Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan)
Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan)
4.5
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Located on an island in the East China Sea, this mountain is one of the four Buddhist shrines in the country, which features many temples and nunneries.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
656 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
224
Average
64
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Victor H
Shanghai, China323 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Beautiful bouddhist temples, beautiful scenery, pleasant strolls along paths on the mountain and along the road boarding the sea. Fresh air and refreshing sights of mountains, islets and sea.Recommend to visit Foding peak, Huiji temple, Fayu temple, Puji temple and Nanhai Guyin. Difficult to avoid the crowd of tourists and the faithful during high seasons.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Choo_Travel
Singapore, Singapore422 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
Take the train to Metro station Line 4 Nanpu Bridge Station Exit 1 to Huangpu Tourist Station. I bought my tickets in advance. This is the most expensive route to go to Putuo Shan but it's the most comfortable and fastest. The bus leave the bus station at 8am, arrive at the Xiaoyangshan harbour about 10am. From the harbour take a speedboat to Putuo Shan. Total journey is about 3.5-4hours. Total cost is 258 yuan.
Written August 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabi R
Sharon, MA249 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I think I was the only foreigner on the island, which was quite surprising. One reason for this is probably that there's very little English information out there on it, so hopefully I can leave some info here that can help the next person! While it's by no means a destination that should land on foreign tourists' itineraries, expats living in nearby cities should definitely consider it for a weekend trip. Anyone who likes a mixture of culture and nature should check it out; the temples were lovely, and the beaches were very nice (especially by Chinese standards haha).
I took a 4.5 hour bus from Shanghai South Station to Shinjiamen, Zhoushan on a Friday night, spending the night at a hotel only 10 minutes from the ferry dock. Ferries don't run very late into the night, so an overnight in town is probably necessary for most weekend trippers. One way is 140 RMB, there's one rest stop in the middle, and few quick stops along Zhoushan Island on your way in/out, and it was quite comfortable. You need your passport to get a ticket/board the bus. Foreigners aren't able to order online, so showing up in person to buy is unfortunately a must, though tickets likely don't need to be purchased in advance.
The ferry there is 30 RMB and about 15-20 minutes. A one time fee of 160 RMB is required upon arrival to the island.
Accommodation can be on the pricey end, especially on weekends, because of how popular the island is with Chinese tourists. I didn't book in advance and just showed up looking around Longwan Village where there are a number of cheaper guesthouses, but still was only able to negotiate down to 240 RMB for a very basic room. Online (ctrip,com) you'll see options for between 300-1000 RMB per night, depending on what you're looking for. This village area is where you'll find the most reasonably priced dinner options as well - outside of this area you'll be stuck at your hotel restaurant most likely.
There are cheap tourist buses connecting the different temples and beaches around the island, but if you came to be outside, some long walks around the island can be quite nice. Most temples are 5 or 6 kuai max, and the beaches are free. Download maps.me for a more accurate map of the island (and no need for a VPN).
Highlights:
-Puji temple
-Fayu temple (near where the hike up the mountain starts, but honestly the path is not very scenic and a LOT of steps in the heat, so maybe walk down instead of up haha and use the cable car instead - 40 RMB one way, 70 RMB two ways, pretty good views)
-Huiji temple (serves a 10 RMB vegetarian lunch from 11-12, and the viewpoint at the exit is nice)
-Guanyin Statue
-**Baotuo temple** (I didn't see this anywhere on the internet before I went, and for me it was the highlight of all the temples there - it's a massive and very beautiful complex, free to enter, and barely anyoneee there (the others will be crazy crowded!), right by the cable car station!)
-Wanfo pagoda (I honestly was too lazy and templed out to walk all the way up, but it looks nice haha)
-100 Step beach (has showers/lockers for a fee and some small restaurants/snack shacks, and a designated swimming area (CLEAN!), but will have plenty of people on it of course)
-1000 Step beach (no facilities, but totally empty! Swimming is at own risk)
Follow some walking paths around and you're sure to find lots of little monasteries or good views of the coast.
Ferries off the island go until 10 pm I was told, but the last bus to Shanghai Sunday night is at 6:10 pm.
Hope this is helpful to someone!
I took a 4.5 hour bus from Shanghai South Station to Shinjiamen, Zhoushan on a Friday night, spending the night at a hotel only 10 minutes from the ferry dock. Ferries don't run very late into the night, so an overnight in town is probably necessary for most weekend trippers. One way is 140 RMB, there's one rest stop in the middle, and few quick stops along Zhoushan Island on your way in/out, and it was quite comfortable. You need your passport to get a ticket/board the bus. Foreigners aren't able to order online, so showing up in person to buy is unfortunately a must, though tickets likely don't need to be purchased in advance.
The ferry there is 30 RMB and about 15-20 minutes. A one time fee of 160 RMB is required upon arrival to the island.
Accommodation can be on the pricey end, especially on weekends, because of how popular the island is with Chinese tourists. I didn't book in advance and just showed up looking around Longwan Village where there are a number of cheaper guesthouses, but still was only able to negotiate down to 240 RMB for a very basic room. Online (ctrip,com) you'll see options for between 300-1000 RMB per night, depending on what you're looking for. This village area is where you'll find the most reasonably priced dinner options as well - outside of this area you'll be stuck at your hotel restaurant most likely.
There are cheap tourist buses connecting the different temples and beaches around the island, but if you came to be outside, some long walks around the island can be quite nice. Most temples are 5 or 6 kuai max, and the beaches are free. Download maps.me for a more accurate map of the island (and no need for a VPN).
Highlights:
-Puji temple
-Fayu temple (near where the hike up the mountain starts, but honestly the path is not very scenic and a LOT of steps in the heat, so maybe walk down instead of up haha and use the cable car instead - 40 RMB one way, 70 RMB two ways, pretty good views)
-Huiji temple (serves a 10 RMB vegetarian lunch from 11-12, and the viewpoint at the exit is nice)
-Guanyin Statue
-**Baotuo temple** (I didn't see this anywhere on the internet before I went, and for me it was the highlight of all the temples there - it's a massive and very beautiful complex, free to enter, and barely anyoneee there (the others will be crazy crowded!), right by the cable car station!)
-Wanfo pagoda (I honestly was too lazy and templed out to walk all the way up, but it looks nice haha)
-100 Step beach (has showers/lockers for a fee and some small restaurants/snack shacks, and a designated swimming area (CLEAN!), but will have plenty of people on it of course)
-1000 Step beach (no facilities, but totally empty! Swimming is at own risk)
Follow some walking paths around and you're sure to find lots of little monasteries or good views of the coast.
Ferries off the island go until 10 pm I was told, but the last bus to Shanghai Sunday night is at 6:10 pm.
Hope this is helpful to someone!
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phshanks
Bristol, United Kingdom1,150 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
on the island we visited 3 places: Puji Temple, Nanhai Guanyin Statue and the Buddhist Temple in the Purple Bamboo Forest and had lunch at Xilei Xiaozhuang Hotel.
The Puji Temple was an amazing place with 9 magnificent Halls, 12 Pavilions, an 18m Multi-treasure Pagoda, covering an area of 14,000 sq m and fronted by the large Haijin Pool with its 3 very different bridges each wonderful in the own right. By the middle (Emperor's) bridge is the Yu Bei Ting. A visit to this place of worship should take at least 1-2 hours
Moving on to the Guanyin Statue with the 33m golden statue standing on a 2 storey plinth surrounded by a plaza with a large number of sculptures both in the plaza in front of the plinth and within the plinth. 3 walls around the plinth have 33 large carved reliefs, one or which covers the complete width of the north wall (to rear of the plinth). A stay of about an hour will allow the area to be seen properly.
The Unwilling-to-go Guanyin Monastery in the Bamboo Forest right beside the sea is another site which attracts many worshippers and is anothe place well worth visiting.
The Vegetarian Lunch at the hotel was a 24 course affair. The food was very unusual, served at a table for 8 from a Lazy Susan allowing evryone to help themselves. The textures and tastes of the beautifuly shaped food was extremely good
with an Imperial Stele.
The Puji Temple was an amazing place with 9 magnificent Halls, 12 Pavilions, an 18m Multi-treasure Pagoda, covering an area of 14,000 sq m and fronted by the large Haijin Pool with its 3 very different bridges each wonderful in the own right. By the middle (Emperor's) bridge is the Yu Bei Ting. A visit to this place of worship should take at least 1-2 hours
Moving on to the Guanyin Statue with the 33m golden statue standing on a 2 storey plinth surrounded by a plaza with a large number of sculptures both in the plaza in front of the plinth and within the plinth. 3 walls around the plinth have 33 large carved reliefs, one or which covers the complete width of the north wall (to rear of the plinth). A stay of about an hour will allow the area to be seen properly.
The Unwilling-to-go Guanyin Monastery in the Bamboo Forest right beside the sea is another site which attracts many worshippers and is anothe place well worth visiting.
The Vegetarian Lunch at the hotel was a 24 course affair. The food was very unusual, served at a table for 8 from a Lazy Susan allowing evryone to help themselves. The textures and tastes of the beautifuly shaped food was extremely good
with an Imperial Stele.
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sockie_SGP
Singapore123 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
My family visited Putuoshan on a pilgrimage trip and really loved this religious site. The trip is simply so amazing for us and it is akin to "Journey to the West". As a result of typhoon, our itinerary has been changed again and again because the ferry to Putuoshan were not operating. On our second attempt to visit the island, we met with another typhoon, "Hai Kui" (some of the worst typhoon in 12 years) and the ferry services were closed again. We tried our luck by extending our trip by another 2 days and was really blessed that the typhoon passed the next day. Our 3rd attempt to Putuoshan was finally a success.
Upon arrival at the island, there were shuttle services near the pier which brings you to different locations on the island.
As we have very limited time on the island, we only visited some of temples, namely "fayu temple", "pu ji temple", "bu ken qu guan yin temple" and the "nan hai guan yin" statue (statue of Goddess of Mercy). Many of these temples have enriching stories, some dated back to Qing dynasty. If you are visiting putuoshan to pray, remember to bring your good quality incense and lighter. However, do hide them in your bags. Accordingly to my guide, incense apart from those bought in Putuoshan are not allowed in the island. This is because there were previous incidents where the monks residing in Putuoshan fell sick as a result of breathing incense of bad quality.
The food in Putuoshan is generally expensive. Accordingly to my guide, seafood in Putuoshan may sometimes be cheaper than vegetarian meals. We were told during the birthdays of Goddess of Mercy, a plate of vegetables (2 strand of vegetables) could rob you off 200RMB!! If you are on vegetarian meals, we understand that there are temples which serve vegetarian food at reasonable prices.
There are periods that you may want to bear in mind if you want to avoid huge crowds. The island is particularly packed with pilgrims during the lunar months of 19 Feb, 19 June and 19 Sept when Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Goddess of Mercy.
In addition, during the months of July to August is particularly prone to typhoon. Avoid visiting during this period as the ferry services will be closed if there is a typhoon.
I will visit this island again. It is simply too awesome.
Upon arrival at the island, there were shuttle services near the pier which brings you to different locations on the island.
As we have very limited time on the island, we only visited some of temples, namely "fayu temple", "pu ji temple", "bu ken qu guan yin temple" and the "nan hai guan yin" statue (statue of Goddess of Mercy). Many of these temples have enriching stories, some dated back to Qing dynasty. If you are visiting putuoshan to pray, remember to bring your good quality incense and lighter. However, do hide them in your bags. Accordingly to my guide, incense apart from those bought in Putuoshan are not allowed in the island. This is because there were previous incidents where the monks residing in Putuoshan fell sick as a result of breathing incense of bad quality.
The food in Putuoshan is generally expensive. Accordingly to my guide, seafood in Putuoshan may sometimes be cheaper than vegetarian meals. We were told during the birthdays of Goddess of Mercy, a plate of vegetables (2 strand of vegetables) could rob you off 200RMB!! If you are on vegetarian meals, we understand that there are temples which serve vegetarian food at reasonable prices.
There are periods that you may want to bear in mind if you want to avoid huge crowds. The island is particularly packed with pilgrims during the lunar months of 19 Feb, 19 June and 19 Sept when Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Goddess of Mercy.
In addition, during the months of July to August is particularly prone to typhoon. Avoid visiting during this period as the ferry services will be closed if there is a typhoon.
I will visit this island again. It is simply too awesome.
Written August 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meowmeow6
Shanghai, China494 contributions
There are basically 2 ferry terminals to get to putuo island ~ one from shenjiamen (30 min one way) and the other from wugongshi (15 min one way) which is on the island of zhujiajian. There is no need to buy tickets in advance as the ferries run non-stop. Once you arrive on putuo island, you then get the entry ticket of RMB160 in the peak months, RMB120 in the winter.and RMB 220 during Chinese holidays. Very crowded when we were there. Basically buses are provided to the major sites and the fare is RMB 5 or 10 depending on the distance. There is a small entrance fee at each temple of RMB5. The most crowded one is pujing temple. Suggest to go on weekdays which will be less busy throughout the island. We also tried the vegetarian canteen for lunch at RMB5 each at fayu temple ~ very humbling experience. Lines are long at the bus stations so you need to be patient. You can stay on the island too to reduce the stress level.
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ami L
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
I would recommend to visit Putuo Island if you are travelling around Zhou Shan City. Apprantly it is one of the top four religious places for Buddhists in China. The entry ticket is expensive though, it would worth spending if you stay in the island for at least three days. There a lot things to do around this culture-rich place including visiting temples, parks, beaches and of course taste the fresh seafood.
Unlike Tibet style Buddha, the Buddha here are crafted with more feminine characteristics. Putuo Island is the home of GuanYing Buddha that protecting family's safety and health.
It will be a great place to visit to experience a different Asian culture.
Unlike Tibet style Buddha, the Buddha here are crafted with more feminine characteristics. Putuo Island is the home of GuanYing Buddha that protecting family's safety and health.
It will be a great place to visit to experience a different Asian culture.
Written October 19, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bean802
Shanghai, China270 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
This place was really beautiful and so quiet even during the May Day holiday. A bit difficult to get to, but once there we went for wonderful hikes, watched a sunset, ate excellent local food, and lounged on lovely beaches. Do take the ferry, though it will be a long bus ride from nanpu bridge to the boat, it is better than the boat all the way from shanghai to putuoshan. Do hike; there are so many trails and different mountains, all very short easy hikes! Do check out the 1,000 year old cinnamon tree.
Written May 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
btf009
New York66 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
I stayed in ZhouShan for three days and spent one day for Putuo Mountain (on a Wednesday in May). One day is a bit tight for this beautiful holy mountain. I was fortunate to get advice from a local friend. So my visit covered four main locations from 10am to 6pm: spending the morning for giant GuanYing statue and surrounding scenes, then visiting three major temples in the afternoon. I took the cable cart to climb the mountain and walked down the hills to visit the three major temples. You should find plenty of scenery photos online of this place, so here I attached one photo of the crowds. I was told that it would be more people in the summer time. Please be prepared for noise and a lot of people. Many people burn a LOT of incense, which is bad for the environment. In ZhouShan, the city requires her citizen to only burn three incenses (packed in one paper box) per person (costs 1 Chinese Yuan = roughly 20 US cents) for a better environment. Also, no private vehicles are allowed on the island. However, local mini-van buses are convenient. Each bus ride costs 5-10 CNY. Moreover, each scenery location requires a small entry fee—usually 5 CNY, in addition to the main entry fee 160 CNY. So please bring plenty of cash. Please note all entry fees goes to the local government. If you want to donate money to the Buddhist temples, please put your cash into those wooden boxes, which you will see in every temple where people donates. Hope you enjoy the beauty of Putuo regardless the crowds and many fees!
Written May 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALLC11
Tarlac Province, Philippines116 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
I don't think you can do a DIY tour here, since I didn't noticed any form of public transportation but mostly group shuttles/bus. Just look for local agency in China that offers cheaper tour package which includes shuttle/ferry transfers, hotel accomodation, meals and entrance to some areas in the island. Much better to bring your own incense sticks for offerings and lighters or match sticks, snacks and drinks as it gets too expensive in the main attractions area. Always haggle (bargain) on the vendors expecially bead bracelets which can go as low as 10rmb, mala beads, bags depends on the size, and the lucky golden cards which they say is a 'must have' for good fortune and wealth, that can go as high as 59rmb! Don't be fooled, instead, there's one temple where the worshippers are mostly fujian or hokkien locals and the sidewalk vendors sells much cheaper, literally cheaper, but still haggle! Wear comfortable rubber shoes since you'll be climbing mountain (stairs), and light clothing. Bring some wet wipes and hand sanitizer as the toilet are mostly smelly. Food is mostly vegan/vegetarian, unless your package doesn't include food then you can opt to order other dishes. Also bring lots of smaller bills/coins if you want to donate in each temple. Oh, and people here mostly doesn't understand and speak english, so an app on your phone which translates your language to their language (mandarin) will be very helpful.
Written September 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chery
Singapore, Singapore6 contributions
Hi all
Just wondering for those who stayed in putuosan before.. Are foriegners allowed to stay in airbnb?
I was thinking to try free and easy from shanghai to there but i worried that it is not easy to move around putuosan..is it easy to walk by ourselves? Which area is recommended to stay? We only got 1 night stay..
Pupatch
Pattaya, Thailand5 contributions
Hi. I have a day to Putuo mountain, when flying from Bangkok. Is it possible to rent a car and drive from Shanghai Pudong airport to Zhoushan via the bridge G92 to Ningbo, then take bridge G9211 to Zhoushan, and then take speed boat to Putuo Mountain?
Kuyaoi
28 contributions
Sure! You should find a local driver that can drive you from shanghai to zhoushan.
Basically, we found a local driver and followed the map (Gao Duc map from China), the drove to zhoushan. You dont need to find a speed boat. They have regular boat to putao mountain.
goody2001
Coquitlam, Canada4 contributions
Hi is there a cab that will take us to putuoshan, and roughly how much will that be?
Richard T
37 contributions
Putuoshan is an island.
You can only reach there by ferry.
On the island, there is only public bus but it is easy as the destinations are in English too.
Hi, what time is the last ferry?
idafun
Hong Kong, China50 contributions
Last ferry left fr putuoshan ferry is arpund 5:30 something.
N3598YEmichaelg
Manila, Philippines1 contribution
Hi, can any one suggest tour operator ( land arrangement) on mt Putuo 2 or 3 days pilgrimage?
Richard T
37 contributions
If you can speak Mandarin, you do not need a guide as the travelling on the island is pretty simple.
If not, there are guides at the ferry terminal.
But believe me, the temples are easily reached by the buses with names in English.
fabelle
Melbourne, Australia
Hi,
what time is the last ferry / speedboat from Putuoshan to Banshengdong wharf?
Thanks
DebPathfinder
Durham, NC2 contributions
Hello! I would like to ask phshanks and staff about the 24-course Vegetarian Lunch: which hotel served this unusual and extremely good fare? Thank you!! Debbie
Lynn Tay
Singapore, Singapore2,673 contributions
In Putuoshan you may request for vegetarian lunch or dinner from some restaurant however I cannot say the food is tasty and the price is fare as this area serve typically all tourists business.
Patty R
Massachusetts79 contributions
How far from Shanghai?
Lina Anastasia
Batam Center, Indonesia81 contributions
1. Using Bus
4-5 hours from Shanghai to Shenjiamen
2. Using Airplane
35minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao to Zhoushan
From there go to the port (Banshendong) and took ferry, 10 minutes by quick one, 25minutes by slow one
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Frequently Asked Questions about Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan)
- Hotels near Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan):
- (0.03 mi) Ronglai Xiaoyuan
- (0.22 mi) Putuoshan Bihai Villa Hotel
- (0.25 mi) Putuo Resort
- (0.25 mi) Baotuo Hotel
- (0.40 mi) Putuoshan Hotel
- Restaurants near Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan):
- (0.23 mi) LianHua YangXin Yuan
- (0.60 mi) Sha Yuan Seafood PaiDang
- (3.59 mi) HorseBack Bar and Grill
- (3.97 mi) Tang Dao Shuan (Kai Hong)
- (3.96 mi) Ajisen Ramen
- Attractions near Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan):
- (0.23 mi) Pantuo Stone
- (0.66 mi) Bukenqu Guanyin Yard
- (1.24 mi) Fayu Temple
- (1.88 mi) Zhoushan Huiji Temple
- (3.29 mi) Zhujiajian Island
Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan) Information
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