Western Heaven Scenic Area of Mount Putuo

Western Heaven Scenic Area of Mount Putuo

The Western Heaven Scenic Area is situated in the southwest of Mount Putuo Island. By walking left along the coast from the passenger terminal for roughly 20 minutes, you’ll enter the scenic zone. There are no large-scale temples here; instead, it is where the island's most remarkable rock formations are concentrated. Notable sites include the Heart Character Stone, the Panshi Rock, and the Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone. Each of these extraordinary rocks has its own distinct features and is regarded by many visitors as an iconic sight of Mount Putuo. The not-so-high mountain is dotted with numerous small attractions, making hiking and sightseeing the main activities here. Watching the sun set over the sea from the mountaintop is a truly magnificent experience.

The three rock formations are the most popular spots for visitors to take photos. The Heart Character Stone is particularly magnificent, featuring a huge Chinese character “心” (heart) carved into a sloped surface. Legend has it that Guanyin Bodhisattva once preached the "Heart Sutra" on this stone. The Panshi Rock is said to be a preaching site of Guanyin, while the Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone depicts two highly realistic stone turtles—one listening intently and the other struggling to climb up.

The walking trails within the scenic area stretch approximately 1.5 kilometers. One side of the path is near the passenger terminal, while the other is close to Puji Temple. To the west, the trail begins at Jieping’an, ascends the mountain, passes by the Ancient Guanyin Cave, and continues upward to the Two Turtles Listening to the Dharma Stone. Turning left from there leads to the Western Heaven Cave, and a short walk to the right brings you to the Dharma Preaching Platform and the Panshi Rock at the mountaintop. Walking along the trail toward Puji Temple, you’ll pass by Meifu Nunnery and Yuantong Nunnery before arriving at the Western Heaven Gate. Similar to the Southern Heaven Gate, the Western Heaven Gate is a natural stone arch formed by three huge rocks, just wide enough for one person to pass through by bending down. A horizontal stone slab above is inscribed with the words “Western Heaven Realm,” while a vertical one reads “Path to Enlightenment.” The Heart Character Stone and a thousand-year-old camphor tree are located not far from here. The ancient camphor tree boasts lush foliage and requires several people to encircle its trunk, with numerous red blessing ribbons hanging from its branches.

The entire Western Heaven Scenic Area can be explored in about 2 hours. The Putuo Mountain Hotel at the foot of the mountain is one of the better lodging options on the island, where you can find food and accommodation.

Address: Southwest of Mount Putuo Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City (near Puji Temple)

Type: Geological landscape, historical site, temple

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0580-3191919

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. It is included in the Mount Putuo Scenic Area ticket. Mount Putuo Scenic Area ticket prices: Off-season (December – January) 140 RMB, peak season (February – November) 160 RMB, 200 RMB during Spring Festival, May Day, and National Day holidays.

Transportation

Transportation Information for Mount Putuo

There are two dedicated bus lines connecting most of the major attractions on Mount Putuo.

Line 1: East of Puji Temple (Baibu Sha) – Baibu Pavilion – Zhuzhulin (Guanyin of the South Sea Outdoor Statue) – Enter Samadhi (Southern Heaven Gate) – Ferry Terminal – Haifang Xincun (Xishan Xincun Zone 1) – Seafood Park (Xishan Xincun Zone 2) – Baotuo Hotel – West of Puji Temple (Entrance to Western Heaven Scenic Area)

Line 2: Ferry Terminal – Enter Samadhi (Southern Heaven Gate) – Zhuzhulin (Guanyin of the South Sea Outdoor Statue) – Baibu Pavilion – East of Puji Temple (Baibu Sha) – Immortal Well (Chaoyang Cave) – Dacheng Nunnery – Fayu Temple (Qianbu Sha) – Feisha’ao – Xianghui Nunnery – Fanyin Cave – Baoyue Nunnery – Ancient Buddha Cave – Cable Car Station

In addition to the two dedicated tourist bus lines, there are also point-to-point tourist buses operating between major scenic spots on Mount Putuo. Vehicles are dispatched based on passenger flow and managed via two-way radios by staff.

How to get to the Western Heaven Scenic Area

You can walk there on the island; alternatively, Line 1 bus stops at “Western Heaven Ferry Terminal,” where you can get off.