Mount Putuo
One of China's Four Famous Buddhist Mountains, Guanyin's Bodhimanda. Three major temples (Puji 1087/Fayu 1580/Huiji 1793), South Sea Guanyin Statue (33m), Unwilling-to-Leave Guanyin Temple.
Overview
Zhoushan is China's first prefecture-level city established as an archipelago, composed of 1,390 islands, sea area 22,000 sq km. Shenjiamen Fishing Port is one of the world's three largest fishing ports. Mount Putuo is one of China's Four Famous Buddhist Mountains, the Bodhimanda of Guanyin, receiving 10m+ visitors annually. Taohua Island is famous for Jin Yong's novel 'Legend of the Condor Heroes'.
Key Facts
Area2.22万 km²（海域）/ 陆地1,440 km²
Population116万
LanguageWu dialect (Zhoushan subgroup)
Best timeApr-Jun & Sep-Nov (Mount Putuo year-round)
Top Attractions
Zhujiajian
Zhoushan's 5th largest island, known as 'Sand Sculpture Hometown' with Ten-Mile Golden Beach. Nansha, Dongsha, Daqingshan National Park are main attractions, international sand sculpture festival.
Shengsi Islands
China's only national archipelago scenic area, 400+ islands. Jihu Beach called 'Southern Beidaihe', Gouqi Island and Shengshan Island famous for pristine fishing village charm.
Taohua (Peach Blossom) Island
Famous worldwide for Jin Yong's 'Legend of the Condor Heroes', has Condor Heroes Film City, Anqi Peak (Zhoushan's highest at 539.7m), Tawan Golden Beach.
Dongji Island
Easternmost inhabited island of Zhoushan, became famous after film 'The Continent'. Blue sky, turquoise sea, fishing village stone houses, lighthouse sunset are iconic views.
Food & Snacks
Zhoushan Seafood
Zhoushan is one of China's largest fishing grounds, swimming crab, hairtail, yellow croaker and mussels are most representative. Shenjiamen seafood night stalls are nationally famous.
Zhoushan Hairtail
Zhoushan hairtail is national geographical indication product, tender meat, fresh without fishiness. Steamed, braised or fried, one of Zhoushan people's favorite seafood.
Putuo Mountain Vegetarian Cuisine
Mount Putuo temple vegetarian cuisine has 1000-year history, tofu, mushrooms and vegetables made to resemble meat dishes, excellent in color, aroma and taste.
Festivals & Events
Putuo Guanyin Culture Festival — Lunar Feb 19th / Jun 19th / Sep 19th
World & Intangible Heritage
- Legend of Guanyin (2008) — Mount Putuo Guanyin legends selected as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, includes 'Unwilling-to-Leave Guanyin', 'Duangu Dock', 'Guanyin Jump' and other folk tales.
Practical Tips
Ferries May Stop in Typhoon Season
July-Sept typhoon season may cause ferry suspension, check weather forecast and ferry schedule before traveling
Mount Putuo Extremely Crowded on Holidays
Guanyin memorial days and Spring Festival are extremely crowded, avoid these dates or arrive the evening before
Putuo Mainly Vegetarian
Mount Putuo is Buddhist holy land, mainly vegetarian, seafood lovers can go to Shenjiamen or Zhujiajian after
Prepare Sunscreen and Seasickness Medicine
Islands have strong UV, prepare sunscreen and hat. Ferry rides can cause seasickness, prepare medicine