Pagoda of Many Treasures on Mount Putuo

Pagoda of Many Treasures on Mount Putuo

The Pagoda of Many Treasures is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Pagoda of Many Treasures is located near Haiyin Pool to the southeast of Puji Temple on Mount Putuo in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province.

Also known as the Prince’s Pagoda, it takes its name from the "Pagoda of the Many Treasures Buddha" in the Lotus Sutra. The pagoda was originally built in the second year of the Yuantong era of the Yuan Dynasty (1334 AD), reconstructed with funds raised by the mountain monk Fuzhong and supported by Prince Xuɑnrɑng and other southern princes, who also funded the construction of the Prince’s Pagoda Courtyard nearby. It was renovated in the 20th year of the Wanli era in the Ming Dynasty (1592 AD). In 1919, Master Yinguang, along with the abbot Liaoyu, Liaoching, and lay devotee Chen Xingliang, organized donations for further repairs.

The pagoda stands 32 meters tall, has five stories and four sides, with a base but no eaves, and is entirely constructed from fine Taihu Lake stones. The upper three stories feature one ancient Buddha carving on each side, set against a background of the Eighteen Arhats, each with unique expressions. Each story has a projecting terrace with stone railings, the tops of which are carved with guardian deities, lions, and lotus motifs. The base platform of the bottom level is broad, and the terrace railing pillars are carved with lions and lotuses. Around the lower railing are 20 carved dragon heads, each with an open mouth as if spouting water, rendered in vivid detail. The top level is adorned with banana leaf floral decorations at the corners, embodying the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. The base of the pagoda is large, encircled by railings, and decorated with carvings of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, donors, and chi dragons, all intricately crafted. Above this are additional bases and a sumeru pedestal. The body of the pagoda consists of three layers, with the lowest section featuring four coiled dragon stone pillars. The walls are engraved with niches and Buddha statues, and wooden columns bear inscriptions. The top takes the form of a Sutra Stupa, with banana leaf floral motifs extending from the corners. The finial is shaped like an inverted lotus surmounted by a precious vase.

The Pagoda of Many Treasures is the oldest and only structure on Mount Putuo that retains its original appearance. Along with the Nine-Dragon Hall — the only surviving palace building from the Ming Dynasty Nanjing Imperial Palace located in Fayu Temple, the Yangshi Guanyin Stele in Yangzhi Nunnery (carved from a famous painting of Guanyin by the early Tang master Yan Liben), and the rare Huashan tree on the summit of Foding Mountain, it is known as one of the “Four Treasures of Mount Putuo.” It is a masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty architecture and the only Yuan Dynasty stone pagoda in Zhejiang Province.

In 2006, the Pagoda of Many Treasures was listed in the sixth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council as a Yuan Dynasty structure.

Address: Inside the Buddhist Museum of Mount Putuo, Mount Putuo Scenic Area, Putuo District, Zhoushan City (next to the Puji Temple bus stop)

Type: Historic Site / Ancient Pagoda

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the scenic area admission.

Transportation

There are two dedicated tourist bus lines connecting major attractions on Mount Putuo

Line 1: Puji Temple East (Baibu Sha) – Baibuge – Zhuzhulin (Outdoor Grand Statue of Guanyin of the South Sea) – Rusanmidì (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 – Rusanmidì (Nantianmen) – Zhuzhulin (Outdoor Grand Statue of Guanyin of the South Sea) – Baibuge – Puji Temple East (Baibu Sha) – Immortal Well (Chaoyang Cave) – Dacheng Nunnery – Fayu Temple (Qianbu Sha) – Feisha’ao – Xianghui Nunnery – Fan Yin 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, with staff dispatching vehicles via walkie-talkies based on passenger flow.

How to Get to Puji Temple

Take Tourist Line 1 to Baibu Sha (Puji Temple East) or Line 2 to Baibu Sha (Puji Temple) — the temple is right there upon disembarking

Further Reading:

· Sixth Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units