Lotus Ferry at Noon

Lotus Ferry at Noon

Lotus Ferry at Noon is one of the twelve scenic views of Mount Putuo. This scenic sight has been celebrated in poetry by scholars and literati who visited Mount Putuo throughout the dynasties, leaving behind a wealth of poetic verses. These poems praise the beauty of the Lotus Ferry and express the joy of those who experienced crossing it.

Lotus Ferry, also known as Lotus Sea, lies between Zhoushan Main Island and Mount Putuo, connecting to Huangdayang in the north and Pushen Waterway in the south. The name comes from a legend where Japanese envoys attempted to bring a statue of Guanyin back to their country, but were stopped by iron lotuses that emerged from the sea. According to the "Putuo Annals" quoted in the "Dinghai County Annals" from the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi reign, “During the Yuanfeng era of the Song Dynasty, foreign envoys visiting China witnessed the divine nature of the bodhisattva and wished to take the statue back to their homeland. Suddenly, iron lotuses grew from the sea, preventing the boat from moving. The envoys, frightened, returned the statue — hence the origin of the name.”

Lotus Sea is the essential waterway for pilgrims traveling to Mount Putuo. When visitors’ boats pass over the sea during the mid-tide, they may witness gentle waves rising like thousands of lotus flowers swaying in the wind, offering a truly refreshing and uplifting sight. This is the first view you will encounter when visiting Mount Putuo — the Lotus Ferry at Noon. On windy days, however, the scene transforms into a spectacular display of towering waves and roaring waters.

Transportation

Take bus routes 1, 16, 19, or 28 and get off at Donggang Bus Terminal

Attraction Location

Putuo District, Zhoushan City