Potala Rock

Potala Rock

The Potala Rock is formed by the stacking of two stones, one on top of the other. The lower stone has a broad base that tapers to a point at the top, spanning over 20 meters in circumference. A raised middle section supports the upper stone, hence called “Pán” (磐); the upper stone is flat on top and pointed at the base, standing about 3 meters high and nearly 7 meters wide, shaped like a diamond with a flat summit that can accommodate around 30 people, hence called “Tuó”. The seam between the two stones is as fine as a thread, appearing so close yet not touching — it looks as though one rock is suspended in midair above another. Legend has it that someone once tried to slice through the gap with a thread, proving the two rocks do not actually touch, but later attempts have all failed. The Potala Rock is as precarious as an egg rolling downhill — standing before it, you might fear a strong gust of wind could send the upper rock tumbling down. Yet it remains as solid as a boulder, unmoved for eons and unshaken through countless ages, the two stones forever stacked and leaning on each other. The flat top of the Potala Rock often sees twenty or thirty visitors playing on it, yet it doesn’t budge an inch — truly an incredible and marvelous sight.

It is said that Potala Rock was once a preaching site of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. The rock features inscriptions such as “Potala Rock” (written by Hou Jigao), “Site of the Goddess’s Sermon,” “Vajra Gem Stone,” “Western Paradise,” and “The World’s Number One Rock.” Stone steps have been carved into the rock, allowing visitors to climb up to the summit. When the sun sets, the rock is bathed in golden light, radiating brilliantly. Those who ascend to the top at this time can gaze out at the majestic seascape and mountain vistas — a truly spectacular scene. This view at dusk is known as the “Potala Sunset,” and is one of the great wonders of Mount Putuo.

The Potala Rock is associated with many legends and interesting tales. It is said that the “Western Paradise” in Journey to the West refers to this very spot, and the “Spiritual Jade” in Dream of the Red Chamber bears a striking resemblance in form and symbolism to the “Vajra Gem Stone” here. As a result, many TV shows and films have shot scenes on location here in recent years. Additionally, many female pilgrims visiting the site bring their own metal coins to rub against the rock, then take them home to give to their children or grandchildren, believing it will “build courage” and “ward off disasters.”

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

Type: Geological Landform

Recommended Visit Duration: 10–15 minutes

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No separate admission fee. Included in the Mount Putuo Scenic Area ticket.

Transportation

Transportation on Mount Putuo

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

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

Line 2: Ferry Terminal – Enter Samadhi (Nan Tian Men) – Purple Bamboo Forest (Guanyin Statue in the South Sea) – Bai Bu Pavilion – Putuo Temple East (Bai Bu Sha) – Immortal Well (Chaoyang Cave) – Dacheng Nunnery – Fayu Temple (Qian Bu 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 the main scenic areas on Mount Putuo, with staff dispatching vehicles via walkie-talkies based on passenger flow.

How to Get to Potala Rock

It is within walking distance on the island; Bus Line 1 stops at “Xi Tian Ferry Terminal,” where you can get off.