Yunfu Rock

Yunfu Rock

On Mount Putuo, apart from Yunfu Rock, there are two other notable rocks: Panuo Rock and the Two Turtles Listening to the Sutras Rock. Together with Yunfu Rock, they are collectively known as the Three Marvelous Rocks of Mount Putuo.

“To climb the cloud one must rely on the rock’s support, where a stretch of clear light is spread like snow. Flying figures perch on perilous cliffs yet never fall, and flowers bloom as if treading on the edge.” At the turn in the middle section of Xiangyun Path, there stands a massive square rock by the roadside. The four large characters “海天佛国” (Sea and Sky Buddhist Kingdom) carved on the rock face were penned by the famous Ming Dynasty anti-Wokou general Hou Jigao, and later became synonymous with Mount Putuo. Another rock is stacked atop this one, towering high into the sea of clouds, both perilous and mysterious. The upper rock is inscribed with the three characters “云扶石” (Yunfu Rock). On the rock lies a small pool, shaped like a bowl or alms bowl, catching dew from the heavens.

[Historical Anecdote] It is said that in 1962, Guo Moruo visited the mountain and, upon reaching Foding Mountain, spontaneously came up with the phrase “Buddha at the top of the Buddha’s Peak,” then asked his companions to come up with a matching line. His secretary suggested “One Day in Tianyi Pavilion,” which Guo did not find satisfactory. A local commune official surnamed Guo proposed “Clouds Support Yunfu Rock,” to which Guo Moruo gave high praise, and the story has since been passed down as a pleasant anecdote.

Location

Turn in the middle section of Xiangyun Path