Zhoushan Huiji Chan Temple (Huiji Temple)

Zhoushan Huiji Chan Temple (Huiji Temple)

Zhoushan Huiji Chan Temple (Huiji Temple) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Commonly known as Foding Mountain Temple, Huiji Temple was first built during the Ming Dynasty. Covering an area of 20 mu with a construction area of 3,300 square meters, it is located on Foding Mountain of Mount Putuo. Known as the “Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea,” Mount Putuo holds a renowned reputation both at home and abroad, and has played a vital role in cultural exchanges across time and borders. The temple is built in harmony with the mountain’s topography, featuring a layout where the Hall of Heavenly Kings is followed by the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Great Mercy, the Scripture Depository, the Jade Emperor Hall, and the Abbot’s Quarters—all aligned along a single parallel line and embraced by side halls. This design exhibits architectural characteristics of gardens in eastern Zhejiang, rarely seen in other Buddhist monasteries.

Huiji Temple is located atop Foding Mountain in Mount Putuo and is one of the three major temples of the mountain. Originally, there was a stone pavilion housing a stone Buddha. It was first established by the monk Yuanhui during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1574). In the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1907), the monk Dehua obtained the “Mahapitaka Sutra.” Huiji Temple, also known as Foding Mountain Temple and initially built during the Ming Dynasty, saw the conversion of a hermitage into a formal temple in the 58th year of the Qianlong reign (1793). During the Guangxu era, extensive constructions were carried out, and with imperial approval, the temple received scriptures and ceremonial objects, including an imperial enamel dragon bowl and a jade seal made by decree. Since then, its scale and stature have stood equal to those of Puji and Fayu Temples. The entire temple complex features a unique architectural style, built along the contours of the mountain with halls arranged horizontally. The grand and spacious shrines are deeply nestled within a forested landscape, celebrated for their serene ambiance. The Mahavira Hall is roofed with colorful glazed tiles that shimmer brilliantly under sunlight, creating the spectacular phenomenon known as the “Buddha’s light shining upon all,” a truly magnificent sight.

The temple covers an area of 20 mu with a construction area of 3,300 square meters. The Hall of Heavenly Kings is built against the mountainside, differing from other temples on Mount Putuo. The main hall, the Mahavira Hall, enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by Ānanda and Kāśyapa. Ten sculpted statues on each side of the hall represent the legendary “Twenty Devas.” At the rear are wooden statues of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin. The temple also houses three imperial seals: a bronze seal from the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, a gold seal from the 6th year of the Qianlong reign (1795), and a jade seal from the 1st year of the Jiaqing reign (1796). Mount Putuo, known as the “Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea,” holds international renown and has been pivotal in cross-cultural exchanges throughout history.

Address: Within the Mount Putuo National Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

Type: Historical Site / Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0580-6690126

Official Website: http://www.putuoshan.travel/

Opening Hours:

6:00-16:00

Transportation

Transportation in Mount Putuo

There are two dedicated tourist bus lines connecting the major scenic spots on Mount Putuo

Line 1: Puji Temple East (Baibu Sha) – Baibu Pavilion – Purple Bamboo Forest (Guanyin of the South Sea Outdoor Statue) – Enter Samadhi (Nantianmen) – Ferry Terminal – Haifang Xincun (Xishan Xincun Zone 1) – Seafood Park (Xishan Xincun Zone 2) – Baotuo Restaurant – Puji Temple West (West Mountain Scenic Area Entrance)

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

In addition to the two dedicated tourist bus lines, point-to-point shuttle buses operate between major scenic areas on Mount Putuo. Vehicle dispatch is managed by staff using radios based on passenger flow.

How to Get to Huiji Temple

Take the No. 2 scenic bus from the passenger terminal at the Mount Putuo ferry terminal and get off at the terminal stop “Cable Car Station.” Then take the cable car up the mountain to reach the temple.

Ticket Price

5 RMB