Attractions · Zhoushan

The first of Putuo Shan's three great temples, founded in the Song dynasty, with the Haiyin Pond and Imperial Stele Pavilion in front — the first stop on a pilgrimage. Highlights include the Great Yuantong Hall and the start of the pilgrimage. Tip: Walk or take the scenic shuttle from the pier to Puji Temple, see the Haiyin Pond first and then enter the halls; incense tickets are bought separately. Practical info: located at Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang; ticket included in the Putuo Shan entrance ticket (temple incense tickets extra); opening hours 06:00–18:00. Best season: April–June and September–November; summer brings typhoons and ferry services may be suspended, so check the weather before setting out. It can be combined with Fayu Temple, Huiji Temple and Nanhai Guanyin in Zhoushan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in the Putuo Shan entrance ticket (temple incense tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:00–18:00

Putuo Shan's second great temple; the Ming glazed tiles and nine-dragon caisson of its Nine Dragon Hall were moved here from the Ming palace in Nanjing, making it the island's finest building. Highlights include the Haihui Bridge. Tip: The Nine Dragon Hall is the key sight, with good light in the morning; scenic shuttles run between it and Puji Temple. Practical info: located at Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang; ticket included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra); opening hours 06:00–18:00. Best season: April–June and September–November; summer brings typhoons and ferry services may be suspended, so check the weather before setting out. It can be combined with Puji Temple, Huiji Temple and Nanhai Guanyin in Zhoushan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:00–18:00

Putuo Shan's highest temple, on Buddha Summit; reach it by cable car or the pilgrim path, and from the top look down over Putuo Shan and the East China Sea. Highlights include the island panorama. Tip: Cable-car queues are long; if you are fit, walk up the pilgrim path; it is windy at the summit, so bring a jacket. Practical info: located at Buddha Summit, Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang; ticket included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra); opening hours 06:00–17:30. Best season: April–June and September–November; summer brings typhoons and ferry services may be suspended, so check the weather before setting out. It can be combined with Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Nanhai Guanyin in Zhoushan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Buddha Summit, Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:00–17:30

A 33-metre bronze statue of Nanhai Guanyin stands by the sea, Putuo Shan's most striking pilgrimage site, with sea and sky merging at sunrise and sunset. Highlights include the 33-metre Guanyin statue, the seaside platform and sunrise and sunset. Tip: About 20 minutes on foot from Puji Temple; it is windy by the sea, so take care with sun protection and warmth. Practical info: located at Nanhai Guanyin, Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang; ticket included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra); opening hours 06:00–17:30. Best season: April–June and September–November; summer brings typhoons and ferry services may be suspended, so check the weather before setting out. It can be combined with Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple in Zhoushan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Nanhai Guanyin, Putuo Shan, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in the entrance ticket (incense tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:00–17:30