20-30 minutes for a single trip
- Operating time: 6:30-16:10
How to book the ferry ticket to Putuoshan?
To book the ticket, you need to search WeChat Official Account “舟山海星轮船” or through the WeChat mini program “智游海星”. Then click “Buy tickets via wechat” at the bottom of the the official account or tap “Putuo Mountain All-in-One Ticket” on the homepage of the mini program.
Gateway Cities to Putuoshan
The nearest airport to Putuoshan is Zhoushan Putuoshan International Airport (IATA: HSN), which offers limited planes to some major cities, like Beijing, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Changsha, etc. However, it is located on Zhujiajian Island, not on Putuoshan Island, so it needs a transfer. The good thing is it only takes about 10 minutes by car to travel between Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Wharf.
Zhoushan currently has no high-speed train station. If you can’t find a direct flight from your city to Zhoushan, it is advised to arrive at nearby major cities first and find a way to go to Putuoshan. Here are some major gateways you can choose from:
- Shanghai – It is an international gateway with abundant flights and high-speed trains. Traveling from Shanghai to Zhujiajian Wharf takes about 3-4 hours by direct bus or private car. There are also limited long-distance ferries, but they are not recommended since they are slower and less stable.
- Hangzhou– If traveling from Hangzhou, expect 3–3.5 hours by car to Zhoushan’s wharf. In fact, this is a popular gateway, as many travelers would like to combine Hangzhou and Putuoshan in one trip.
- Ningbo – Ningbo is theclosest major city to the island. From Ningbo, it takes about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus to Zhujiajian Wharf. This is also one of the most convenient routes.
Transportation Options Summary
To make your trip planning easier, here’s a quick overview:
- By Air – Fly to Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport for the shortest transfer time.
- By High-Speed Train – Arrive at Ningbo Railway Station, then transfer by car/bus to Zhujiajian Wharf.
- By Bus – You can also take buses from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo to Zhoushan.
- By Private Car – The most flexible option, especially for families or groups.
Final Step: Ferry. This is an unavoidable step. No matter how you travel, you will always take a ferry from Zhoushan (usually Zhujiajian Wharf) to Putuoshan Island in the end.
How to Travel Around
Don’t worry too much about traveling around Putuoshan Island, you’ll find a lot of ways to explore this place easily. Private cars are not allowed on the island, so for visitors, you’ll rely on sightseeing shuttle buses, walking, and the cable car. Major temples and scenic areas are connected efficiently.
Sightseeing Shuttle Buses
There are three dedicated tourist bus lines running on the island, which connect most of the major attractions. Fares are affordable, usually RMB 5–10 per ride, depending on distance. Buses run frequently throughout the day. This is the most practical and popular travel method on the island.
- Bus Line 1
Puji Temple East (Baibu Beach) → Baibu Pavilion → Zizhulin (Nanhai Guanyin) → Nanti Gate → Ferry Wharf → Xishan Residential Area → Seafood Area → Baotuo Hotel → Puji Temple West (Xishan Scenic Area Entrance)
- Bus Line 2
Ferry Wharf → Nanti Gate → Zizhulin (Nanhai Guanyin) → Baibu Pavilion → Puji Temple East → Xianren Well → Dacheng Hermitage → Fayu Temple (Qianbu Beach) → Feisha Bay → Xianghui Hermitage → Fanyin Cave → Baoyue Hermitage → Ancient Buddha Cave → Cable Car Station
- Bus Line 3
Ferry Wharf → Nanti Gate → Zizhulin → Baibu Pavilion → Baibu Beach → Chaoyang Pavilion → Dacheng Hermitage → Fayu Temple (Qianbu Beach) → Feisha Bay → Xianghui Hermitage → Fanyin Cave
Cable Car (Fodingshan Cableway)
There’s only one cable car line on the island. It connects the lower station near Baotuo Lecture Hall to the upper station close to Huiji Temple on Foding Mountain.
- Ticket Price:RMB 40 (one-way); RMB 70 (round-trip); 50% discount for visitors aged 70 and above
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The cable car is the easiest way to reach Huiji Temple. This famous site sits at the highest point of Putuoshan. Alternatively, if you want to take a challenge, you can climb the famous 1088 steps from Fayu Temple. Normally, the hike takes about 45–90 minutes depending on pace.
Recommended Visiting Routes
Because Putuoshan combines pilgrimage, temples, beaches, and mountain views, your plan should be made depending on how many days you have and also where you stay overnight. This can be quite important for a Putuoshan visit. Below are the most practical and time-efficient itineraries.
1-Day Route (Ideal if Staying Near Puji Temple)
For travelers only with limited time but still want to see as many highlights as possible, you can consider this route. However, it works best if you stay near Puji Temple the night before, so that you’ll be able to complete the core pilgrimage in one day (though it’ll feel a little bit rushed).
Route: Puji Temple (early morning incense) → Cable Car → Huiji Temple → Fayu Temple → Shancai Cave → Nanhai Guanyin → Ferry Wharf (Departure)
2-Day Route (More Relaxed and Scenic)
- Day 1:Hotel → Shancai Cave (go early to avoid queues) → Cable Car → Huiji Temple → Fayu Temple
- Day 2:Hotel → Qianbu Beach (best place to see sunrise) → Puji Temple → Nanhai Guanyin → Ferry Wharf (Departure)
Also, we recommend you stay near Fayu Temple or in the cable car area.
Weekend Route (For Shanghai Travelers)
For those who want to have a weekend travel from Shanghai, this can be the best route for you .
- Day 1:Shanghai (better go early in the morning) → Zhujiajian Wharf → Putuoshan Wharf (you’re supposed to arrive around noon) → Hotel (near Fayu Temple) → Cable Car → Huiji Temple → Fayu Temple
- Day 2:Hotel → Qianbu Beach (best sunrise) → Shancai Cave → Puji Temple → Nanhai Guanyin → Wharf → Return to Shanghai
Visit Putuoshan, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, to explore ancient temples, bamboo groves, and the towering Nanhai Guanyin Statue on an island sanctuary.
Recommended Food on Putuoshan Mountain
- Vegetarian Temple Cuisine (Su Zhai)
As a sacred Buddhist mountain, Putuoshan is famous for its vegetarian food. And many people say it is one of the most expected activities on the island. The restaurants are near major temples like Puji Temple and Fayu Temple, and usually there will be simple plant-based dishes such as tofu, mushrooms, seasonal greens, and vegetarian noodles. The flavors will not be too fancy, but more light and healthy.
- Fresh Seafood
Surrounded by the sea, Putuoshan is also a good place to enjoy fresh seafood. There are many well-known restaurants near the ferry wharf and residential areas. Local people like the steamed fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish, and this is the best way to taste the original flavor of the ingredients. Prices vary by season, so it’s wise to check before ordering. During peak travel periods, prices may go higher.
- Local Snacks
And if you want a quick meal during your visit, we recommend you dine in some small noodle shops and casual eateries around the pier and temple areas. Dining options are convenient but generally simple and more local rather than upscale.
Where to Stay During a Trip to Mount Putuoshan
There are plenty of accommodation options inside and outside Putuoshan area.
- Stay on the Island (Best for Temple Visits)
If your main focus will be the Three Major Temples — Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Huiji Temple — choosing a hotel near Puji Temple or Fayu Temple is highly recommended. These areas allow you to simply walk to the major sites. And with such a short connecting time, it will be easier to attend early morning incense rituals. Besides, such hotels are also well connected by island shuttle buses.
For travelers who prefer beach scenery, accommodations near Baibu Beach or Qianbu Beach are suitable. Staying in these areas gives you the best chances for seeing sunrise. If you want to feel a more local island atmosphere, guesthouses in Longwan Village are good options.
- Stay Outside the Island (Budget & Flexible Option)
However, there are also accommodations outside the island, and they normally offer better value. If you’re arriving late in the evening, staying near Zhujiajian Wharf is a practical alternative. Hotels around the wharf are generally more affordable and offer more room choices. And staying here also makes things easier for those traveling by private car. In addition, staying outside the island is better for those who want to try more local food and explore Zhoushan city a little bit.
- Hotel Types (For Reference)
Mid-range options include Putuoshan Guantang (newly renovated guesthouses) and Fuyuan Jingxin Pavilion. For a higher-end stay, Putuoshan Radisson Manor and Zhoushan Hilton are better choices.
10 Practical Tips for Visiting Putuoshan
- Bring small cash (5 RMB notes) – Though most sites in the scenic area accept mobile payment, many temples require cash for incense or prayer tickets and also the vegetarian meals.
- Prepare for physical activity – Visiting Putuoshan involves lots of walking and temple exploration. You may be walking for a full day even if combining buses and cable cars
- Start early – Small temples generally close around 16:30-17:00, and many paths will become quiet after 19:00. Early departures allow you to cover more attractions.
- Bring incense holders and lighters – Most temples expect visitors to light their own incense.
- Vegetarian-friendly options – Temple meals are affordable and plentiful. And if you missed the temple meals, you can also find similar vegetarian meals in local restaurants.
- Be mindful of crowds – Public buses can be slow due to heavy visitor traffic. It’s better to pair a walk which can save time and give more flexibility.
- Pilgrimage priorities – For specific blessings (e.g., praying for children), visit Huiji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Respect Buddhist etiquette – Keep hands together when praying.Follow signs about restricted areas. Dress modestly. Avoid loud behavior.
- Carry water and snacks – They are usually sold at a higher price inside the scenic area. Bring your own for convenience.
- Follow entrance and exit rules – Enter through the left door and exit through the right. Pay attention to paths, signs, and staff instructions.
Plan a Putuoshan Tour with China Xian Tour
Putuoshan is a place that you cannot miss when exploring Buddhist culture in China. It has some of the most prestigious temples, and its scenery is absolutely amazing. A trip to Putuoshan can give you an ultimate break and allow you to escape from the hustling city life. To better explore this beautiful place, we recommend you travel with China Xian Tour. With over a decade of experience in customizing trips for visitors around the world, we’ll make sure you enjoy every moment in your Putuoshan trip.
