Guanyin Ancient Cave on Mount Putuo

Guanyin Ancient Cave on Mount Putuo

The Guanyin Cave is located at the western foot of Meiling Ridge on Mount Putuo. The cave resembles a large natural stone chamber, with a stone pillar hanging down to the ground inside. The cave walls and surrounding cliffs are carved with images of Guanyin. Incense burns year-round, and visitors and pilgrims come in an endless stream.

A nunnery was built next to the cave; it started as a thatched hut during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, became a proper nunnery in the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, and saw further construction during the Daoguang, Guangxu, and Xuantong eras. In 1983, a seated statue of Guanyin, carved by the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, was installed in the main hall. The statue has a benevolent gaze and a solemn, serene expression.

Behind the cave, ancient trees provide shade, and massive layered rocks bear the inscription “The Bodhisattva Reappears” in large characters.

Address: Meicen Mountain, Mount Putuo Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, on the Xitian Incense Trail

Type: Cave Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Mount Putuo Scenic Area admission. Mount Putuo Scenic Area Ticket: Off-season (December–January) 140 RMB, Peak season (February–November) 160 RMB, 200 RMB during Spring Festival, Labor Day, and National Day holidays