Huilan House on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

Putuo Mountain, located on a small island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, is one of China's Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism.

The mountain has been regarded by Buddhists as the shrine of Guanyin Bodhisattva since ancient times and has been named a "Buddhist world amidst the sea and sky".

Putuo Mountain was an important departure port along the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China and has been closely connected with South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries since ancient times.

In the early 20th century, explorers and travelers from many countries have climbed the mountain and taken photos of it, including Ernst Boerschmann, a German architect, and Reginald Johnston from the United Kingdom.

The following photos show what Putuo Mountain looked like several decades ago compared to what it looks like today.

Engraved stones on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

Puji Temple on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

Chaoyin Cave on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

Fayu Temple on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

Duobao Pagoda on Putuo Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]