Mount Putuo, located in the eastern waters of the Zhoushan Archipelago in Zhejiang Province, is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Legend has it that it was the place where Guanyin Bodhisattva manifested and preached. Surrounded by the sea, it is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom by the Sea" and the "Sacred Realm of the South China Sea," a national scenic area integrating Buddhist holy sites and island scenery.
Buddhist Holy Site: Mount Putuo is renowned alongside Mount Wutai in Shanxi (the Bodhimanda of Manjushri Bodhisattva), Mount Emei in Sichuan (the Bodhimanda of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva), and Mount Jiuhua in Anhui (the Bodhimanda of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva). The island is dotted with temples, filled with the sounds of chanting, attracting countless pilgrims to worship Guanyin Bodhisattva each year. Especially during the three important pilgrimage festivals for Guanyin Bodhisattva (the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months), the island is teeming with people and incense offerings.
Island Scenery: As an island, Putuoshan boasts unique natural scenery. Golden beaches, rugged rocks, lush forests, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets, combined with the solemn temples, create a unique landscape that combines the beauty of mountains with the charm of lakes, and the elegance of the sea with the beauty of mountains.
The Three Major Temples
**Puji Temple:** Commonly known as the Front Temple, it is the largest and main temple on Mount Putuo, and the primary temple dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. The temple is grand in scale and solemn in architecture. In front of the mountain gate is the famous Lotus Pond (Haiyin Pond), with an octagonal pavilion and an imperial stele pavilion built on it, classic photo spots.
**Fayu Temple:** Commonly known as the Back Temple, it is famous for its unique Nine Dragon Hall. The Nine Dragon Caisson Ceiling (decoration on the dome) inside the hall is exquisitely carved and is said to have been moved here from the Ming Palace in Nanjing, making it extremely precious. The temple also has a "Sky Lantern Platform" for panoramic views.
**Huiji Temple:** Located on the highest peak of Mount Putuo, at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. Reaching the temple requires climbing 1080 steps (or taking a cable car). There is a saying that "If you haven't been to Mount Putuo, you haven't truly been to Mount Putuo." The temple is home to the famous "Putuo Carpinus," a rare tree species worldwide.
Standing Guanyin Statue of the South China Sea
This is a landmark of Putuoshan, located on Guanyin Jump Hill at the southern end of Shuangfeng Mountain. The statue is 33 meters tall (13 meters on the platform and 20 meters on the bronze statue itself), facing the sea, solemn and compassionate. It is highly visible from both the sea and the island, a must-see for every tourist and pilgrim.
Natural and Cultural Landscapes
Purple Bamboo Forest: Legend has it that this is where Guanyin Bodhisattva practiced, located near the Bukengqu Guanyin Temple. The environment here is serene, with typical purple rocks.
Bukengqu Guanyin Temple: The birthplace of Buddhist culture on Putuoshan. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, the Japanese monk Hui'e brought a Guanyin statue from Wutai Mountain to Japan, but was blocked when passing the sea off Putuoshan. Believing that Guanyin refused to cross the sea to the east, he built a temple here to enshrine her.
Chaoyin Cave: A natural stone cave extending into the sea. The cave is said to emit the sound of the tides day and night, like thunder, hence the name Chaoyin Cave (Tide Sound Cave). Legend has it that if you pray here, you will see Guanyin appear.
Beaches: Qianbu Beach and Baibu Beach are the island's two high-quality beaches, with fine sand and a seamless blend of sea and sky, making them ideal for leisurely strolls, listening to the waves, and watching the sea.
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Voltage and socket
The standard voltage in China is 220V. The commonly used socket shape is as shown in the picture. Most luxury hotel rooms are equipped with universal sockets, and tourists can also rent socket adapters at the hotel front desk.
Make a phone call
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese fixed-line phone in China, it is necessary to dial the China area code (+86) and the city area code (e.g. Beijing +10) before the fixed-line phone number to be dialed.
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese mobile number, it is necessary to dial the Chinese area code (+86) before the mobile number of the person being called.
Emergency call:
Call the police: 110
Fire emergency: 119
Traffic police: 122
Emergency: 120
Purchase a SIM card for a Chinese mobile phone
At major airports serving as ports of entry in China, there are designated counters for communication service providers, such as China Mobile and China Unicom. Foreign tourists can purchase SIM cards for Chinese mobile phones simply by presenting their passports.
Traffic safety tips
In China, all vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
Health and medical tips
It is recommended to bring along commonly used medications (such as painkillers or gastrointestinal medications). If you need to take prescribed medication for an extended period, it is advisable to prepare sufficient quantities before departure and carry along doctor's certification documents, medical records, etc.
It is recommended to visit the international medical department of a general hospital or a foreign-funded hospital for treatment, as they generally provide medical services in English.
It is recommended to purchase relevant insurance before departure, and properly keep diagnosis certificates, outpatient medical records, fee lists, prescriptions, invoices, etc.
Cultural taboo
China is a multi-ethnic country, and there are significant differences in customs and habits among various ethnic groups. Especially when traveling in ethnic minority areas, it is important to pay attention to cultural taboos, such as taking off shoes when entering a Dai bamboo house, avoiding pork in Hui restaurants, and treating Buddhist statues, scriptures, and beads as sacred objects that must not be touched. It is recommended to listen carefully to the pre-trip introduction provided by the accompanying personnel and respect local culture and customs.
