Purple Bamboo Forest Zizhulin
Sacred Buddhist mountain island with stunning temples, serene hiking trails, and a profound spiritual atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Purple Bamboo Forest Zizhulin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sacred Buddhist mountain island with stunning temples, serene hiking trails, and a profound spiritual atmosphere.
"Can feel zen and peace of inner mind at certain parts of the island when away from crowds."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are steep and by cliffs. Walking sticks are recommended for older visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Pack Vegan Snacks
Vegan food options are limited and cross-contamination is a concern. Bring your own if you're particular. :ramen:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guan Yin Statue
Top of the island
A majestic statue of Guan Yin, drawing many believers for prayer and reflection. Feel the spiritual energy.
Temples and Pagodas
Throughout the island
Explore numerous beautiful Buddhist temples and pagodas, offering a rich religious and architectural experience.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Various routes
Discover breathtaking views and peaceful spots on steep, cliffside trails. Wear appropriate footwear!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Putuoshan Island
Embrace the Spiritual and Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shanghai to Zhoushan / Zhujiajian
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are steep and by cliffs. Walking sticks are recommended for older visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Pack Vegan Snacks
Vegan food options are limited and cross-contamination is a concern. Bring your own if you're particular. :ramen:
Shanghai to Putuoshan
Does anybody have an idea how to commute from the shanghai pudong airport terminal 2 to putuoshan island? Can someone point me to the right bus stop and what station to get off? Details would be much appreciated
🚌 Shuttle Bus Strategy
Shuttle buses are convenient but cost extra. Know the Chinese names for your desired stops. :bus:
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Tours
Local tours can be rushed. Consider exploring independently for a more in-depth experience. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are steep and by cliffs. Walking sticks are recommended for older visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Pack Vegan Snacks
Vegan food options are limited and cross-contamination is a concern. Bring your own if you're particular. :ramen:
🚌 Shuttle Bus Strategy
Shuttle buses are convenient but cost extra. Know the Chinese names for your desired stops. :bus:
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Tours
Local tours can be rushed. Consider exploring independently for a more in-depth experience. :walking:
🙏 Respectful Prayer
While commercial incense is sold, consider bringing your own for a more personal prayer experience. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Putuoshan Island is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site with beautiful temples and scenic natural landscapes. Visitors appreciate the spiritual atmosphere and hiking opportunities, though some find the commercialization and limited vegan food options disappointing. The steep terrain requires good footwear, and independent exploration is often preferred over rushed tours.
"It’s meant to be a holy place but became very commercial. Followed a local tour of which tour guide did a lot of great explanation but at the same time ‘encouraged’ us to buy very expensive incense and ‘amulet’. Actually if really interested in praying can get our own good incense not the bad quality ones and bring to the island for lighting and praying. Nonetheless a lot of believers did 3 steps 1 pray to the temple and Guan Yin statue. Can feel zen and peace of inner mind at certain parts of the island when away from crowds with the mist and fog. Surprisingly was not sick despite being sick before arrival onto the island. Fell sick again when left the island. Can’t explain it by science. Weird experience. Not a lot of stalls selling pure vegan food. Have to specially request but cannot guaranteed the process of cooking have other cross contamination of non vegan stuff. Best prepare your own vegan instant noodle biscuits etc if particular on food intake. Public transport cost RMB10 per ride per trip. Some routes to see the ‘HEART’ and balancing rocks are very steep and by the cliff so please wear proper walking shoes. Recommend older people use walking sticks. It helps a lot! Will go again without tour as local tour is too rush. FYI, 3 days 2 nights local tour, Apple Watch recorded over 30,000 steps. This is really how much we walk and climb a lot a lot of stairs!"
Dazzle Hong
"Great hiking trails and beautiful temples to look at. Buddhist visitors can have a great religious experience without sacrificing the view.
Public bathrooms are available along the trails and at certain stops, and public transportation is also convenient if you can muster up the Chinese names for the trail you'd like to travel to."
Jack Mok
"One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains. The temples are the best there is, however if you are expecting a big mountain you'd be disappointed, as the elevation is not very high."
Felix Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus from Shanghai's People's Square, taking about 4 hours with a break. You can also take a bus to Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station and then another bus to Zhoushan.
Yes, there are shuttle buses that operate on the island, but they come at an additional cost.
From Pudong Airport, you'll likely need to get to a major bus station in Shanghai first, such as Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station, and then take a bus to Zhoushan.
The bus journey typically takes around 4 hours, including a scheduled break.
It's recommended to buy your return ticket at the same time as your outbound ticket to ensure availability and save time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the island itself may have an entrance fee, specific temples and attractions might have separate admission charges. It's best to check on arrival.
Temple hours can vary, but generally, they are open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check specific temple timings if you have a particular one in mind.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring about potential student, senior, or group rates upon arrival.
Yes, many visitors choose to explore the island independently, which can offer a more relaxed pace than guided tours.
Public transport (shuttle buses) on the island costs approximately RMB 10 per ride per trip.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Putuoshan is not a large, high mountain; its elevation is not very high, making it more of a scenic island with temples.
Yes, public bathrooms are available along the trails and at various stops throughout the island.
Buddhist visitors can have a significant religious experience with many temples to visit, without sacrificing the scenic views.
Yes, in certain parts of the island, especially when away from crowds, you can experience a sense of zen and inner peace amidst the mist and fog.
While popular areas can be crowded, going on a hike and exploring the island by foot can lead to moments of solitude.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Vegan food options are limited, and it can be difficult to guarantee no cross-contamination during preparation. It's best to prepare your own vegan snacks.
If you are particular about your food intake, it's highly recommended to prepare your own vegan instant noodles, biscuits, or other suitable food items.
Finding pure vegan food can be challenging. You may need to specially request it, but even then, cross-contamination is a possibility.
The island has various food stalls, but many do not exclusively offer pure vegan options.
Given the limited and potentially cross-contaminated vegan options, bringing your own food is a practical solution for those with specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Guan Yin statue, the various temples and pagodas, and the scenic cliffside hiking trails offer excellent photographic opportunities. The mist and fog can add a mystical quality to your shots.
Yes, Putuoshan is a beautiful scenic place with many temples and natural landscapes that are very photogenic.
You can capture a mix of spiritual serenity in the temples and dramatic natural beauty along the hiking trails. The mist and fog can create a unique, ethereal atmosphere.
Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. The mist and fog, while unpredictable, can create dramatic and moody shots.
Be respectful of worshippers and religious ceremonies. Avoid intrusive photography in sacred areas. Also, ensure you have a good grip on your camera or phone on the steep trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be aware that food options can be limited, especially for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. Bringing along plenty of snacks and drinks is a wise strategy. The shuttle bus system can help manage longer distances, but be prepared for extra costs. Consider focusing on a few key attractions rather than trying to see everything to avoid overtiring the children.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Visitors seeking a more authentic spiritual connection might consider exploring independently rather than relying solely on guided tours, which can sometimes feel rushed or overly commercial. Bringing your own incense for personal prayer can enhance the experience. Be prepared for the physical demands of navigating the island, as many devout visitors undertake significant physical challenges as part of their devotion.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
While shuttle buses are available, the true adventure lies in exploring the island on foot. This allows for discovery of hidden spots and a more intimate connection with the natural landscape. Be prepared for a significant amount of walking and climbing, as the island's topography demands it. The reward is not only the physical exertion but also the stunning scenery and the sense of accomplishment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Putuoshan
While the island is a place of worship, it has also become a significant tourist destination. This duality means visitors can experience both the deep spiritual essence and the commercial aspects of the site. The presence of believers performing rituals alongside tourists creates a unique dynamic. It's important for visitors to be mindful and respectful of the religious practices occurring around them, even as they explore the scenic beauty.
The sheer number of temples, such as Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple, along with the iconic Great White Buddha statue, are central to the island's appeal. These sites are not only places of prayer but also architectural marvels that tell stories of faith and history. The blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage makes Putuoshan a compelling destination for those seeking both cultural immersion and a peaceful retreat.
Exploring Putuoshan's Natural Landscapes
The natural environment of Putuoshan is often described as serene, especially when one ventures away from the main thoroughfares. The mist and fog that frequently shroud the island can lend an ethereal, almost mystical quality to the scenery, enhancing the sense of peace and tranquility. This natural beauty is a significant draw for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
Public transportation, in the form of shuttle buses, is available to help navigate between different points of interest, but exploring on foot allows for a more intimate experience of the island's natural charm. The combination of challenging hikes and accessible scenic spots makes Putuoshan appealing to a wide range of visitors, from devout pilgrims to nature enthusiasts.
Practicalities for a Smooth Visit
When it comes to dining, visitors with specific dietary needs, particularly those seeking strictly vegan options, should be prepared. While some establishments may offer vegan dishes, the risk of cross-contamination during preparation is a concern for many. Consequently, packing your own vegan snacks, instant noodles, or biscuits is a practical recommendation for those particular about their food intake.
Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable due to the steep and sometimes cliff-adjacent hiking trails. Many reviewers emphasize the significant amount of walking and climbing involved, with one visitor noting over 30,000 steps recorded on an Apple Watch during a three-day tour. For older visitors or those with mobility concerns, walking sticks are highly recommended to aid in navigating the terrain safely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit