Putuo Mountain is the bodhimanda of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and enjoys the reputation of ‘Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea and Sky’. The three major temples, Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Huiji Temple, as well as the 33-meter-tall Statue of Guanyin of the South Sea are landscapes that tourists and pilgrims do not want to miss. The pleasant mountain and sea scenery is another charming aspect of Putuo Mountain. Strolling on Qianbu Beach and overlooking the Reclining Buddha on the sea is very enjoyable. Putuo Mountain Island is located in the east of Zhoushan Island. There is no road connection with the outside world. One can only reach Putuo Mountain Wharf by taking a ship. The entire island is elongated, about 7 kilometers in length. The distances between scenic spots on the island range from 2 to 10 kilometers. Scenic spots closer together can be visited on foot, while for those farther away, one can take the tourist shuttle bus on the island at the passenger station next to the wharf. In addition, one can take the cableway to visit Foding Mountain on the island. Luojia Mountain, a small island about 5 kilometers east of Putuo Mountain, can be visited by boat (this island can only be reached by boat from Putuo Mountain Island and is part of the Putuo Mountain scenic area). The scenic spots in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area are mainly distributed in three areas. The scenic spots in each area can be visited together. Visiting each area takes about half a day. Tourists can arrange their itineraries according to their accommodation and the time they arrive on the island. The first area: centered around Puji Temple, there are scenic spots on the west side of the island such as the Xitian Scenic Area. Among them, Puji Temple is the largest temple on the island and also the main temple where Guanyin is worshipped throughout the mountain. Next to Puji Temple is the Duobao Pagoda, one of the three treasures of Putuo Mountain. In the Xitian Scenic Area, there are many scenic spots such as Pantaoshi Rock, Heart-Shaped Stone, and Meifu Zen Temple. The second area: scenic spots in the south such as the Statue of Guanyin of the South Sea, Purple Bamboo Grove, Guanyin Temple Where She Refused to Leave, and Nantianmen. Among them, the Statue of Guanyin of the South Sea is the landmark building on the island. The Guanyin Temple Where She Refused to Leave has a legendary tale of Putuo Mountain and cannot be missed. The third area: centered around Foding Mountain, there are two temples nearby, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple. The other two treasures of the three treasures of Putuo Mountain, the Kowloon Caisson and the Yangzhi Guanyin Stele, are located in Fayu Temple and in the Yangzhi Zen Temple next to Fayu Temple respectively. In addition, if time permits, one can also take a boat to Luojia Mountain, which takes about half a day. It is said that the Guanyin on Luojia Mountain is very efficacious and can be visited for worship. In addition to these religious scenic spots, there are also two excellent seaside bathing beaches, Qianbu Beach and Baibu Beach, on the east side of the island. Qianbu Beach is close to Fayu Temple, and Baibu Beach is close to the Purple Bamboo Grove. Tourists who like to watch the sea and play in the water can go there. Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 days to visit Putuo Mountain Scenic Area and one needs to stay and eat on the island. The prices on the island are higher than those outside the island. So if possible, bring some snacks and drinks. The price of eating seafood on the island is generally high, so be prepared. The three major temples on the island prepare vegetarian meals for tourists. The price is cheap and it is also a特色 of the island. It is worth a try.
There are numerous accommodation options on the island, ranging from hotels and inns to agritourism facilities with various standards. However, prices are generally higher than outside and increase during weekends and holidays. Advance booking is necessary. The scenic area is open all year round from 06:30 to 21:50, with the times disclosed being the departure times for Putuo Mountain’s ferries, subject to the last ferry of the day. The opening hours of the major temples in Putuo Mountain are based on the actual situation on site. Preferential policies include: Children: Free for the main scenic area ticket for those with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) or under 6 years old; Free for the scenic area ferry ticket for those with a height below 1.2 meters or under 6 years old; Discounted for minors aged 6 to 18 years old with a height between 1.2 and 1.5 meters or 6 to 18 years old respectively. Elderly: Free for individuals aged 70 and above with valid identification; Discount for individuals aged 60 to 69 with valid identification. Students: Discount for full-time students of ordinary schools (excluding night schools, correspondence education, online education, distance education, adult education, continuing education, and work-study programs) with valid identification. Disabled individuals: Free with valid identification. Military personnel: Free for active-duty military personnel, including armed police and disabled veterans, with valid identification. Journalists: Free for those with a press card issued by the Press and Publication Bureau. Faculty and staff: Free only on Teacher’s Day with valid identification. Tour guides: Free for those with a national tour guide certificate. Monks and nuns: Free with valid identification. National labor models: Free with valid identification. National moral models: Free with valid identification. Retired cadres: Free with valid identification. Families of martyrs: Free with valid identification. Veterans from Zhejiang Province who have received the National Voluntary Blood Donation Award: Free with valid identification. Veterans from Zhoushan: Free for the main scenic area ticket with valid identification. Zhoushan City Talent Code (Type E and above): Free for the main scenic area ticket on certain dates with valid identification. Additional information: 1. Eligible individuals for discounts and exemptions should present valid identification for verification at the ticket check point before entering the mountain. 2. The Putuo Mountain scenic area ticket does not include temple incense tickets and tickets for Luojia Mountain. Service facilities include parking lots, luggage storage, transportation within the scenic area, wheelchair rental, and restrooms, all clearly signposted and conveniently located.
Nursing Rooms: Located in the Starfish Waiting Hall and Putuo Mountain Main Entrance Visitor Service Center. Dining: There are several restaurants on Putuo Mountain Island, clearly marked with signs. Souvenir Shops: Multiple souvenir shops are available on Putuo Mountain Island, clearly marked with signs.
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