Fayu Temple on Mount Putuo

Fayu Temple on Mount Putuo

Fayu Temple on Mount Putuo is a cultural tourism attraction.

• One of the three major temples on Mount Putuo, its Nine-Dragon Caisson Ceiling is a relic from the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace in Nanjing, exuding opulent craftsmanship.

Introduction

Fayu Temple is located in the central area of Mount Putuo Scenic Zone, known as the "Rear Temple." It is second in size only to the "Front Temple," Puji Temple, and is one of the three major temples on Mount Putuo. Situated at the foot of the mountain, it is directly accessible by the scenic area’s tourist buses, attracting a large number of worshippers daily. It is one of the must-visit temples for tourists coming to Mount Putuo.

To visit Fayu Temple, you can either walk down the steps from Huiji Temple on Foding Mountain via the Incense Cloud Path or take a vehicle or walk from Puji Temple (approximately 3 kilometers away). Passing through the mountain gate archway and crossing the Sea Convergence Bridge over the Liberation Pond, you’ll immediately see the four large characters “Tian Hua Fa Yu” (Heavenly Flowers and Dharma Rain) on the red walls, while the schools of red koi in the Liberation Ponds on both sides are another unforgettable sight at Fayu Temple.

After the Liberation Pond, follow the winding path uphill, and you’ll soon arrive at the main architectural complex of Fayu Temple. The temple is built along the mountain and spread across six terraced levels. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, Jade Buddha Hall, Nine-Dragon Guanyin Hall, Imperial Stele Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Abbot’s Hall are all situated on ascending levels. Nestled within the shaded camphor tree forest, Fayu Temple gives off an impression of both splendor and serenity.

The most noteworthy sights in the temple are the Nine-Dragon Wall opposite the Hall of Heavenly Kings, as well as the Jade Buddha Hall and the Nine-Dragon Guanyin Hall (also known as the Great Yuan Tong Hall). The Jade Buddha Hall originally enshrined a jade statue of Sakyamuni imported from Myanmar, which was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The current jade Buddha, brought later from the Lama Temple in Beijing, is slightly smaller but equally exquisite.

The Nine-Dragon Guanyin Hall is located right behind the Jade Buddha Hall and serves as the main hall of Fayu Temple, also being the highest-standard Buddhist hall in China. The most eye-catching features are the glazed tiles on the roof, relocated from the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace in Nanjing, and the Nine-Dragon Caisson Ceiling on the hall’s interior. Both are ancient relics, particularly the Nine-Dragon Caisson Ceiling, which features a design of nine dragons playing with a pearl — one dragon coiled at the top and eight others soaring downward — displaying striking dynamism and serving as one of the Three Treasures of Mount Putuo. Be sure to look up when you’re inside the hall.

After worshipping the bodhisattvas in the various halls, head to the temple’s religious artifact shop to purchase souvenirs. There is a wide selection here, and the prices are quite reasonable. In addition, the vegetarian meals at Fayu Temple are also highly recommended. Meals are served twice a day, around 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM, costing 5 RMB per person — affordable and filling, and also a great way to experience monastic life. Just outside the temple is Qianbusa Beach. After praying and seeking blessings, take a peaceful stroll along the beach to enjoy the sea view. If you visit in the evening, you might even catch a beautiful ocean sunset.

Address: Baihuading, Mount Putuo, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

Type: Historic Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0580-6690480

Opening Hours:

6:00-18:00

Transportation

Two dedicated tourist bus lines connect the major attractions on Mount Putuo

Line 1: East of Puji Temple (Baibu Sha) – Baibu Pavilion – Zhuzhulin (Guanyin of the South Sea Open-Air Statue) – Sanmodi (Nantianmen Gate) – Ferry Terminal – Haifang Xincun (Xishan Xincun Zone 1) – Seafood Park (Xishan Xincun Zone 2) – Baotuo Restaurant – West of Puji Temple (West Mountain Scenic Area Entrance)

Line 2: Ferry Terminal – Sanmodi (Nantianmen Gate) – Zhuzhulin (Guanyin of the South Sea Open-Air Statue) – Baibu Pavilion – East of Puji Temple (Baibu Sha) – Immortal Well (Chaoyang Cave) – Dacheng Nunnery – Fayu Temple (Qianbusa Beach) – Feisha’ao – Xianghui Nunnery – Fan Yin Cave – Baoyue Nunnery – Ancient Buddha Cave – Cable Car Station

In addition to the two dedicated tourist bus lines, there are also point-to-point shuttle buses between major scenic spots on Mount Putuo, with staff dispatching vehicles via radios based on passenger flow.

How to Get to Fayu Temple

Take Tourist Bus Line 2 and get off at Fayu Temple (Qianbusa Beach).

Ticket Price

5 RMB

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites