Putuoshan One-Day Tour • Devout Prayers for Prosperity, Good Fortune, and Love

Putuoshan, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is located in Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. As the sacred site of Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), it is renowned as the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea" and "Sacred Land of the South Sea." The island boasts stunning scenery, numerous temples, and a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and religious culture, making it an ideal destination for pilgrimage, sightseeing, and summer retreats. I. Recommended Attractions 1. **Puji Temple** The largest and oldest temple on Putuoshan, Puji Temple is a bustling center of worship, with its main hall dedicated to Guanyin. The "Haiyin Pond" in front of the temple is adorned with blooming lotus flowers in summer, offering a picturesque view. *Tips:* The temple serves vegetarian meals (lunch around 10:30 AM–12:00 PM), providing a chance to experience pure Buddhist cuisine. 2. **Fayu Temple** The second-largest temple, Fayu Temple is built along the mountainside. Its Nine-Dragon Hall features a glazed tile roof from the Ming Dynasty. The serene environment is perfect for quiet contemplation. 3. **Huiji Temple** Perched atop Foding Mountain, Huiji Temple is accessible by cable car or a climb of 1,088 steps. The temple’s "Guanyin Hall" enshrines the Child-Granting Guanyin and attracts many devotees. 4. **Nanhai Guanyin Statue** A landmark 33-meter-tall bronze statue of Guanyin faces the sea, exuding solemnity and compassion. The spacious square in front offers excellent photo opportunities. 5. **Thousand-Step Sand & Hundred-Step Sand Beaches** Thousand-Step Sand, the longest beach on Putuoshan, is ideal for strolling and listening to the waves, while Hundred-Step Sand is better for swimming (open in summer). 6. **Purple Bamboo Forest & Refusal-to-Go Guanyin Temple** Legend has it that a Japanese monk attempted to take a Guanyin statue back to Japan but was halted here by rough seas, leading to the temple’s construction. Nearby, the Sound of Tide Cave echoes with the roar of waves. II. Suggested Itineraries **One-Day Tour:** Puji Temple → Nanhai Guanyin Statue → Purple Bamboo Forest → Hundred-Step Sand **Two-Day Tour:** *Day 1:* Puji Temple → West Heaven Scenic Area (Pantuo Rock, Two Turtles Listening to Dharma Rock) → Thousand-Step Sand *Day 2:* Foding Mountain (Huiji Temple) → Fayu Temple → Fanyin Cave (a must for pilgrims) III. Practical Information 🎫 **Tickets:** Peak season (Feb–Nov): ¥160; Off-season (Dec–Jan): ¥120. Temple incense tickets (small entry fees) cost ¥5–10. Round-trip ferry tickets (Zhujiajian–Putuoshan): ¥30/one-way; book in advance via the "Zhoushan Xinghai Ferry" WeChat account. 🚗 **Transportation:** No private cars are allowed on the island. Travel mainly by foot or shuttle bus (¥5–10/ride). The Foding Mountain cable car costs ¥40/one-way. 🏡 **Accommodation:** Guesthouses are concentrated in Longwan Village and Xishan New Village (¥300–800/night). Upscale options include Pullman Putuoshan Resort or Xilei Xiaozhuang. 🍝 **Food:** Vegetarian meals (temples or Zaozishu Vegetarian Restaurant), seafood (more affordable at Shenjiamen Pier), and Guanyin Cakes (local pastries). IV. Tips 1. Respect Buddhist customs: Do not step on temple thresholds or take photos inside halls. 2. In summer, protect against sun and mosquitoes; in winter, brace for sea winds. Wear comfortable flat shoes (many steps). 3. Expect large crowds on the 1st/15th of the lunar month and Guanyin’s birthday (e.g., 19th day of the 2nd lunar month)—book accommodations early. Putuoshan is not only a place of faith but also a tranquil paradise for the mind and soul. Whether seeking blessings or scenic beauty, visitors will find their own serenity here.