Putuoshan or Mount Putuo, sitting on a beautiful small island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China, is a sacred site for Buddhists all over the world. It is believed to be the bodhimaṇḍa of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, who is widely known as the Goddess of Mercy and is very popular with Chinese and overseas Chinese. It is a tradition that has lasted for over a thousand years in many places to worship Guanyin, especially on her birthday (19th day of the 2nd Chinese lunar month), enlightenment day (19th day of the 6th Chinese lunar month), and reborn day (19th day of the 9th Chinese lunar month). Because of its significant role, Putuoshan is praised as one of the Four Greatest Buddhist Mountains in China.

If you are a devout Buddhist, you should come to Putuoshan once in a lifetime. If you wish to worship Master Guanyin, Putuoshan must be the first place on your journey.

We have rich experience in organizing Buddhism tours not only to Putuoshan but also to Mount Emei, Mount Wutai, and other sacred Buddhist sites. In August 2019, China Discovery was honored to create a tailor-made 7-day Mount Wutaishan Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour for Lee G and her Buddhist friends from Singapore, Malaysia, and China — a group of 31 people, including 4 Tibetan monks. If you are looking for a personalized Buddhism tour, please feel free to contact us.

Highlights of This Tour

• Worship the most important temples of Putuoshan, including the Puji, Fayu, and Huiji Temples.

• An informative guide will help you explore the essence of Buddhist history and culture of Putuoshan.

• Enjoy the pleasant beach and peaceful sea views from the mountain of Putuoshan.

• Receive professional and considerate tour services, including great hotels, well-organized activities, and delicious food.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Putuoshan Arrival (L)

Today, you will be picked up by your guide and driver from your hotel, airport, or train station in Zhoushan, Ningbo, Shanghai, or Hangzhou, then transferred to Putuoshan Scenic Area by car and ferry. Check in to your hotel with the help of your guide.

After a short rest, begin your visit with a walk from the dock to Puji Temple. Built in 916, this magnificent temple is the oldest and largest temple on Putuoshan Mountain. It hosts major Buddhist events and ceremonies. In front of the temple is a beautiful lotus pond. Nearby, the Duobao Pagoda, built to store Buddhist sculptures, is one of the “Three Great Treasures of Putuoshan” and still retains its original appearance from the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).

Next, take a sightseeing bus to One Thousand-Step Beach on the eastern side of Putuoshan Island. Stroll along this 2000-meter-long white beach, let the waves kiss your toes, and enjoy the clean sky and sea views.

Then, transfer by sightseeing bus to Unwilling-to-leave Temple. In 858 AD, the Japanese Buddhist Hui’e received a precious statue of Avalokitesvara. While returning to Japan, a storm detained him — a sign that Avalokitesvara was unwilling to leave. Hui’e decided to leave the statue on Putuoshan and built the temple for it, naming it Unwilling-to-leave Temple. Nearby is the famous Purple Bamboo Forest, believed to be the original ashram of Avalokitesvara (the Goddess of Mercy). A short walk through the bamboo forest leads you to the iconic Goddess of Mercy Statue — 33 meters (108 feet) tall and made of copper.

Return to your hotel. The evening is free for you to have dinner and explore the area.

Optional Evening Show: Watch the large-scale live show of Impression Putuo, performed by professional actors and actresses. The show presents sacred Buddhist art with mesmerizing light, shadow, and sound — a truly inspiring experience.

Day 2: Putuoshan Departure (B, L)

After breakfast, take a park bus to Fayu Temple — 2.8 km from Puji Temple. The Nine-dragon Caisson on the ceiling of the Nine Dragons Hall, along with the glazed tiles from the Ming Empire’s imperial palaces in Nanjing, showcases impressive artistry from the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912). The Nine-dragon Screen — aged, grand, and seamlessly jointed with flagstones — is another highlight. The temple’s peaceful ambiance is enhanced by the presence of rare, ancient trees scattered throughout its courtyards and along its yellow-walled paths.

Next, take a fast cable car (a few minutes’ ride) to Huiji Temple at the summit of Putuoshan. The temple is adorned with colorful glazed tiles and follows the traditional Garden-Architecture Style of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Nearby, the Sky Lamp Stage offers a panoramic view of Putuoshan — its white beaches and distant blue seas are a sight to behold.

Descend the mountain by walking down about 2088 stone steps (around 30 minutes).

Finally, take a park bus to the dock to catch a ferry to Zhu Jia Jian. The rest of the day is free for you to transfer to your next destination.

Tour Ends.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.