2025 Putuo Mountain Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

In the holy land of Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang, which is full of spiritual energy, if you can only choose one temple to make a pilgrimage, then the first choice is definitely "Puji Temple". This temple was built during the Xiantong period of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (about 860 to 874). It is said that the Japanese monk Huie traveled across the ocean to China to seek Dharma. When he was on pilgrimage in Wutai Mountain, he encountered a statue of Guanyin and was in awe. He took it back to Japan for worship. On the way back to the sea area of Putuo Mountain, he encountered iron lotuses blocking the road many times and could not take it away. Master Huie realized that Guanyin was unwilling to leave, so he built a nunnery on Putuo Mountain to worship, which became the origin of Guanyin's temple. Today, Puji Temple has become the largest ancient temple in Putuo Mountain and the core temple of Chinese Guanyin belief and Buddhist activity center. Puji Temple, located to the south of the main peak Foding Mountain and at the foot of Lingjiu Peak, has a relatively flat and open terrain. With its back to the mountain and facing the sea, it is a model of Chinese Buddhist temple architecture in terms of architectural pattern, integrating the official architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. It was almost dusk when we arrived at the oldest temple in Putuo Mountain. The sun shone on the mottled walls of Puji Temple, and the whole temple seemed to have entered another rhythm of time and space. Stepping into this Guanyin temple, the environment is quiet and full of spiritual energy, as if stepping into the misty holy land between the twilight mountains, with white clouds circling lightly, light and shadow overlapping, and the state of mind is like ripples in the Haiyin Pond, which quietly unfolds inward in circles. It seems indifferent but contains infinite awareness. Our group of five shuttled through the Xilai Zen Temple, Xilin Hall, Yubei Hall, Tianwang Hall, Pumen Hall, Dayuantong Hall and other landscapes, and realized that this building complex is not only a concrete display of the outline of the ancient temple, but also a long-lost spiritual echo in the heart, as if it is a spiritual symbol of the integration of Zen Wabi Sabi and architectural aesthetics. In this sacred mountain, our body, mind and soul are intertwined with the holy land. Our body is here, and our heart is here; we don’t ask about worldly affairs, don’t use mobile phones, don’t read messages, and no longer respond to the hustle and bustle. Leave yourself a moment of silence and enjoy the atmosphere of Zen tranquility and natural harmony. #Putuoshan Puji Temple #Japanese Master Huie #Spiritual Healing Spots #Space Art Zone #Buddhist Architectural Aesthetics #Zen

Our group of five walked slowly, starting from the Haiyin Pond where five-color lotus flowers bloom in summer, passing Yongshou Bridge, Duobao Pagoda, Stone Archway, Imperial Stele Hall to Tianwang Hall, and immersed in this ancient temple full of ancient charm and Zen tranquility. When we walked into the Dayuantong Hall, this important Buddhist place known as the "Living Hall", a long-lost spiritual clarity and emotion quietly surged in our hearts. This hall has a double-eaved hip-and-gable structure, which is not only spacious, but also one of the most representative buildings in Putuo Mountain. We realized that the main statue of Vairocana Guanyin in the center of the "Living Hall" is solemn and shining, and is 8.8 meters high. The statue wears a Vairocana crown, has a round and smooth face, and exudes compassion and wisdom in solemnity. With his hands in the meditation mudra, he sits cross-legged on the lotus throne. On both sides of the "Living Hall", we also stopped to notice the 32 incarnations of Avalokitesvara, each with a wonderful appearance and a dignified face. Each statue seems to symbolize a way of salvation. According to the nature and suffering of sentient beings, the most suitable body appears in the world, echoing the belief of Puji Temple "to save all sentient beings and let them cross the sea of fire". This gentle but firm belief symbolizes that Avalokitesvara steers the Dharma ship, leading sentient beings to ride on the route of compassion and wisdom, cross the deep sea of suffering, and finally reach a stable and fearless spiritual realm. Therefore, it is said that Avalokitesvara seeks out the suffering, manifests himself in all gates, makes great wishes and gives alms in different rhythms of time and space, and is free and at ease with fate. The reason why the "Living Hall" is so fascinating is not only that it carries the profound Guanyin belief, but also that it creates an audio-visual feast through the interweaving of Buddhist art and multimedia, creating a rare spiritual healing space to guide visitors on a quiet and profound spiritual journey. The energy of compassion is like the resonance of light frequency, connecting with the seven chakras of the human body, soothing the body and mind, harmonizing the aura, and subtly improving emotional intelligence and happiness index. No matter where you come from or what cultural background you have, the kindness of Guanyin Bodhisattva is like a spring breeze, crossing the barriers of language and faith, responding to every praying heart, and guarding in every tear. #Putuoshan Puji Temple #Dayuantong Hall #Yuantong Hall #Virgo Guanyin #Buddhist Art #Spiritual Healing Attraction

When it comes to vegetarian food, people may think of bitterness and blandness, but in Puji Temple in Putuo Mountain, the vegetarian food here has a special flavor. My trip to Putuo Mountain this time was specifically to taste this unique vegetarian food. As soon as I entered Puji Temple, the solemn temple and the endless stream of pilgrims came into view. Following the curling incense, I found a place dedicated to vegetarian food. The supply of vegetarian food has a specific time, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner all have fixed time periods. If you miss it, you can only wait for the next meal with an empty stomach, which increases my expectations and tension. 10 yuan per person, the price is really affordable. I received the meal ticket and waited in line excitedly. Although the line was long, it was orderly and everyone was waiting quietly. This scene made me feel the unique tranquility and solemnity of the temple. When it was my turn to get the meal, I held up the simple bowl, which was filled with rice and Luohan vegetarian food. Luohanzhai is made of various vegetables. Although it is not as delicious as meat dishes, it has a fragrance of vegetable roots in its lightness, which makes people linger. The way I hold the bowl was corrected by an uncle next to me - you have to hold it well, and you can't hold the edge of the bowl with your fingers. It turns out that there are so many things to pay attention to when eating. After the meal, everyone needs to wash their own dishes and chopsticks. Although it is a bit unexpected, it is also in line with the spirit of self-reliance in Buddhism. The water in the dishwashing place is full of foam and seems a little unclear, but I think this is probably part of the experience. Although the whole dining process is simple, it is extremely fulfilling. It is not only because of the food itself, but more because of the spiritual nourishment. The taste of vegetarian food will not dissipate in my memory for a long time. This is not just a simple meal, but more like a spiritual purification. The vegetarian meal at Puji Temple is not just as simple as filling your stomach. It makes me realize the meaning behind the food and a state of mind of practice that is different from daily life. This trip to Putuo Mountain, vegetarian food has become one of my most unforgettable memories. #pilgrimage #Putuoshan

Let's shift our focus to Zhejiang Province and discover the spiritual sanctuary of Putuo Mountain. 🏞️ Located off the coast of eastern China, Putuo Mountain is revered as one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. 🙏 This picturesque island is steeped in Buddhist tradition and boasts a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. 🌊🌸 Putuo Mountain is home to a cluster of ancient temples, including the iconic Puji Temple and Fayu Temple, where visitors can witness monks practicing rituals and chanting sutras. 🏯📿 The island's tranquil forests and winding pathways offer opportunities for contemplation and reflection amidst nature's splendor. 🌳 A highlight of any visit to Putuo Mountain is ascending to the summit of Foding Mountain, where the majestic Foding Pagoda overlooks the island and offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline. 🏰⛰️ Immerse yourself in the timeless serenity of Putuo Mountain as you explore its sacred sites, hike its scenic trails, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven. 🕊️🌿 Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Putuo Mountain offers a sanctuary for the soul. 🌅 #PutuoMountain #Zhejiang #BuddhistSanctuary #SpiritualJourney #TravelChina 🇨🇳