This 3-day spiritual journey takes you on a serene exploration of Ningbo and Mount Putuo, one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in China. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Ningbo and visit the revered Puji Temple (普济寺), West Heaven Scenic Area (西天景区), and the iconic South Sea Guanyin statue (南海观音) on Mount Putuo. This peaceful trip offers a perfect blend of spirituality, cultural exploration, and natural beauty, allowing you to experience the essence of Buddhist traditions in one of the most tranquil places on Earth.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the historical Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) in Ningbo, a hub of local folk culture.
• Explore the sacred West Heaven Scenic Area (西天景区) on Mount Putuo, including the Heart-Shaped Stone, West Heaven Gate, and Guanyin preaching site.
• Worship at the iconic Puji Temple (普济寺) and admire the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statue.
• See the 33-meter-high South Sea Guanyin statue (南海观音) and the breathtaking coastal views.
• Experience the rare Putuo Wild Castanopsis (普陀鹅耳枥), an endangered plant unique to the region.
• Enjoy local Ningbo cuisine and a spiritual retreat in one of the most famous Buddhist sanctuaries in China.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Ningbo

Arrive in Ningbo by flight or high-speed train. In the evening, you are free to explore the famous snack street, Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙), to sample a variety of Ningbo’s local delicacies. Then, visit Tianyi Square (天一广场), a large urban commercial center that integrates leisure, commerce, tourism, dining, and shopping, featuring modern and green spaces that blend with Ningbo’s rich historical culture.

Highlight of the Day: Experience the traditional flavors of Ningbo at Chenghuang Temple, one of China’s largest and most famous Chenghuang (City God) Temples. Located in the heart of Ningbo, it offers insights into local folk customs and the city’s spiritual history.

Accommodation: Ningbo

Day 2: Ningbo to Mount Putuo

Around 6:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Zhujiajian Pier (朱家尖码头), about 2.5 hours from Ningbo. From there, take a boat to Mount Putuo (普陀山), the renowned “Buddhist Kingdom in the Sea.” Upon arrival, visit the West Heaven Scenic Area (西天景区), where you will explore sacred spots such as the Heart-Shaped Stone, West Heaven Gate, Pantao Stone, and Guanyin’s preaching site (Er Gui Listening to the Dharma Stone), as well as the Guanyin Ancient Cave. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (hotel options: Baotuo Hotel, Army Guesthouse, Sansheng Hall Hotel, Tuwei Villa).

In the afternoon, visit Puji Temple (普济寺) and its famous halls, including the Yuantong Bao Hall, and worship at China’s first full-body statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin). Finally, visit the South Sea Guanyin statue (南海观音), an iconic 33-meter-high outdoor statue, and enjoy the view of the reclining Buddha on Luojia Mountain. Afterward, head to your hotel in the rear mountain area.

Highlight of the Day: Immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture of Mount Putuo, a place often called “The First Buddhist Kingdom in the Orient” and “The Pure Land on Earth.” Experience the tranquil Buddhist chanting at the West Heaven Scenic Area, and listen to the beautiful legend of Guanyin at the serene mountain sites.

Accommodation: Mount Putuo

Day 3: Mount Putuo to Ningbo

After breakfast, take the cable car to the highest peak of Mount Putuo, Foding Mountain (佛顶山), and visit Huiji Temple (慧济寺), the third-largest temple on the island, for about 45 minutes. You will also see the rare and endangered Putuo Wild Castanopsis (普陀鹅耳枥), which grows only in the area. Walk down the ancient Yunxiang Path and visit notable spots like the Giant Stone of the Buddhist Kingdom and Yunfu Stone.

After lunch at a local restaurant (hotel option: Zhongshan Hotel), continue to visit the second-largest temple on the mountain, the Fahui Temple (法雨寺), for about 50 minutes. At the Fahui Temple, view the famous Putuo Nine-Dragon Relieving Water Ceiling, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Thousand Steps Beach (千步沙) before returning to Zhujiajian Pier by car. From there, take a boat back to Zhujiajian, followed by your departure from Ningbo by flight or high-speed train.

Highlight of the Day: The unique Putuo Wild Castanopsis, a rare plant species, is found only in Mount Putuo and is a key national-level protected endangered species.

Accommodation: Depart from Ningbo