2025 Putuo Mountain Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

If you could only choose one temple to visit in the sacred and spiritually rich Mount Putuo in Zhejiang, the top choice would undoubtedly be Puji Temple. This temple, built during the reign of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (circa 860–874 AD), is said to have originated from a story involving a Japanese monk named Hui'e. Hui'e traveled across the sea to China in search of Buddhist teachings. While on a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, he encountered a statue of Guanyin and was deeply moved. He decided to bring the statue back to Japan for worship. However, during his return journey, he repeatedly encountered obstacles in the form of iron lotus flowers blocking his way in the waters near Mount Putuo. Realizing that Guanyin did not wish to leave, Hui'e built a shrine on Mount Putuo to enshrine the statue, marking the origin of the Guanyin sanctuary. Today, Puji Temple has become the largest ancient temple on Mount Putuo and the core sanctuary of Guanyin worship in China, as well as a center for Buddhist activities. Located on the southern side of Mount Foding, at the foot of Lingjiu Peak, Puji Temple is situated on relatively flat and open terrain, with its back to the mountain and facing the sea. Its architectural layout is considered a model of Chinese Buddhist temple architecture, blending the official architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Arriving at the historic main monastery of Mount Putuo near dusk, the sunlight cast a golden glow on the weathered walls of Puji Temple, as if the entire temple had entered a different rhythm of time and space. Stepping into this Guanyin sanctuary, the serene and spiritual atmosphere felt like walking into a misty sacred realm nestled among twilight mountains. White clouds drifted gently, light and shadows intertwined, and the mind became as tranquil as the ripples in the Haiyin Pond, expanding inward in quiet circles. It seemed calm yet held infinite awareness. Our group of five wandered through various sites such as Xilai Chan Courtyard, Xilin Hall, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Pumen Hall, and the Great Hall of Perfect Enlightenment. We realized that this architectural complex was not only a concrete manifestation of an ancient temple's outline but also a long-lost echo of the soul. It felt like a spiritual symbol where Zen simplicity and architectural aesthetics merged into one. In this sacred mountain sanctuary, our body, mind, and spirit intertwined with the holy environment. Being here meant truly being present; no worldly concerns, no phones, no messages, no responding to the clamor of the outside world. It was a moment of silence for ourselves, enjoying the Zen tranquility and the harmonious atmosphere of nature.

Our group of five walked slowly, starting from the Haiyin Pond where five-color lotus flowers bloom in summer, passing Yongshou Bridge, Duobao Pagoda, Stone Archway, Imperial Stele Hall to Tianwang Hall, and immersed in this ancient temple full of ancient charm and Zen tranquility. When we walked into the Dayuantong Hall, this important Buddhist place known as the "Living Hall", a long-lost spiritual clarity and emotion quietly surged in our hearts. This hall has a double-eaved hip-and-gable structure, which is not only spacious, but also one of the most representative buildings in Putuo Mountain. We realized that the main statue of Vairocana Guanyin in the center of the "Living Hall" is solemn and shining, and is 8.8 meters high. The statue wears a Vairocana crown, has a round and smooth face, and exudes compassion and wisdom in solemnity. With his hands in the meditation mudra, he sits cross-legged on the lotus throne. On both sides of the "Living Hall", we also stopped to notice the 32 incarnations of Avalokitesvara, each with a wonderful appearance and a dignified face. Each statue seems to symbolize a way of salvation. According to the nature and suffering of sentient beings, the most suitable body appears in the world, echoing the belief of Puji Temple "to save all sentient beings and let them cross the sea of fire". This gentle but firm belief symbolizes that Avalokitesvara steers the Dharma ship, leading sentient beings to ride on the route of compassion and wisdom, cross the deep sea of suffering, and finally reach a stable and fearless spiritual realm. Therefore, it is said that Avalokitesvara seeks out the suffering, manifests himself in all gates, makes great wishes and gives alms in different rhythms of time and space, and is free and at ease with fate. The reason why the "Living Hall" is so fascinating is not only that it carries the profound Guanyin belief, but also that it creates an audio-visual feast through the interweaving of Buddhist art and multimedia, creating a rare spiritual healing space to guide visitors on a quiet and profound spiritual journey. The energy of compassion is like the resonance of light frequency, connecting with the seven chakras of the human body, soothing the body and mind, harmonizing the aura, and subtly improving emotional intelligence and happiness index. No matter where you come from or what cultural background you have, the kindness of Guanyin Bodhisattva is like a spring breeze, crossing the barriers of language and faith, responding to every praying heart, and guarding in every tear. #Putuoshan Puji Temple #Dayuantong Hall #Yuantong Hall #Virgo Guanyin #Buddhist Art #Spiritual Healing Attraction

When it comes to vegetarian food, people may think of bitterness and blandness, but in Puji Temple in Putuo Mountain, the vegetarian food here has a special flavor. My trip to Putuo Mountain this time was specifically to taste this unique vegetarian food. As soon as I entered Puji Temple, the solemn temple and the endless stream of pilgrims came into view. Following the curling incense, I found a place dedicated to vegetarian food. The supply of vegetarian food has a specific time, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner all have fixed time periods. If you miss it, you can only wait for the next meal with an empty stomach, which increases my expectations and tension. 10 yuan per person, the price is really affordable. I received the meal ticket and waited in line excitedly. Although the line was long, it was orderly and everyone was waiting quietly. This scene made me feel the unique tranquility and solemnity of the temple. When it was my turn to get the meal, I held up the simple bowl, which was filled with rice and Luohan vegetarian food. Luohanzhai is made of various vegetables. Although it is not as delicious as meat dishes, it has a fragrance of vegetable roots in its lightness, which makes people linger. The way I hold the bowl was corrected by an uncle next to me - you have to hold it well, and you can't hold the edge of the bowl with your fingers. It turns out that there are so many things to pay attention to when eating. After the meal, everyone needs to wash their own dishes and chopsticks. Although it is a bit unexpected, it is also in line with the spirit of self-reliance in Buddhism. The water in the dishwashing place is full of foam and seems a little unclear, but I think this is probably part of the experience. Although the whole dining process is simple, it is extremely fulfilling. It is not only because of the food itself, but more because of the spiritual nourishment. The taste of vegetarian food will not dissipate in my memory for a long time. This is not just a simple meal, but more like a spiritual purification. The vegetarian meal at Puji Temple is not just as simple as filling your stomach. It makes me realize the meaning behind the food and a state of mind of practice that is different from daily life. This trip to Putuo Mountain, vegetarian food has become one of my most unforgettable memories. #pilgrimage #Putuoshan

It is a very beautiful and attractive place to visit. The atmosphere around the island and the restaurants are very convenient for traveling.

Let's shift our focus to Zhejiang Province and discover the spiritual sanctuary of Putuo Mountain. 🏞️ Located off the coast of eastern China, Putuo Mountain is revered as one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. 🙏 This picturesque island is steeped in Buddhist tradition and boasts a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. 🌊🌸 Putuo Mountain is home to a cluster of ancient temples, including the iconic Puji Temple and Fayu Temple, where visitors can witness monks practicing rituals and chanting sutras. 🏯📿 The island's tranquil forests and winding pathways offer opportunities for contemplation and reflection amidst nature's splendor. 🌳 A highlight of any visit to Putuo Mountain is ascending to the summit of Foding Mountain, where the majestic Foding Pagoda overlooks the island and offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline. 🏰⛰️ Immerse yourself in the timeless serenity of Putuo Mountain as you explore its sacred sites, hike its scenic trails, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven. 🕊️🌿 Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Putuo Mountain offers a sanctuary for the soul. 🌅 #PutuoMountain #Zhejiang #BuddhistSanctuary #SpiritualJourney #TravelChina 🇨🇳