Putuoshan in Zhaoshan, Zhejiang district

View from the sacred mountain Putuoshan

Zhoushan in northeastern Zhejiang district is the only prefecture-level city in China consisting solely of islands. It is located across the mouth of Hangzhou Bay in the East China Sea and it is from the mainland separated by a narrow body of water.

The archipelago comprises of 1,390 islands and 3,306 reefs. Among the islands about 100 are inhabited all year round. Only 15 islands have over 10,000 inhabitants.

A very legendary attraction is the island Mount Putuo. It is an important location for Chinese Buddhism. The name Putuo derives from “Potalaka”, the mountain residence of Guanyin, the most famous female Bodhisattva of China.

Mount Putuo is one of the four sacred mountains in Buddhism next to Mount Wutai, Mount Jiuhua and Mount Emei. Monks and nuns from all around China and the world are living here.

Putuo is covered with many beautiful monasteries and temples. It is a well noted tourist destination. Hotels, restaurants and beaches are dotted around the island.