Mount Putuo is a small island among Zhoushan Archipelago’s 1,390 islands. It covers an area of 12.93 square km, and is one of Buddhism’s Four Sanctuaries Mountains in China. The island has been renowned as the shrine of Guanyin Bodhisattva in Buddhism since ancient times, enjoying the reputation of being a “Buddhist World amidst Sea and Sky”. 

The island stands over the East China Sea. Verdant trees, strange rocks, mysterious temples and huge inscriptions carved on stones can be seen on the island. It also has a long beach and a lot of caves surrounded by floating clouds. Its mild climate, intriguing surroundings and unique scenery make it an ideal summer resort.

The Guanyin bodhimandala on Mount Putuo was first built in the fourth year of Emperor Xiantong in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), and has witnessed the ups and downs of China’s history. There were about 3,000 monks and nuns living in 82 temples and 128 huts on the island during its most prosperous days. At present, the three main temples on Mount Putuo are Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple.

Worshiped by pilgrims throughout the world, the 33-meter high giant Guanyin Buddhisattva statue stands on a hill in the southern part of Mount Putuo.

Mount Putuo is famous for its historical relics and cultural antiques, such as the “Three Great Treasures of Mount Putuo”, the Duobao Tower built in the Yuan Dynasty (AD1271-1368), Nine Dragon Palace, removed and rebuilt from Nanjing Imperial Palace, and Yangzhi Guanyin Stele built by Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644). 

Mount Putuo Scenic Resort provides convenient access for tourists. After years of rapid development, now tourists can travel there by air, road or sea.

To the pilgrims, the 19th day of the second month, the 19th day of the sixth month and the 19th day of the ninth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar are considered the days of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s birth, enlightenment and beginning of practice. They attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Every year, Mount Putuo hosts a Guanyin Culture Festival and the Mount Putuo Spring Culture Festival. Many tourists and Buddhist pilgrims participate in the activities, lighting Buddha lamps, sharing dreams and praying for peace.