Putuo Shan Island

Address: Mount Putuo (Putuo Shan), Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China

Putuo Shan is a Buddhist sacred island in Zhejiang province, China, recognized as one of the four great mountains of Chinese Buddhism and long associated with the bodhisattva Guanyin. It is a major pilgrimage destination with a concentration of temples and monastic sites.

The island’s main attractions are its historic temple complexes, coastal temple buildings and hilltop shrines that attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Visitor routes typically link the principal monasteries and viewpoints by stepped paths and short hikes, providing both religious sites and scenic coastal views.

Religious use of the island dates back many centuries and the site has grown around key temples and pilgrimage routes. Over time the island developed networks of halls and shrines that serve ritual practice and accommodate visiting pilgrims.

Geographically Putuo Shan lies in the Zhoushan archipelago off the coast of Zhejiang province, reachable by ferry from the port city of Zhoushan and from nearby mainland terminals.

• Religious significance: One of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, the island is specifically associated with the bodhisattva Guanyin and attracts pilgrims year-round.
• Access: The island is accessible by regular ferries from Zhoushan and nearby mainland ports, and many visitors combine temple visits with coastal walks and hill climbs.

What to See#

• Puji Temple: A large monastery complex containing the island’s principal temples, serving as a central hub for visiting pilgrims and pilgrims’ accommodations.
• Fayu Temple: A compact temple complex located on rocky coastline offering coastal views and traditional temple halls frequented by worshippers and tourists.
• Huiji Temple: A temple and viewpoint higher on the island that provides panoramic views over the archipelago and is reached by walking paths and steps.

Mount Putuo (Putuo Shan) is reached by sea and road via Zhoushan city (Zhejiang). Most visitors travel to Zhoushan (by bus or car from Ningbo or Shanghai, or by regional ferry/boat services) and then take a ferry from Shenjiamen (Zhoushan) or local ferry terminals to Putuo Shan island. Once ashore there are local buses and shuttles to the main temple complexes and hiking trailheads; boat landings are a short walk from the island’s pilgrimage centers.

• Take one of the first ferries to Putuo Shan from Shenjiamen (Zhoushan) or Ningbo in the morning to arrive before day-tour groups and make the most of quieter temple visits.
• Putuo Shan's main pilgrimage route connects Puji, Fayu and Huiji temples; while most visitors follow those three, allow time for coastal paths and smaller temple compounds which are significantly less crowded.
• Ferry schedules and accommodation fill up during Chinese public holidays-if you must travel then, book ferry tickets and hotel rooms well in advance and expect large daytime crowds.