Mount Putuo, located in the East China Sea, is one of China’s four renowned Buddhist mountains, making it an iconic landmark that is celebrated nationally and internationally. Known as “Mount Putuo of the South Sea” since the Tang Dynasty, it holds a special place in Buddhist history and culture, particularly for devotees in Southeast Asia.
This solitary peak, also called the Buddhist Top Peak, rises 984 feet (300 meters) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and land. The mountain’s mystical Buddhist sanctuary and natural beauty make it a prime destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike.
The legend of Guanyin and the ‘temple of Guanyin who does not want to leave’
In 863 CE, during the Tang Dynasty, a Japanese monk attempted to ferry a statue of Guanyin — the Bodhisattva of Compassion — back to Japan. However, a violent storm forced him to leave the statue on Mount Putuo. A local resident, Zhang, took the statue home and affectionately named it “Guanyin who does not want to leave.”
After Zhang’s passing in 916 CE, the locals built a temple to enshrine the statue. They named the temple after the same legend: “The temple of Guanyin who does not want to leave.” This marked the beginning of Mount Putuo’s reputation as a sacred Buddhist site.
A unique blend of natural beauty and religious significance
Mount Putuo, situated in the Zhoushan Archipelago, is surrounded by golden beaches, tranquil vales, mystic caves, and dramatic cliffs. Its rough terrain and stunning landscapes create an atmosphere of tranquility and spiritual reverence. The mountain is also home to many caves, the most famous of which are the Chaoyin and Fanyin caves. The Fanyin Cave is sandwiched between two towering cliffs nearly 328 feet (100 meters) high. When the sea level rises, water rushes into the caves with a thunderous roar, a phenomenon that attracts countless visitors.
In addition to its natural allure, the mountain has significant religious value. Its temples have endured natural disasters, fires, and rebuilding for over a thousand years. During the Cultural Revolution, all Buddhist statues were destroyed, leaving the temples in ruins. However, after Mao Zedong died in 1976, the temples were rebuilt, beginning in 1979, with large-scale reconstruction taking place throughout the 1980s and 1990s to accommodate a growing influx of tourists.
A sacred destination for pilgrims and tourists
Today, Mount Putuo is described in Chinese tourism literature as both a sacred Buddhist site and an ideal summer retreat, thanks to its mild climate, lush greenery, and serene surroundings. Pilgrims and tourists flock to the mountain year-round, but it becomes especially crowded during the three sacred days dedicated to Bodhisattva Guanyin: her birthday (February 29 on the Chinese lunar calendar), the day she began studying Buddhism (June 19 on the Chinese lunar calendar), and the day she became a nun (September 19 on the Chinese lunar calendar). On these dates, all-night ceremonies and chanting fill the temples, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The mountain is home to three renowned temples — Puji, Fayu, and Huiji — which are central to Buddhist worship on the island. Although many visitors pray to Buddha statues for good fortune, few are deeply acquainted with the true teachings of Buddhism, which remain suppressed under the communist regime.
Preserving the legacy of Mount Putuo
Despite the challenges faced over centuries, Mount Putuo continues to thrive as a spiritual and cultural landmark. Its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and religious devotion make it a unique treasure of China’s heritage. For visitors seeking peace, inspiration, or a connection to ancient traditions, Mount Putuo offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Buddhist culture and history.
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