Mount Putuo's Fantian Cave Scenic Area

Mount Putuo's Fantian Cave Scenic Area

• A majestic coastal cave — come listen to the tides, gaze at the sea, and experience the grandeur of the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea."

Scenic Area Introduction

Fantian Cave is located on the eastern side of Mount Putuo. Among the many caves on the island, Fantian Cave boasts the most majestic presence. Like ChaoYin Cave opposite the Guanyin Temple (where the Goddess of Mercy was said to have refused to go), it is one of the best spots on the island to listen to the sound of the sea. In addition, within the Fantian Cave scenic area, you can also find attractions such as Shancai Cave and Ancient Buddha Cave.

Compared to other scenic areas on Mount Putuo, Fantian Cave is relatively tranquil. Although it may not be as bustling with incense offerings, simply enjoying the sea view and listening to the waves creates a more expansive and serene Buddhist atmosphere. On top of Fantian Cave sits the ZhanSheng Pavilion, which offers a view of the sea in front and the cave behind, making it the most spectacular viewpoint in the area. The cave itself is deep and shadowy. Under the interplay of sunlight and sea waves, the rocks inside take on ever-changing, mysterious shapes. The roaring sound of the tide crashing against the cliffs resembles the growl of dragons and tigers. One of the twelve scenic highlights of Mount Putuo, “Heavenly Gate’s Pure Chant,” refers to the enchanting beauty of Fantian Cave.

Exiting Fantian Cave and walking along the path will lead you to Shancai Cave. Formed naturally by the arrangement of several massive rocks, Shancai Cave is a small grotto with a large boulder blocking its entrance. It is said to have been the dwelling place of the young Shancai (Sudhana) when he visited the bodhisattva. Many visitors rub a stack of hundred-yuan bills from right to left on the rock at the cave entrance, believing it will bring prosperity to their families.

Address: Fayan Road, Mount Putuo Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

Type: Cave

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Phone: 0580-6690371

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Mount Putuo Scenic Area ticket.

Transportation

Transportation on Mount Putuo

Two dedicated shuttle bus lines connect most major attractions on Mount Putuo

Line 1: Putuo Temple East (Baibu Sha) – Baibu Pavilion – Purple Bamboo Forest (South Sea Guanyin Statue) – Enter Samadhi (Nan Tian Men) – Ferry Terminal – Haifang Xincun (Xishan Xincun Zone 1) – Seafood Garden (Xishan Xincun Zone 2) – Baotuo Restaurant – Putuo Temple West (West Mountain Scenic Entrance)

Line 2: Ferry Terminal – Enter Samadhi (Nan Tian Men) – Purple Bamboo Forest (South Sea Guanyin Statue) – Baibu Pavilion – Putuo Temple East (Baibu Sha) – Immortal’s Well (Chaoyang Cave) – Dacheng Nunnery – Fayu Temple (Qianbu Sha) – Feisha’ao – Xianghui Nunnery – Fantian Cave – Baoyue Nunnery – Ancient Buddha Cave – Cable Car Station

In addition to these two dedicated shuttle bus lines, there are also point-to-point shuttle buses between major scenic spots on Mount Putuo, with vehicles dispatched based on passenger flow and coordinated via walkie-talkies.