Putuo island Guide

Renowned as "A Buddhist Country of Sea and Heaven," Mt. Putuoshan lies to the east of Zhoushan City. On the Potuo Island, there is the famous Mt. Puto, which attracts guests to visit. Mt. Putuo's presence as a place for Buddhist worship and prayer was established during the Qing Dynasty. The island is 12.5 kilometers in size and is one of the four most well known mountains in China. Besides the many temples constructed on the island, other points of interest are Qianbusha, Chaoyin Cave, Fanyin Cave, Southern Heavenly Gate, Western Heavenly Gate, etc.

Putuo Shan has a long history as a place of worship. In 916 AD the island became the primary site of worship for Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, who has also doubled as a protector of sailors, fishermen and other seafareres. In later years, because of its importance as a maritime tradingport, it drew the attention of Japanese pirates and Dutch traders, who periodically pillaged the island and destroyed many shrines and temples. It is estimated that at one ponit Putuo Shan was home to more than 300 temples and shrines. Places of worship surviving damage by pirates were further decimated or destroyed by overzealous Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. Three of the main temples still remain today.

The island also features dense woods, golden sands, and rugged reefs, making it a blossoming tourist attraction. The island is rich in religious history and culture as Hui, a Japanese monk who came over during the Five Dynasties Period, built a temple dedicated to the worship of Avalokitesvara. Afterwards, many temples were built and currently, the island has over 200 temples and convents with more than 4000 monks and nuns. The island's scenic beauty meant it was the perfect setting for temples, other religious buildings and many paths cross the picturesque landscape.

• Huiji Temple
• Fayu Temple
• Puji Temple
• Putuo island