Putuo Mountain is truly a paradise on earth.

As the poem goes, "Seeking spring in this Buddhist realm between sea and sky, where waves and chants blend into a living painting" - In April, Putuo Mountain is wrapped in morning mist and flower fragrance, with waves gently kissing the reefs. It's the perfect time to escape the noise and seek zen! This detailed 3-day guide will immerse you in both the poetic beauty and earthly charm of this Buddhist sanctuary. 📍 Location 🌿 Putuo Mountain is located in the eastern part of Zhoushan Islands, Zhejiang Province. As one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, it's surrounded by sea and blessed with stunning scenery, combining the ethereal beauty of a "fairy mountain on the sea" with the solemnity of "thousand years of Buddhist tradition." It's just a 10-15 minute boat ride from Wugongzhi Pier on Zhujiajian Island (remember to book your ferry tickets and entrance passes in advance). 🎒 Pre-trip Preparation 🧳 Documents: ID card, Buddhist certificate (if applicable), ferry and entrance ticket booking confirmations 👗 Clothing: Light jacket (large temperature difference between morning and evening), comfortable walking shoes (20,000+ steps daily), umbrella for rain or shine 💊 Medicine: Digestive medicine, motion sickness pills (some mountain paths are steep), insect repellent 📌 Others: Power bank, thermos (hot water available at temples), eco-friendly incense (for respectful worship) 🌅 In-depth Itinerary 🌟 Day 1: Classic Blessing Route (Main Temples Tour + Coastal Walk) 1. Puji Temple (6:30-8:00) ⛩️ The largest temple on Putuo Mountain, don't miss the unique "Living Main Hall"! Suggested worship sequence: first pay respects at the "Imperial Stele Pavilion," then offer incense in order (Hall of Heavenly Kings → Main Buddha Hall → Guanyin Hall → Samantabhadra Hall → Ksitigarbha Hall). 2. Duobao Pagoda (8:30-9:00) 📖 An ancient Buddhist pagoda from the Yuan Dynasty, featuring exquisite relief carvings. One of the "Three Treasures of Putuo," it carries a thousand years of history. 3. Hundred Step Beach (10:00-11:30) 🌊 Walk on the soft sand, feel the waves washing shells over your feet, and watch distant fishing boats while enjoying the spring breeze. 4. Huiji Temple (13:00-14:30) 🚠 Take the cable car up Buddha Peak (40 yuan one way) to worship at Huiji Temple, known for granting academic and career wishes! Descend via the "Incense Path" steps (1,088 steps, symbolizing "elimination of troubles"). 5. Fayu Temple (15:30-17:00) 🏯 Features Emperor Kangxi's calligraphy "Heavenly Splendor and Dharma Rain." The Nine Dragon Hall's ceiling is an architectural masterpiece. Ancient trees and bell sounds create perfect tranquility. 🌟 Day 2: Mountain and Sea Secrets Route (Hidden Spots + Zen Experience) 1. Fanyin Cave + Shancai Cave (7:30-9:30) 🌫️ Fanyin Cave is ethereal in morning mist, with waves roaring like Buddhist chants. Shancai Cave's golden walls and red tiles are eye-catching - touching the "Sudhana" relief is said to bring wealth. 2. Baotuo Lecture Temple (10:00-11:30) 🏛️ Resembles a "Maritime Potala Palace"! Magnificent architecture with great views of Thousand Step Beach - perfect for photos. 3. Thousand Step Beach Sunset (17:00-18:30) 🌇 Feel fine sand between your toes as the sunset turns sky and sea amber, waves carrying golden sparkles wash over your ankles - time seems to slow down. 4. Guanyin Realm (Optional night visit, 19:00-20:30) ✨ The giant Guanyin statue is majestic under lights. Don't miss the "Guanyin's Blessing" light show! Lotus stairs and Dunhuang-style corridors make great photo spots. 🌟 Day 3: Island Tour Route (Culture + Souvenirs) 1. South Heaven Gate (6:30-7:30) 🌉 Watch fishermen set sail early morning, sit on "Dragon Gate Rock" listening to tides, with lighthouse flashing in distance. 2. Purple Bamboo Grove + Not-willing-to-leave Guanyin Temple (8:00-10:00) 🌿 Rustling bamboo groves, thousand-year legend of the "unwilling-to-leave Guanyin," serene glass Guanyin statue inside, and 33-meter South Sea Guanyin statue shining golden - remember to circle clockwise for blessings. 3. Longwan Village (11:00-12:30) 🍲 Visit this artistic fishing village! Stone paths, blue-white guesthouses, seafood restaurants (try crab with rice cakes, Putuo Buddhist tea), enjoy sea views from terraces. 4. West Mountain Trail (14:00-16:00) 🌳 Hike "Western Paradise Area," passing Heart Stone (huge heart-shaped carving, great for photos), Pantuo Rock ("Number One Rock Under Heaven," beautiful in sunset light). Summit offers panoramic island views. 5. Xianghua Street Souvenirs (17:00-18:00) 🎁 Buy Putuo Mountain Buddhist cakes, Guanyin cookies, conch bracelets - remember to bargain! Recommend old shops near "Meicen Restaurant" for fresh-made pastries. ⚠️ Travel Tips 1. Transportation: Use tourist buses (5-50 yuan per trip) or walk; 3-day pass (50 yuan) is more economical 2. Vegetarian Meals: Available at Puji and Fayu Temples (10 yuan/person, starts 11:00, self-cleanup required) 3. Worship Etiquette: Be careful with incense during peak times, enter doorways left (men) or right (women), avoid photographing Buddha statues 4. Accommodation: Stay near Longwan Village/Thousand Step Beach for sunrise views, near Puji Temple for convenience 5. Timing: Weekends and festival days are crowded; visit on working days, early morning/evening has fewer visitors and better photos Three days of exploring ancient temples, walking through waves, listening to morning and evening bells, and experiencing local life. Putuo Mountain's beauty lies in its spiritual landscape and its power to calm the mind. May you arrive with devotion and leave with peace, may all your prayers be answered and your path be smooth.