Putuo Mountain Miaozhan Pagoda

Putuo Mountain Miaozhan Pagoda

The Miaozhan Pagoda is located on Mount Potalaka in Putuo. The pagoda is square-shaped, standing 27.6 meters tall with a base that is 16.3 meters on each side. The pagoda has three tiers and resembles the Many Treasures Pagoda, but is taller and more majestic.

On the first tier of the pagoda, the southern face is carved with 60 arhats paying homage to Vairocana Guanyin, the western face features 58 arhats worshiping the Water-Moon Guanyin, the northern face shows 58 arhats roaming the scenic spots of Putuo, and the eastern face depicts 60 arhats worshiping the Ao Fish Guanyin.

The second tier features 18 arhats paying pilgrimage to Guanyin on the southern face, 44 arhats gathering at the Southern Heavenly Gate on the western face, and 36 arhats worshiping the Purple Bamboo Guanyin on the northern face.

The third tier shows the Four Sea Dragon Kings accompanied by 48 arhats paying homage to Guanyin on the southern face, 32 arhats gathering in the Western Paradise to listen to Guanyin’s teachings on the western face, 36 arhats meeting at the Ancient Cave of Brahma Sound on the northern face, and 28 arhats worshiping the Wish-Fulfilling Guanyin on the eastern face.

In total, the three tiers of the Miaozhan Pagoda are carved with 522 arhats, each with unique clothing and expressions. The top of the pagoda houses a shrine with a white marble carving of the four-faced Guanyin head, with phoenix heads carved on the four sides. The pagoda is crowned with a lotus-shaped gourd. The inscription “Miaozhan Pagoda” was written by Miao Shan. The pagoda courtyard covers an area of 960 square meters. Outside the courtyard gate stand bluestone sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings, while inside the gate, six celestial maidens are carved in relief on each side—bare-chested, waist-tied, and graceful in expression.

There is an incense-walking path around three sides of the Miaozhan Pagoda. Remember to walk clockwise around the pagoda to receive the blessings of the bodhisattvas.

Address: Inside the Mount Potalaka Scenic Area, Luojia Mountain, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. The Luojia Mountain Scenic Area ticket (64 RMB: 18 RMB for entry + 46 RMB for round-trip ferry) is inclusive.