The Putuo Mountain cultural heritage reserve was listed as a candidate to become a provincial cultural heritage reserve by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism on Sept 2, local media reported.

Putuo Mountain was an important departure port for the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China and has maintained close relations with South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries since ancient times.

The legend of the buddhist goddness Guanyin at Putuo Mountain was listed as a State-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2008.

Establishing a cultural heritage reserve at Putuo Mountain will help showcase the diversity of cultural protection in China and increase the mountain's international fame.

The move may also encourage Putuo Mountain to preserve and restore its natural landscape, expand its cultural influence, and help it coordinate the development of culture, society, and economy.

Putuo Mountain is an important departure port for the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]